Soldotna Sports Center

We've been in Alaska month! What a great way to celebrate.

The Fish and Game Warden told us to go to the Soldotna Sports Center. We would be able to park Uchi here, and there was a boardwalk down to the Lower Kenai river.  The fish will hit this spot BEFORE they hit the Russian.  There is a Centennial Campground, run by the city,  next to the sport's center - $26 a night; dry camping. We checked it out - but the campers in the overflow were so close together it looked miserable.  These young men were impressed with Uchi, "Nice rig!"  Note the disaster about to happen in front of us.

We went back to the Soldotna Sports Center.  RV's, tents, trailer were setting up all over. It's a friendly culture.  It's paved - and level.  it is also dry camping - but much more space. I think it was $21 a night; $8 for day use.

Must buy a dip net before next year

Many were dip-netting. Residents are allowed to this at the mouth of the Kenai. We explained we are "2nd class residents." We've been residents since 2013, but as we just retired from the military, we've not lived here 12 consecutive months. Therefore, we have to buy non-resident licences and are not allowed to dip net.  Next year.  We found a spot and claimed it....I made some dinner, Josiah met up with us....we were feeling hopeful.

Friends coming together parked in these formations - creating an inner "courtyard."  I guess the urge to fish hit in the midst of a move????? In reality, the U-haul was full of fishing gear.

Uchi and Cy's car

Walk around behind the building for a self-pay kiosk. 

The warnings made it a bit hard to relax and take care of business. 

After dinner the guys headed to the river. No ferries to pay. A beautiful boardwalk down to the river. Stacia was done with fishing and opted to hang out with Yuuki and I. We went for a nice walk and came back to Uchi to read and visit.

She's gotten much more relaxed since our arrival a month ago!

Josiah 

Nolan

Michael, Alex, Nolan and Josiah 

The Boardwalk 

We saw several hauling their limits out of the river. However, within 20 minutes of the guys dropping a line, all were saying there was NOTHING. They didn't get a bite.

Josiah and Michael hit the river by 0500 the next morning, Saturday.   Around 0830 they called it quits. Neither had gotten one bite, no one else down there had either.

We decided to pull up chalks and head for Whittier. Jared and friends had gotten quite a few Pinks (Humpies) there last weekend. At this point we simply wanted the younger three to catch a salmon before they lost all interest in this Alaskan sport.  Jared and friends were in a boat - but we were hopeful.

This will be a spot to revisit and explore more when we hear the Reds are RUNNING.

#WYFF - Russian River

Michal and the kids went out fishing Thursday night. A bite or two - but that's it.

Stacia and Michael woke up bright and early and caught the 0600 ferry across today. #WYFF? Ours are beside and in the Russian River.....continuing the chase for Salmon.

The boys' chase is a bit more leisurely but they joined the others across the river. 

Yuuki and I enjoy walks while they fish on the other side. I'm not paying $11 to sit on the same side of the river. Yuuki proves she can still tree squirrels. 

This is how I spend a fishing weekend, at least until I can purchase a residential license. 

By mid-morning Michael radioed across to say they hadn't had a bit all day! They HAD talked to a fish and game warden and she gave them info on a spot to try on the Kenai, in Soldotna. She said that no one was taking anything out of the Russian yet. She was picking up trash and gave Michael this rock in appreciation for him having corralled a bit of trash.

Foiled again, we called Josiah to let him know we were heading to Soldotna. He has the weekend off before flying to OR to drive BreZaak's things up the Alaskan Hwy. He is meeting up with us.

#WYFF (Where's Your Feet Friday) provide weekly snapshots of what we are up to throughout the year. Click the tab at the top of the page for more. 

Home Re- Inspection....

The day on our papers for closing is Friday, 21 July. Tomorrow.  We had hoped it would be earlier.  It wasn't meant to be.

We are waiting to hear the verdict from the VA appraiser. The home was inspected a week ago, 13 July.  From the time their report hits our lender it will be 8 - 10 days if all goes well to closing. SO.....we aren't closing tomorrow.

Today, we met our realtor and home inspector to do the final inspection of the repairs we had requested. They are all done. The deck looks nice.  We are concerned about the condition of the retaining wall and what the appraiser thought about it. We had voiced this and the seller was going to "make it safe." I'm not sure what they did, but the concern is still there. Our prayer is it simply passes appraisal and we'll fix the wall ourselves. Otherwise, we're looking at more time spent getting it done before closing.

This was the kids' first time to see the inside of the house. They are troopers. The downstairs has been cleared and cleaned. Someone is living upstairs, and it was cluttered and dirty. I hope it was in better shape when the appraiser saw it.  I was amazed a home which looked so bright and elegant could look like this in 2 months. I kept reminding all it looked great two months ago, and it will again.  I don't think there's been any structural damage. I need to research how to bring up how to help a hard wood floor along.

