Diane's Fish Tales and An Amazing Homesteader

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I so wanted to catch a fish in Alaska. Patti and Bill obliged by taking me out twice and loaning me all the fishing gear I could ever want. The first time, we tried lake fishing for trout. Donning full bib waders, boots, and carrying all the paraphernalia, we trudged down a path to Rainbow Lake. It was an overcast, cloudy day and peacefully quiet until a dad and little boy came back from the lake and reported only a few small fish were caught. Not deterred, we all fished for a while with Patti making the only catch of the day, a small trout. On the way back to the car, a suspicious pile of fresh scat appeared on the trail; and everyone wondered if a bear had been watching us. We didn’t really want to know.

The second time was a little more exciting as we headed to the Kenai River to fly-fish for red salmon. Patti and Bill caught some in the previous days and felt we would have good luck. Again, we all donned waders, but this time we had to wear warmer clothing underneath, as it was pretty chilly that day. So, on came the CuddleDuds (soft long underwear), socks, pants, long-sleeved shirt, sweatshirt jacket over the waders and rain jacket over that. While the rest of me was comfortable, my feet were freezing! Apparently, an ice dam had broken upstream and the water was colder and swifter than usual. Maybe that’s why NO ONE CAUGHT ANY FISH that day. We fished for about five hours, and there were times I couldn’t feel my toes. Would I do it again? You bet I would. We saw a cow moose walk right into the water behind Patti and swim to the other side, fighting the strong current. A black bear appeared on the bank across the river and then waddled away. I guess I’ll just have to make a return trip and try again!

Another interesting side trip was to the Norman Lowell Gallery in Anchor Point. Norman and his wife Libby homesteaded here from Iowa in the 1950’s. They built a small cabin, raised their children, and he has painted Alaska landscapes ever since. His beautiful paintings, poetry, and other Alaska memorabilia are now on display in a 10,000 square foot gallery that is open to the public. Norman, now in his 80’s, greets all visitors and answers questions. His original cabin is also open, and the vegetable and flower gardens are sights to behold. Norman and Libby now live in a beautiful log home on the property that they also built themselves. What an amazing couple.

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Photos

Kenai River
Swift, cold, and full of salmon (except when I was fishing)

Rainbow Lake
Beautiful setting near Cooper Landing on the Kenai Peninsula

Going About Her Business
This one just sauntered into the water, heedless of all the people nearby

My Friend Patti
What a great trouper to take me fishing--me who knows nothing about landing the big one

Moose in the Currents
Click on the photo to see Patti's fishing line in the foreground; this is how close the moose was to us.

Black Bear Across the River
We were glad he was on the other side

Norman Lowell Homestead Cabin
Hand built to last for years

Cabin Interior
It was hard work just getting through each day

Lowell Log Home
Surrounded by beautiful flower gardens

Photo of Painting
This depicts Mount Redoubt across Cook Inlet

Mount McKinley
Another photo of a Norman Lowell painting