As I typed the words "alaska newspaper internship" into my Google search bar in the Missourian newsroom last winter I had no idea what the results of that search would lead to.
The first result took me to the website for The Skagway News in Skagway, Ak. where I found the instructions for applying to the internship of my dreams, a longshot I thought, but I went for it anyway.
A couple of months went by as I waited for the paper's editor, Jeff Brady, to contact me at the end of the application period. Finally I got the email I had been waiting for, Jeff wrote, "Hi Kile - when is a good time to call you on Monday-Tuesday? - Jeff Brady," and I couldn't have been more excited.
Following a phone interview, and a much appreciated reccommendation from my Missourian mentor, Scott Swafford, I was offered the job, and I jumped at the opportunity.
After finishing the semester at Mizzou, I hopped a bird from KC to Seattle, and then another to Juneau. After a night in Juneau I boarded the Malaspina, a 408-foot ferry, and happily took the six-hour ride to Skagway.
The Malaspina sits at the dock in Haines, Ak. before continuing on to Skagway. Of course I took advantage of the 45 minute stop to head onshore and snap a few photos.
Stern flag on the Malaspina.
Hoses and ropes are easy to find on the deck of the ship. I was in an endless state of photographic euphoria at this point. There was no turning back.
Monster ropes to hold down a monster ship.
The shipyard at Haines had some good lookin' boats. So, I took their portraits. Here is the Tiburon, if you hadn't already figured that out.
Ms. Irene in Haines.
The Skagway News building. My home for the next three months - couldn't be happier.
This is the door to newspaper heaven.
Where the newsies hang their coats. As you can see in the top-right corner, the newsies here dress in period clothing and meet tourists at the docks to hand out copies of the historical tourist paper. Here's to hoping I can join them.
The newsroom, my station is in the foreground.
The Broadway St. here is a little different from the one I'm used to.
Probably the coolest hood ornament I've seen. Skagway is full of surprises.
