Our adventures in Alaska July 2009

July 7, 2009 (posted later)
Hi to all,

Sorry I haven’t been in touch lately. Too many things happening, keeping us on the go. We are doing well, especially Bob, after all his problems of the spring. For those of you who have not heard, and an update for those of you that have, I will highlight some of the early happenings. It’summer time and no time for writing or emailing. Winter is coming all too quickly.

Bob had several problems since our return on Feb. 28th. He was in the emergency room of the hospital twice. First visit, dehydration from diarrhea that started on our last day of arriving home. Medication and rest got him up and going again. Late March, he fractured a rib in his back, going over on the snow machine. Late April, eye doc. appointment, was told he needed an eye operation. His vision in left eye was distorted. Had to drive to Anchorage for specialist. We were lucky, because we came from so far (400 miles) they operated the next morning. Day surgery. Once doctor checked him the 2nd day at his office, we had permission to go home. I drove the 400 miles back, in the rain, took 7 hours. He had eye drops to use for 2 weeks. There was no real pain, just an ache. It was caused from glaucoma, which he had been doing drops for the last 2 years. June 22nd. he had a checkup in Anchorage, the eye is doing well, it will take another 2 to 3 months for normal sight to return.

Now the fun things. We finally went to Cordova, a small village, accessed only by ferry or flying out of Valdez. The ferry ride was 3 ½ hours. There were six of us and two campers. Bob and I tagged along this time. Spent 4 days. Saw the Million Dollar Bridge located 48 miles (all dirt road) from Cordova. The bridge was built in 1910 to cross the Copper River near its mouth. A road was to be built way back then along the Copper River to the interior of Alaska, but a railroad was built instead, from Cordova to the Kennicott Mine.

Next was clamming on the Kenai Penninsula, meeting friends from Oregon, Russ and Carol at the campground. We got our limit of 60 each on two low tides. A total of 1159 miles round trip. But it was fun, plus had the eye checkup in Anchorage.

Arrive home late Friday afternoon, unpacked and cleaned camper. Heard the salmon were coming in strong at Chitina so decieded to go dip netting. Left Tues. Harry came with us. Had one 4 wheeler with the trailer. I rode in the trailer, sitting on a chair, which wasn’t too bad, a little bumpy. We traveled about 6 miles on the trail that passed through 2 slide areas that has warnings that it is unsafe and pass at your own risk. Bob netted 3 and I, one, 40lb. king salmon. The king salmon fishing has been closed throughout the state because of a low run this year. So we took a picture and I put it back into the water. We spent 12 hours the next day dipping. We had 13 salmon between 3 of us. Not good. Some people didn’t get any, so we felt lucky although we worked for them.

I did have the 4th party here. Larry & Monica were to have it, but they had to head to Montana as his sister was dying. It was a small group of 12 people. Not 26 like I usually had it as it was a last minute thing.

The weather is hot, staying around 80, nights 60’s. Unfortunately, with hot dry weather comes smoke. Lots of smoke from many fires burning through out the state. Next will be a trip to the cabin and claims to clear the trail this trip. Next time will include a backpacking trip from the cabin to the new area we want to prospect. If nothing, I think its time to call it quits, after 14 years. UNLESS, we find something!!!!