I had a great trip to the Kenai Peninsula over the last 4 days. Leah drove me in her Prius Hybrid- 43 mpg. I overnighted with Dawn and Bill in Anchorage, enjoying the hot, dry weather and the BBQ that Bill provided. The 2 hours of H2Oasis plumped up my skin cells with humidity and I enjoyed the interesting and varied swimsuit crowd (NOT!).
The next day, I went down the Funny River Rd. in Soldotna to visit Tim and Virginia in their beautiful home facing Dow Island. We had a lively discussion of all things political- we are definitely a mixed family. The next day, Virginia and Leah and I ate lunch at the St. Elias Brewing Company (2 thumbs up!) and I stayed overnight with Leah's dad and stepmom, Big John and Helen. Their Kenai home is near the mouth of the Kenai River, about 40 river miles from T&V.
On Tuesday, I put on my overalls and t-shirt, sweatshirt with a hood, raincoat and rainpants, rubber boots, ball cap, and rubber gloves to go dipnetting for Red (Sockeye) Salmon. This fishery is open only to Alaska residents and my limit was 35. We used huge (2 feet in diameter) nets at the end of 8 foot poles. John drove the boat, Helen was the crew boss and Leah and I dipped. The tricky part is keeping the net close to the bottom but not on it. Lifting the heavy nets were not that easy either. I started my dipnetting experience by falling on my butt into the boat, but that turned out to be the most action we saw. We got skunked for the first time in John's experience. The day before, everyone maxed out, but by Tuesday and a minus tide- the fish were gone.
The rest of the time in the Kenai, I ate and visited with my Republican hosts. I overdosed on Republican dogma. I can't say FOX without choking up.
My brother John drove me back the 9 hours, stopping for traffic near the Devil's Pass Trail, sushi and bananas at the New Sagaya in Anchorage, Sunshine Travel Mall on the highway and arriving late.
Ben called from Singapore. It was great to hear from him! Taiwan may be graced with his presence soon.
30 minutes of waiting by Summit Lake in the Kenai for about 1/2 mile of work.
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