Elaine came to Nome in 2012 with her father, Vernon, to mine for gold. Like many Nome newcomers, she arrived with no mining or nautical experience and was forced to learn quickly how to handle herself in an unfamiliar world. Since then, she’s worked with her dad off and on over the years, doing everything from tending to managing the books. Working alongside her father, she’s come to appreciate his drive and passion even if she doesn’t always agree with his methods.