At this point, we just want to begin yard work, painting and settling.

Cory arrives Tuesday the 24th. We won't be in a house. The girls, kids and Izaak arrive the 31st - maybe we'll have a house by then. Friends have offered trailers so each will have a trailer, if needed, until the house closes. We are still trying to figure out the logistics of all of us fitting in the house. LOL

We left the home inspection and went directly to the Russian River. It seemed a better way to spend the weekend than sitting around the travel camp on JBER.

Friends and Family

I got up early and put a roast into the Instant Pot.

By 0930 I had the boys at the gate to meet Jamin. They went on another hike.

I drove across town and reconnected with Cobie! Cobie was here at Elmendorf (before it was JBER) at the same time we were. They now live here permanently.

I have to say "words" to get my phone to take a photo, it wasn't cooperating

She made me mint tea with her fresh mint, AND gave me a small plant to start my own.  I'm eagerly waiting to make my own fresh mint tea. Cobie shared Alaskan gardening tips with me, and gave me a starter set-up to grow some peppers. We also talked about all that you'd expect to talk about after 12 years. 

The one thing I forgot - was to pick up our mail. Supposedly,  the reason for our visit, it never really was the reason. We'll get it picked up yet.

Jamin called and asked if Stacia would like to join he and the boys to view Spiderman. I drove her to the gate.

Josiah and Jamin came over to help eat that roast.  😉Unfortunately, Larissa hasn't been feeling well, and Jared was working late.

In the midst of the evening, Jamin reported he had found a 2017 penny. It was promptly exchanged for a silver dollar.

Stopping Traffic

Nolan drove me to the commissary today. On our way home, we met this little one. As young as he is, he stopped traffic.

Our question was, "Where is mama?" We stayed in the car.

Weekend on the Russian River, OR Nolan and Alex Encounter Their First Grizzly in the Wild, OR Stacia Goes Salmon Fishing

Michael and the boys had so much fun with Josiah on the Russian River last weekend, that he wanted us all to go down this weekend. I was skeptical. Michael had four very rough days after the two days of fishing.....but I remembered dear friends saying HE gets to make the choice on what is worth rough days.  He had noted the RV parking lot at the Russian River Ferry  when it was raining and they were trying to find a dry place to stay last Saturday.  We all went along for the adventure this time, leaving our Jeep, trailer and Josiah's car to save our already-paid-for-spot at the Travel Camp on JBER.

#WYFF - ours are on the Russian River
Friday we headed out of town....a beautiful drive! 

Leaving Anchorage

Low Tide on Turnagain Arm

Portage Glacier

We arrived at the Russian Ferry Parking Lot around 5 p.m. and chose our parking spot. Most of the RV's were from the rental places around Anchorage. I've never seen so many rental RV's as we have in the past month. The spots are paved and fairly level. There are no hook ups. You pay $15 a night  - beats $200+ for a bed in Soldotna!

It became apparent no one wanted to wait for dinner. They made sandwiches and headed for the ferry. The ferry is $11.00 per adult and $5.50 for children (Stacia is 11 and was still considered a child). ONE trip across the river and back is included in the price. The ferry begins running at 0600; the last run of the day is at 2300 (11 p.m.).  One  may take a 12 INCH cooler on the ferry, along with fishing gear.

Mom G had regaled Stacia with stories of Gpa Jack, and others, who nearly drowned because of their waders on the Smith River. She was NOT going to wear waders - thus she didn't go fishing last weekend. She decided she wanted to fish, so she conquered her fear this weekend. (Add another set of waders to our fishing cost this year. )🐽

Stacia in her waders 

5 hopeful fishermen - Nolan, Stacia, Alex, Michael and Josiah

Josiah 

The technique for salmon fishing is new to us - there's a learning curve. We are encouraging the kids they WILL catch salmon eventually - they're learning the technique even when the salmon are elusive.  When the run is hot - this is a busy river. I've heard it's common to have fishermen 4 ft from you on all sides....so these are good times for the kids to learn the ropes - less people to tangle with. 

Stacia and Michael

Almost immediately Michael's pole got taunt. He played this thing down the stream and then they noted it was a King. You can't catch King on the Russian. Bummer.

Alex assists Michael 

Josiah and his polarized glasses 

Nolan 

Stacia

While they fished, Yuuki and I walked around and took photos. We visited with others - both locals and tourists.

No salmon were captured this evening - HOWEVER - while Nolan and Alex were fishing they heard a snuffling sound. Out of the brush popped a grizzly. She was big. On all fours she came up to Alex's shoulders - he's 6 feet tall. We assume it was a she based on the siting on Sunday. She looked at them, turned away, came back....Michael and Josiah were not with them. Stacia had come back earlier.  They stood their ground and pulled the bear spray from their belts.  She sized them up and sauntered away....and then they saw the elderly gentlemen behind them putting his gun away.  THIS mama was happy to know someone had the boys' back. I was also proud to know, when alone, they did just what they should have done. This is bear country!

