Joey Karlik
Staff Writer

The sun’s out, AP tests are over, and you guessed it! Tourist season has returned! Everyone is figuring out where they are going to work. Some people work behind the counter, some give tours, and others guide visitors across the street. The crossing guards are very important when it comes to tourist season. Without them, tourists would probably get run over regularly. Jacinda Leighton is a returning crossing guard and is ready to take on the challenge again.
“You always know something bad could happen in the back of your mind but I try not to let it bother me too much,” Leighton said. “A lot of people can be very rude and not listen, because of that they can put themselves in certain situations. Nobody wants to be responsible if something bad happens which can be tough”.
Kiely Bryce had her first day on the job recently and is super excited to be a crossing guard this season.
“I heard about [the job] from Jacinda and Leah [Benning] and it seemed fun so I am trying it,” Bryce said. “My first day was good, easier than I thought it would be. I’m really excited to interact with tourists and to get to work outside. I’m not scared but I am aware so I’ll be careful obviously and ready if that time comes.”
Leighton has been on the job since last year. Every day usually runs smoothly and no one gets hurt. However, there was once a time where someone almost actually did get hurt. She recalls her one and only close call with tourists and wants to set a standard for future recruits like Bryce.
“There was this one time at the end of the day, and I was crossing the road. The tourists already crossed and I was heading back to my post. There was this bus driver who almost hit me and then proceeded to almost hit not only the crossing guard but the tourists at the other post while running through our signs,” said Leighton. “It was really bad. I actually had to push the tourists out of the way. We eventually talked it out with the bus company and reported it.”
2013 Kayhi graduate, Jacob Potts, has been working as a crossing guard for quite some time now. He recently got promoted to Street lead for his 5th season. He loves his job and can’t imagine working anywhere else. The sun coming out is making him ready to get back to work and be with his friends in the outdoors.
“All of my friends worked here and with the flexible schedule with good pay. It’s nice to come back here. And as long as your calm, it’s pretty easy and fun,” said Potts. “It can be stressful at some points, miserable in the rain but in the end a ton of fun. The job is easier if your outgoing, talk to the tourists and be funny with them. They love it.”

Hannah Maxwell
Staff Writer

Ok, you looked online, saw beautiful pictures of clear days, big fish, and whales watching kayakers so you booked your tickets to Ketchikan. Good job. Here’s what you need to know:

1. The hike to the Deer Mountain trailhead is almost as long and painful as the hike itself. Your khakis and button-ups aren’t going to cut it. Either call a cab to escort you up or forget it. There’s nothing sadder than seeing poor 8-year old Billy being forced up the mountain by his overzealous dad who was a 3rd team all-conference in high school and won’t back down from anything, and mother who looks like a Lululemon model. I have honestly thought about rolling down the window and telling them to turn back now. I never have, partially because it’s entertaining to see how far dad’s gotten on the way back down the hill.
   
2. It’s going to rain. Sometimes it rains and rains and rains for 25 hours a day, 8 days a week. Ketchikan averages 229 days of rainfall a year. You may see more rain in the one day you’re here than you’ve seen your entire life. And not that the plastic ponchos aren’t flattering but the locals will make fun of you for wearing it. Zero percent of people look cool while wearing a poncho. So ditch the clear plastic sheath and bring your own coat. This is a rainforest people!
3. While I’m on apparel. The docks are made of big long boards of wood. There’s a gap between them just big enough for the heel of your stilettos to fall into. So please don’t forget to pack your three-inch heels because I haven’t seen anyone bite it yet and this summer might be my last opportunity to. Shorts are another must. Even if it’s raining sideways you will assert your dominance over everyone by wearing shorts. And don’t even think about packing a hat and gloves because you definitely won’t need them. When everyone is back home telling their stories of their trip to Alaska, they will remember you and wish they were more like you, shorts guy.
   
4. Disclaimer, your tour guide cannot summon whales and bears at will. There are no chain link fences in the ocean or the forest, animals can roam wherever they please. The whales and bears don’t care that you paid to go see them. An authentic Alaskan experience isn’t the pictures shown in your brochure.
   
5. You will not catch a record-setting King Salmon on your 4-hour charter. Depending on how the season is going, you’ll be lucky to even catch a king. And honestly, once your fish has been processed and packaged none of your neighbors have to know that it’s just a little pinky. Also! In the same way, your whale watching guides can’t magically produce whales, all your captain can do is put four lines in the water and wait. So, don’t bug them about the lack of fish, you’re in Alaska, be grateful.