Our pilgrimage to Alaska is complete for another year. We did a lot of fishing this year (twice for salmon, twice for halibut, once for herring and once for flounder, plus shrimp and crab). The weather started out really hot - upper 80s - and we didn't have rain until the very end. Happily, we got to begin the trip overlapping our stay with Russ and Jules. As ever, we enjoyed our time!
We arrived on the 3rd and came back to town on the 4th, donning our colors, for the festivities.
We sat right next to the Joan Mei table - a stroke of genius!
The parade was a bit of a bummer this year - far fewer participants and less candy for the littles. Still, it had good engines and provided entertainment for a bit. We visited with town friends, had lunch in the food tent, and then escaped the heat by going to the beach.
We searched for beach glass (not hard to do in this former dumping ground) and enjoyed the sea breezes at the whale lookout. Amazing views all around!
Someone dotes on her brother!
We waited until the kids' street games so that Shannon could run again. She took 4th this year and was a focused speedster. Then we got to return to the cabin.
The traditional neighborhood beach BBQ commenced. We certainly felt the absence of Steve and Neala this year, but enjoyed the gathering nonetheless.
Uncle Russ paid out for his end of the Junior Joggers bet and Mitch used the funds to buy fireworks - a "Junior Pyro" set.
The weather was warm, the tide was in, and we feasted pre-fireworks.
Of course the junior pyros needed to get things going pretty soon...
Sparklers and bottle rockets were a good start.
With help from Dad and Uncle Russ, the kids launched some big mortars, too.
And, just to remind us of our place, Mother Nature put on a firework show of her own.
The heat was fierce for the first few days. It was not uncommon for the kids to swim. For the first time, we planned on it and actually packed swimsuits!
Shannon reprised her role as a happy scullery maid. She and Grama stayed at the cabin to clean, play and explore while the rest of us set off to slay the salmon.
We trudged up the Blind
and did see a mama bear with her 3 cubs. They ambled back into the trees and didn't reemerge, but I was nervous!
Lots of fish in the river, but not many bites. Russ did land one so we weren't skunked on the day.
The hot temps mean the river water is too warm and the salmon are dying before spawning. Dead brights in the water meant we were surrounded by dozens of eagles.
Back at the cabin, Shannon and Julie bonded over their shell collections. They went searching together to fill their Shelf of Glory and Box of Glory...and this muddy mishap didn't slow them down - it was just cause for laughter!
We went for halibut and, even with 6 aboard, it was a comfortable ride in the Lola Mae. Dad's new boat is wonderful!
Success! I landed a 27-pounder!
Grampa knew how much Shannon wanted to fish, too, so he took them flounder fishing.
After many sculpin encounters, Shannon finally caught the flounder she'd been seeking! She was so pleased!
Mitch is a patient fisherman and was really good on our fishing outings.
After sending Russ and Jules south, we went up the Blind again. The waters were full of fish. In this picture, the fins of salmon are visible as they churn the water and make it boil. SO many fish. I wanted a club.
Mitchell hooked a King!
With Shannon cheering him on, he landed it.
Shannon didn't land a King this year, but she was very patient, improved mightily on casting, and cheered on everyone as they caught theirs. "Come on, Grama! Land it! You got it, Grama!" She proved to be a good addition to the outing.
As did this black bear, spotted by Mitchell as it ambled down behind Bryan and Shannon. It was about 30 yards away and made hearts race.
Mom stood on her rock midriver and said, "Roar! I'm big!" repeatedly. It was obviously her intimidation factor that sent the bear packing...
Bryan landed 2 and Mitch landed 1 so we secured some salmon for the freezer!
Our second halibut trip was another success and it wore out this young fisherman. Shannon and Mom joined us and we found a honey hole, bringing home 4!
Mitch showing off my big one - 33lbs!
Of course catching fish, means the guys clean them and the gals pack them. Then it's a race to the freezer in town!
There was a lot of fishing this year, but fun was found in other places, too. We played a lot of baseball golf. The kids picked up balls and got seriously stuck in the mud in the process. They explored, and are very comfortable with all things AK. Mitch was alternately fascinated by death (Mike showed off a porcupine) and saddened by suffering (sculpin in the shrimp pots).
They shot the bb gun and flew paper airplanes, played games and colored. The cabin is pretty much kid heaven.
We finally had some rain and the kids dressed up and went out to pull shrimp pots.
That was an outing to remember...
Back at the cabin the kids help pop heads and we were inundated with shrimp!
There was a lot of reading ...
walks with Grama...
hair done by Grampa for both kiddos...
and swinging on the buoy. All in all, a fantastic trip.
We returned to the Lower 48 safely and are grateful for the adventures we had!
