Yankees? Never heard of them...

One successful weekend does not make an entire season. But this weekend in Deering was wildly successful, nonetheless. After a few issues with weight limits vs. the fuel capacity a Navajo twin prop plane, we finally got of the ground and out of Kivalina. Deering is about an hour and 10 minute flight and is one of the southern most villages in the Borough. It's actually below the Arctic Circle but like Kivalina, it's right on the Chukchi Sea...the winds were relentless.

We were greeted at the airport in Deering by their principal, shown to our rooms, given some keys and then turned to a little free time. Of course, what did my players want to do? - Answer - "go to Store."

Main Street Deering - should be called THE street. It's the only one.

The Native Store in Deering was a 3 aisle ramshackle place filled to the brim with all the essential chips, pop, toiletries and pasta. The clerk was friendly and although the building was nothing special, I think that's just what you do when you go to a new village... you "go to store."

After that we had to track down some relatives of one of our players and deliver a package. Just walking down the street it was apparent that there are plenty of cross village kinship ties. People waved feverishly, some stopped for hugs and photos. It was really a neat scene.

But the business was volleyball and we took the court at 5:00 for a game against our hosts - the Deering Northern Lights. Set number one was forgettable. My players giggled like they were at a slumber party and hearing naughty words for the first time. I knew that we were a better skilled team than we were showing but I chalked it up to first game nerves and just having a general good old time. We turned it around and won the next 3 sets to take the game and immediately move on to a more challenging opponent, the Kiana Lynx.

When this team took the court, they looked the part. Long and Lean - perhaps a little younger than us but sharp uniforms to accentuate their overall athletic appearance. Before I knew it, we were down 20-11 in the first set. I took a time out to re-group. And that we did...the team fought back valiantly and won that first set 30-28. It totally deflated the egos of the Lynx and we went on to win in 3 straight sets. Ending Friday night 2-0. (Some special accomplishment considering the team from Kivalina only won 3 games last year.)

The fellowship that followed the evening games was great to watch. Players from all 3 teams mingled, talked, passed balls, made up games, smile, laughed and just enjoyed each others company. I sat back and visited with Walkabout Charlie and heard all about his teaching experience in Deering and about his Fantasy Baseball League....he's a great guy to talk to. I could listen to him for hours...mostly because he can talk that long.

A bearable night on the floor in the classroom and we were up and at it bright and early. A breakfast of grapes, yogurt, sausage and an omelet was served and we jumped back on the court for a 9 o'clock game against Kiana. They were looking to rebound from a tough loss to us the night before. We didn't oblige. We won 3-1 and played each other fairly competitively through the match. I can honestly say though that the Qavviks won the tough points and showed some grit. I liked that. I was a bit worried that we wouldn't take Deering very seriously and that we would play down a level...I warned the team and they responded, dispatching Deering in short order.

Week #1 = 4 big wins!

And that left me with a little time on my hands...we packed our bags and cleaned the classrooms where we stayed. I sent Rose (our female Chaperone) with the kids back to "the Store" (Where else?) - and I got to take a quick trip up to the bluff to visit the Musk Ox herd. It was awesome.
They are some big beasts and to see them at close to a hundred yards without a fence holding them in or me out...without a rifle to protect myself  - that was a real treat.

Deering Musk Ox 10/10/15

Maayuk braided my hair in the morning prior to game 3 - the deal was that if we won all 4 games on the weekend, i would travel back to Kivalina with the braids still in. I upheld my end of the bargain and it was totally worth it.

Mrs. Kirby would have been proud...
Of the volleyball.
The braids? - yeah, not so much.

Maybe the beard will be long enough to braid before too long?