Montana Bound

Can you believe it - we are actually leaving Alaska! I never thought this would happen, but here we are packing up and heading south. I love Alaska and will miss it and all my life long friends, but it is time to go.

The only place I've ever wanted to live is Cooper Landing. Unfortunately, it is turning into a little Lake Tahoe and has become to expensive to remain. So, off we go, back to Montana. It really is beautiful there and is the next best place, so it will be fun. And the upside is that there are more roads. For as huge and remote as Alaska is it has become too congested since everyone travels the same roads and fishes the same places. Too many people and not enough infrastructure to support them. It will be nice to head off into the woods and not see another person!

We are leaving tomorrow - Wednesday, August 26th. It will be a 9 day trip traveling on the Alaska Ferry. I expect we will be in Montana on the 4th of September and then will have to make arrangements for our phone and internet connection. I should be back on line by the 2nd week of September and will have tons of photos from our trip.

Think good thoughts for us on our trip. Uneventful is a good word to use. I will be back in touch with you all soon!

Rhonda

Insane Combat Fishing

As an Alaskan living in Cooper Landing I am near one of the greatest salmon fisheries in the state. I love fishing in the clear water of the Russian River and sight fishing for the explosive red (sockeye) salmon. This year, due to low water in the Russian and massive crowds in the sanctuary area, the reds aren't pushing up the Russian. This is the first time in my life that I have walked that stream this time of year and seen no fish. In order to catch any I actually had to fish in the combat zone.

It was a mad house. The fish were thick - you could see their dark backs through the turquoise water, and easily hook up in just a few flips. But the people, my oh my the people. So many that if you do hook up with a fish it is almost a guarantee that you will tangle several lines in the process of bringing it in. Catching red salmon is a thrill for me but I sure do hope those fish push through into the Russian River soon. I really dread having to enter the combat zone again!

The move is ON!

I am working on soldering images between two layer of glass. I need different photo paper though, because the heat is damaging the glossy finish. Luckily there are ton's of crafters willing to share their experience and skill.

Drake is doing well after his shoulder surgery. He doesn't care for the therapy, but at least he lets me do it a couple of times a day. Poor baby - he just wants to PLAY!

Packed more boxes today. And now I know the move is real, I just paid for our Alaska Ferry tickets. We leave on August 26th, Montana bound. At least I am secure knowing I will still be able to keep my job on the slope no matter where I live.

I know I will miss Alaska terribly, but I do like Montana. And it will be nice to be able to drive different roads and go to other states without having to fly out. I am so familiar with the same two highways in Alaska - I know every pothole and frost heave personally!