"Got the job. Booked the flight. Now what? Oh, there's a gear list? Let me take a look. Oh crap."
With less than three weeks until my flight to Anchorage, I already had my work cut out for me. John and I spoke daily about gathering all the items on the gear list. Layers upon layers. Multiple pairs of waders and boots. First aid and survival gear. More tackle than I knew what to do with. Filet knives. Fly tying equipment. Personal items to cover for me four months. (Thank you, John, for the detailed spreadsheet with links to everything I needed!). It was overwhelming, and as I added items to my online shopping cart, the cost started to add up.
In a panic, I reached out to Orvis, Patagonia, Simms, Farbanks, YETI, Korkers, Loon, Smith...
"Hi, I'm Rebecca. I'm desperate. I just got a job as a fly fishing guide in Alaska and I leave in three weeks. Can I get on your Pro Program immediately so I can purchase the products I need for my season?" Then I waited.
I have to give so much gratitude to these brands. Within a day, I started to receive emails that they had accepted me on an expedited basis into their Pro Programs. Then I started my orders, praying everything would arrive on time.
In the meantime, I was focused on rowing practice. But living at the coast, my only option was to join a gym with a rowing machine.
"Yes, I just need a one-month membership. Go ahead and add me and then cancel me immediately to satisfy the thirty-day cancellation notice."
And so that's what I did, in between knot tying practice, educating myself on the different species of salmon, and assembling all my gear into duffels and suitcases. Time flew, and before I knew it, it was time to go. Heading to the airport was surreal - this was actually happening, and there was no turning back. I had no idea what to expect, but I was as ready as I could be.
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