Blogs from Alaska, United States, North America - page 255

Ok, let's start with saying that I made it to Alaska. In our last installment, I had to get off the plane in Seattle, grab my parka, go back through security and catch my flight. So this is how it went down: By the time I actually got off the airplane and into the terminal I had 16 minutes to my next flight. I was at Gate D16 and needed to be at C18. To make this more visual, think of a "U" Shape. I was at the top right of the U and had to get to the top left, which was probably pretty close to 1 mile. No moving walkways or anything to help me out. When I got off the plane I grabbed the first customer service agent and asked if I would ... read more

Reading the Water. First I think we need to discus fish behavior. I'm writing this while waiting for the ice to go out. When the water goes out reading the water is more about reading the bottom. If you look for sand patches along the shore you'll find large fish in spawning colors. Mudler minnows are fly this time of year. As the year moves on the trout will look for water about 60 degrees. As the water temperature rises the fish will move deeper but when they go too deep the oxygen decreases so the fish will only go so deep. In most of Alaska's lakes the limit is about fifteen feet. In shallow water you have bugs, leaches, freshwater shrimp, minnows, and all food. The larger fish become pray for eagles, loons, and other ... read more

Misc. Artic observations: Walked into "Pepe's" Mexican restaraunt last week, to amazing sights and sounds!!! Wait, is that "Elvis" in the white, sequined leather jacket and pants, with mirrored chrome framed shades, and a pompador??? By god it appeared to be!!! Sure enough the owner Fran tells me that she celebrates Elivis's birthday every year, though, she further explained, it isn't really Elvis's birthday today, but this guy was booked up on a cruise ship on the sacred day in question, so she had to make do and celebrate when he got back to town. But hey, this guy was great, an excellent guitar player, and very convincingly campy in the Elvis get up. If anyone had told me I'd be subjected to an Elvis impersonator singing "Pokesalad Annie," in Barrow, Alaska, I'd have been a ... read more

Arctic Notes: 4 Hello folks, I’m in the process of trying to fight off what is probably the same viral respiratory bug that’s been ravaging town lately! You know that feeling when you’re not sick, but you’re quite aware that you’re sure not “well” either? I’m hoping that the big bowl of shiitake mushroom, miso and sun dried tomato soup I just made will send those little viral bugs running for cover! We’ll have to wait to see. It’s a nasty bug, that’s resulted in something like 24 little kids and infants having to be airlifted out of here to the big cities for medical treatment. Really rough on the little pumpkins, more so then adults. That brings up another nice aspect of life in Barrow (as in shiitake mushrooms and other Asian delights). There is ... read more

Dave even said so. But, alas, our travels are over for a bit. After 24 hours of airplanes/airports, a day and a half in Anchorage (thanks Nick and Jess!!!) and a 4-hour drive, we arrived back home to our wee little house. Our lovely little four-legged friends who live with us are back too. The house looked great and all seemed well. We're still working on getting unpacked and getting the road cleared of snow, and it's COLD! Only 3 degrees with -15 degree windchill as I write this, fortunately all toasty warm inside with a cup of good REAL coffee (sorry, Nescafé). But nonetheless, we are happy to be home. Home Sweet Homer. Thanks to you all for reading and following our travels. Until next time, Kevyn and Dave (who still really like each other) ... read more