Labor Day

Here on the Slope there is no such thing as Labor Day Holiday. Just a Labor Day. Here every day is just another day and the only way to know different is when talking to a loved one who informs you of there plans. Mine was Vicki saying Friday she was going up to her sister Les’s and staying until Monday……I’m thinking why is she staying until Monday!!! At Saturday’s 6am meeting we are making plans and need to call the outside world Monday to make something happen. Suddenly Todd remembers talking to his wife who said she was not working Monday and he was puzzled until she told him it was a Holiday!!

My Labor Day consisted of being at Conference Table at 6am for our daily roundtable and plan meeting. We discuss all ongoing and upcoming work. What drill sites current operating status is, any flare ups, shut downs or work stoppages. This is very fluent from day to day and hour to hour. Review how it affects our plans and planning. Discuss expected issues and evaluate. After meeting grab quick breakfast, gather gear and load pickup. Hit the road at 7:20 for 38 mile trip to Milne Point for work. Drive takes 1hr 40 minutes due to driving conditions and regulations (will detail in another Blog sometime). We arrive at 9am. Sign in with site operator and rig operator. Write appropriate permits and get them reviewed and signed. Enter rig and proceed to our modules for testing and checkout. Work all day until 4:15pm. Go through exit procedures. Make drive back and arrive at Camp at 6:10pm. Make way up to office and remove my new boots after 12hrs in them. Relief. That’s Labor Day on the Slope. Me and all of the other Slopers work through the day oblivious to the Holiday. Sleep and repeat. At afternoon break we notice Billy having about his fifth helping of desert. This time a fluffy, soft, piece of cake loaded with icing (deserts here are fresh and over the top). We comment and he says he is allowed to because its his Birthday! Well Happy Birthday Billy!!

Everyone up here is on what is called a Hitch. Everyone’s change out day is different. Mine is Tuesday. So tomorrow I work out of office closing up and tying together plans for next Hitch. Load onto bus at 5:30pm for 5 minute ride to Deadhorse Airport for 1hr 45 minute flight to Anchorage. Spend night in Anchorage and catch 6 am flight home. See you soon sweetheart!!