Ahoy readers,
Today marks my first week on the illustrious Steelhead Platform in the Cook Inlet of Alaska. We are currently drilling ahead, and things have gone relatively smooth thus far (knock on wood and what not). Drilling out here is challenging primarily due to the logistics of everything, but it's still fun.
This client is running tools that I have not had the opportunity to run regularly or ever, making this a challenging well and one to hone my skills on some new tools.
Life on an offshore platform is like going to summer camp, but you get paid and you drill/process hydrocarbons instead. This particular platform burned down after taking a gas bubble in 1987, so it has a more recently redone living quarters than the surrounding platforms. The rooms have 4 beds, each with a privacy curtain (oh boy!). It's similar to living in a fraternity house or college dormitory. The bathrooms are community, but cleaned daily. Overall the housing and food are better than the rigs I stayed on at the slope, aside from having to share a room with multiple people.
I'm going to try to snap a few photos later on. Adios.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Getting ready for the platform
Hey friends,
This post will have to be brief as I'm about to head to a meeting to discuss my upcoming job on the Steelhead offshore platform. The weather in AK is sunny, but hovering in the mid to low 30's. It's nice to see the sun again, but the temperature and weather leaves us in the transitional season of fall waiting for winter and the daily dumps of snow. I just bought some skis that have an alligator eating a bull on the bottom. I know what you're thinking, "Russell, you are EXTREME!". Yes, Yes I am.
I'll write and post pictures from the platform within the next week or so.
This post will have to be brief as I'm about to head to a meeting to discuss my upcoming job on the Steelhead offshore platform. The weather in AK is sunny, but hovering in the mid to low 30's. It's nice to see the sun again, but the temperature and weather leaves us in the transitional season of fall waiting for winter and the daily dumps of snow. I just bought some skis that have an alligator eating a bull on the bottom. I know what you're thinking, "Russell, you are EXTREME!". Yes, Yes I am.
I'll write and post pictures from the platform within the next week or so.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Busy times in Alaska
Hey readers,
September and October have been hectic, hence the lack of posts. I spent the week of the 15th - 19th (September) in Norman under the guise of a recruiter for big blue. The company's booth was flooded with potential recruits, and I appreciate the opportunity to go back to my alma mater. I did get to see a football game, the atrocious OU vs. Air Force game; another one of those close wins.
The North Slope is in the early phases of becoming inundated with snow. I feel fortunate to have seen the region change from snow to green fields (June) and then back to it's usual barren, snow-covered state (end of September).
I'm sad to have learned that the rig I have been assigned to will be stacked down (retired), and will be replaced by a newer/larger rig. The folks at 7 ES are a sharp, fun bunch of people and I've enjoyed their company and guidance. However, I did learn that I will get the opportunity to work offshore on the Steelhead platform in the Cook Inlet. This is an amazing opportunity to run some new tools, experience a new environment and work with a new group of people.
I will be returning to the slope tomorrow for a few days, and then will be back in Anchorage (currently in the 30's) for a week or so off until Oct. 26th.
September and October have been hectic, hence the lack of posts. I spent the week of the 15th - 19th (September) in Norman under the guise of a recruiter for big blue. The company's booth was flooded with potential recruits, and I appreciate the opportunity to go back to my alma mater. I did get to see a football game, the atrocious OU vs. Air Force game; another one of those close wins.
The North Slope is in the early phases of becoming inundated with snow. I feel fortunate to have seen the region change from snow to green fields (June) and then back to it's usual barren, snow-covered state (end of September).
I'm sad to have learned that the rig I have been assigned to will be stacked down (retired), and will be replaced by a newer/larger rig. The folks at 7 ES are a sharp, fun bunch of people and I've enjoyed their company and guidance. However, I did learn that I will get the opportunity to work offshore on the Steelhead platform in the Cook Inlet. This is an amazing opportunity to run some new tools, experience a new environment and work with a new group of people.
I will be returning to the slope tomorrow for a few days, and then will be back in Anchorage (currently in the 30's) for a week or so off until Oct. 26th.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Holy Cow, an Update and new photos!
That's right, I finally uploaded photos from the end of my stint in Abu Dhabi, various jobs I've worked this summer on the North Slope, a kayak trip in Prince William Sound, and even some random snaps of Chicago and our president's motorcade.
Oh yeah, and I got promoted in the process of all of this; no time for rest in the life of a global executive.
Alaska has been busy. We haven't stopped drilling for the black stuff in the ground, resulting in me spending plenty of time up north.
I'm actually in the process of packing for my recruiting trip to The University of Oklahoma. Oh yes, I am actually the face of the organization to hundreds of young,unemployed engineers. Heaven help them.
The Alaskan summer wasn't so great this year, primarily due to it being a record wet summer. Anchorage saw 34+ straight days of rain; not the greatest for getting outdoors. Needless to say, the handful of times I got to fish, I didn't catch much (much = anything).
Enjoy the random collection of pictures on the site.
-Russell
Oh yeah, and I got promoted in the process of all of this; no time for rest in the life of a global executive.
Alaska has been busy. We haven't stopped drilling for the black stuff in the ground, resulting in me spending plenty of time up north.
I'm actually in the process of packing for my recruiting trip to The University of Oklahoma. Oh yes, I am actually the face of the organization to hundreds of young,unemployed engineers. Heaven help them.
The Alaskan summer wasn't so great this year, primarily due to it being a record wet summer. Anchorage saw 34+ straight days of rain; not the greatest for getting outdoors. Needless to say, the handful of times I got to fish, I didn't catch much (much = anything).
Enjoy the random collection of pictures on the site.
-Russell
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