They came back on the 11 p.m ferry.

Saturday, Michael and Josiah caught the 0600 ferry across the river.  The kids waited until  0830 or 0900 to go over. I served them a big "camping breakfast," before they went over. Michael and Josiah grabbed Kind Bars and such - no time to wait for breakfast - I think protein bars are a "fishing breakfast." 😃🌲🐽 I sent snacks and a double lunch over in a back pack with the younger ones.

The three meet up with Michael and Josiah on the other side of the river. I settled in  for a day of reading, walking, and lounging in the beautiful sun. 

Nolan, Ales, Josiah, Stacia and Michael 

 Jamin and Jared joined us. A word about packing - perfectly legal and common around here. I found it ironic, though I see guns all over the state, they are NOT allowed on the military base. 

Jamin, Alex, Michael, Stacia, Nolan, Josiah, Jared

I love this photo (though I'll be checking to make sure there are no poles in front of faces in the future and maybe I'll give them feet next time). I love Stacia surrounded by her Dad and all 5 brothers. This is heaven for our relational extrovert. I love how they are making memories...sharing a passion regardless of age... Michael isn't working and can enjoy the outings....and we're doing it all in Alaska!

(What do you mean I didn't want to retire in AK?  I'm pretty sure it was my idea.)😏🐽😉

I love in a few weeks Izaak and Cory will be in the shot...and while I don't know that Bre would want to stand all day in the middle of a river (someone DOES have to watch the babies), maybe Arielle will next year (though it doesn't bother Stacia to be the only Gherkin gal out there). Next year, when I can get a resident license, I plan to join them....but paying $$$ to stand in a cold river didn't make any kind of sense to me....until we grilled our first WILD, FRESH ALASKAN SALMON. It's starting to make sense. 

I also love there are no bears in the background, though note all the cans of bear spray and the stray handgun (which I've been told may scare a bear but isn't going to take them out). 

No salmon caught on Saturday either. Josiah went home with Jamin and Jared. The rest fished until 5 or 6 p.m.  I fixed a nice dinner, everyone slept well. A note about sleeping in Uchi with the slides in - it's like living in a spam can.  I DID enjoy the extra counter space provided by the table butting up against my tush.🐽

Sunday morning - Michael and Alex are determined to catch a salmon. Michael caught three last weekend, but the kids haven't gotten any. They headed over on the first ferry at 0600. I was told they'd be back by 1000 and we'd head back to town.

While the other two were still sleeping a loud HORN went off. I looked outside and noted folks running to the ferry dock. I grabbed my camera and joined them.  There was yelling and horns going off.....and five GRIZZLIES directly across the river. Four yearlings and a big mama.  We are TOLD to act aggressive if it's a black bear, to stand your ground and slowly back away if it's a grizzly.  Most fishermen were doing just that.....but ONE was yelling, screaming, waving his arms.  The ferry workers were alert and watching. Three bears went up those stairs....

Eventually there was one left on the bank. The man was still yelling. He set off several  M80's. The bear turned and began to saunter away. THE FOOL CHASED HIM - setting off more fireworks. This is bad on so many levels. If he angered the bears and they turned it would have gotten bad fast. At this point the worker yelled across at him that fireworks are illegal. He used some colorful swear words in return. He said his 4 year old was sleeping on the bank. Good grief! He was aggravating grizzlies...if they turned they would get him and then go for the 4 year old - LET THE BEAR WALK AWAY IN PEACE.  He threw another one, more screaming back and forth....a gun was fired by someone in here. The Game wardens were called. They did some 'splaining about regulations and bear country etiquette.

Nolan and Stacia slept right through it. They chose not to go fishing. I was so hoping Alex would catch a salmon.  He didn't. Most didn't. Folks were coming from the Kenai and Soldotna and saying nothing was happening there either.

Picture of dejection 

The only one I saw caught on Sunday. 

"The worst day fishing is still better than the best day in the office." The weather was perfect and it was a beautiful weekend to be out and about in Alaska.  Alex came back about 1100 and Micahel made it back at 1315. We were in no BIG HURRY to get home, BUT I didn't want to get stuck in terrible traffic like they did last weekend.

Dog tired

Once we got past this stretch, the traffic was great all the way to Anchorage. 

#ViewFromMyWindshiled

We saw a lot rule-breaking this weekend. A man buying salmon from another - illegal. Tents and slides out - regardless of signs. BAD snagging and KEEPING of salmon - against the rules on the Russian. Fireworks in the Kenai - illegal. Aggravating Grizzlies - illegal AND DUMB a two fer!  I enjoyed people watching and they enjoyed fishing. I don't believe there are bathrooms on the other side of the river - just a note.

*Note all fishing/River photos are taken from across the river- I wasn't paying $11 to go over.