Skunked on the Russian River!

The Russian River is a beautiful stream flowing from Upper Russian Lake, through Lower Russian Lake and emptying into the Kenai River at Mile 55 of the Sterling Highway. There is a privately operated ferry at the confluence of the rivers carrying foot-passengers to what is perhaps the busiest fishing spot in Alaska. There is always a big crowd. We usually have a lot of success fishing there but this summer we were SKUNKED!!!! Too bad. The kids had a great time though. It was nice to catch up with my cousin Hazel and her kids.

Hallo Bay Bear Viewing in Katmai National Park

This summer my brother Ethan asked us if we wanted to go "view the Grizzlies" in Katmai National Park, Alaska. You make your way to Homer, AK and then catch a flight to Hallo Bay. Our pilot landed right on the beach. We saw a bear first thing when we got off the plane. Crazy!!! Having grown up much of my life in Alaska we were always nervous when the bears came around our habitats. Bears often made me feel afraid and I never thought I would seek them out. After extensive research on Jon's part we finally decided to go with Stephen Stringham a biologist who has done extensive research on the grizzlies for the last 35 years. He raised 3 grizzlies from cubs and has written 4 books about bears. He was an amazing guide and has so much knowledge to share in regard to bear behaviors. The picture where the bear has her face down to the ground was so amazing. She chomped on grass and would then look at us, chomp again and then look at us. Stephen said that was her way of letting us know not to worry. We could hear her tearing the grass off and then chewing it. If she were to stomp her paw then we would need to be wary. She came within 8 feet from us. She stood up and checked out some other bears and then she was off. Stephen said that the reason the Katmai bears are so gentle is because they have not associated humans with food. People have been coming to view them daily since 1972. It was an amazing experience and I now have a different feeling of respect for bears. I would highly recommend the experience. The pictures can't do it justice.

My Single Brother Ethan

This is my younger brother Ethan. He is single and we are wanting to help him remedy that. Any leads? He works as a Radiation Technologist and is the most fun out of us all. We had a great time with him in Alaska this summer. He loves children and is so helpful with mine when we are around. This summer Dean called him "alla" most of the time. Ethan finally worked with Dean and the last few days he taught Dean to call him "Uncle E". They were so cute together.

Lake Minchumina 2009

My boys getting ready for a ride on the Lake Minchumina mode of transportation.
Grandpa Randy taking me and Dean out on a boat ride.

Maren lost her first tooth up Deep Creek. What are the chances? I can't remember any of us ever losing a tooth up there. My dad used to take us in the "big boat" way up Deep Creek so he could cut down trees to make lumber for our families cabin. It seemed like we were up there for hours. I remember reading many "Alaska Bear Tales" books as a child and not wanting to leave the boat.

Wells showing off one of the many Northern Pike he caught on "the spit".

Wells and Dean pretending to drive Grandpa Randy's 4 wheeler. They loved it and couldn't get enough.

This year Sidney was optomistic. She was convinced she was going to get an even larger Northern Pike than last year. Last year she caught the largest Northern Pike we had ever seen using a fishing pole. Needless to say, she was a little bummed when she got this "little one".

Up

Our first day in Alaska we went with my brother Ethan to watch the movie "Up" in 3D. That movie pulled at my heart strings big time.

The Hunger Games

I loved the book "The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins. Here is a little ditty on what it is about taken from Suzanne Collins website. "Katniss is a 16-year-old girl living with her mother and younger sister in the poorest district of Panem, the remains of what used be the United States. Long ago the districts waged war on the Capitol and were defeated. As part of the surrender terms, each district agreed to send one boy and one girl to appear in an annual televised event called, "The Hunger Games." The terrain, rules, and level of audience participation may change but one thing is constant: kill or be killed. When her sister is chosen by lottery, Katniss steps up to go in her place." I am so excited the sequel is coming out on Sept. 1st (my birthday). It is called "Catching Fire" and I can't wait. The movie is also coming out but the release date is not yet determined.

Arriving in Lake Minchumina

This summer we were able to visit Alaska. We flew into Fairbanks and immediately prepared to fly to Lake Minchumina which is close to Mt. Denali. I have visited Lake Minchumina almost every summer of my life. There are no roads to Lake Minchumina. We chartered a plane and met up with my parents who had already been there for a week. We spent a week with no running water (only a natural spring that produces the coldest, freshest water), no electricity, and no stores. Our only mode of transportation is an ATV with a trailer on the back or boat. Here are the kids seeing Grandpa Randy for the first time since last summer.