| Author | Content |
Soferdig
Kalispell, MT (Zone 4b)
June 2, 2008 3:55 AM Post #5039168
| I have had the opportunity to visit the Juneau area for the last year and I finally got my kayak up here last week. I have had some already wonderful experiences with the coastal community. This is a summary picture of what I get to see here. Whales, glaciers, and mountains That is the back of a humpback that I got to share the water with.
This message was edited Jun 1, 2008 9:56 PM
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Soferdig
Kalispell, MT (Zone 4b)
June 2, 2008 3:57 AM Post #5039176
| This is a little closer when he was feeding underneath me. 
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Soferdig
Kalispell, MT (Zone 4b)
June 2, 2008 3:59 AM Post #5039184
| The Mendenhall Glacier was quite dramatic from out in the water. 
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Soferdig
Kalispell, MT (Zone 4b)
June 2, 2008 4:03 AM Post #5039198
| Each island is an experience to see rich flora in the soils of AK. These were orchids that were everywhere. 
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Soferdig
Kalispell, MT (Zone 4b)
June 2, 2008 4:15 AM Post #5039226
| This friend was nice enough to pose while I quietly kayaked past his fishing grounds. 
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Soferdig
Kalispell, MT (Zone 4b)
June 2, 2008 4:16 AM Post #5039233
| Lots of rocks to frame in the mountains all around. 
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Soferdig
Kalispell, MT (Zone 4b)
June 2, 2008 4:18 AM Post #5039241
| A friendly warm beach to sit and relax by a fire. Plenty of flat rocks to skip out on the salt water. 
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Soferdig
Kalispell, MT (Zone 4b)
June 2, 2008 4:20 AM Post #5039251
| Lupines fill the high tide area to give pleasure to a quiet sit on a log. 
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Soferdig
Kalispell, MT (Zone 4b)
June 2, 2008 4:22 AM Post #5039262
| Lots of whales to chase or just wait until they pass with their great blast of air. 
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Soferdig
Kalispell, MT (Zone 4b)
June 2, 2008 4:24 AM Post #5039269
| The rock gardens are well done here. I must find who does their landscaping. 
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Soferdig
Kalispell, MT (Zone 4b)
June 2, 2008 4:36 AM Post #5039306
| Tomorrow I have the day off so I will fly to more areas of discovery in a place called Berners Bay. 
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pepper23
KC Metro area, MO (Zone 6a)
June 28, 2008 1:35 AM Post #5170668
| Gorgeous pics Sofer!! |
PeaFowlAnjL
Gate (Rochester), WA (Zone 7b)
June 28, 2008 4:37 AM Post #5171426
| Wow! These are so cool - what an experience you must of had! |
Soferdig
Kalispell, MT (Zone 4b)
June 30, 2008 1:01 AM Post #5179752
| Thank you both for the comments. I am excited that I am going back up in 2 weeks to paddle and fish for salmon. Oh yeah and work. I almost forgot. |
PeaFowlAnjL
Gate (Rochester), WA (Zone 7b)
June 30, 2008 1:42 AM Post #5179951
| Work? Doesn't look like to work to me! LOL Hope the work is fun too. |
pepper23
KC Metro area, MO (Zone 6a)
June 30, 2008 2:20 AM Post #5180149
| Forget the work and just go paddling and fishing!! LOL |
SnowlineRose
Bend, OR (Zone 4b)
August 7, 2008 5:51 PM Post #5382199
| Hello Soferdig. It looks like you had a spectacular trip to the Juneau area. My DH and I just got back from Haines, where we were helping a friend build a house at the bustling metropolis of Mosquito Lake, 30 mi north of town. About 12 yrs ago, we kayak-camped in Glacier Bay (with same friend, a naturalist in GBNP). It was awesome. What an incredible place. I was wondering if you had the opportunity to sample nagoon berry jam while you were up there? We picked berries and made jam on our GBNP trip, and I tried to buy some in Haines this last trip, but it's really hard to come by. |
Soferdig
Kalispell, MT (Zone 4b)
August 11, 2008 9:52 PM Post #5401031
| No I haven't had any. I'll have to check it out. I am heading up there in 2 weeks to catch some salmon and work hard saving lives. LOL
You are absolutely right about the Haines Metropolis. I have been up there two times and saw its wonderful location. Your friend is fortunate to live in such a beautiful area. Steve |
SnowlineRose
Bend, OR (Zone 4b)
August 12, 2008 3:11 PM Post #5403911
| Did you see any bears on your last trip? We were hoping to see a "browny", but the salmon run was late and the bears hadn't shown up yet. A friend who lives in Eagle River outside of Anchorage was in "bear lock down" a couple of weeks ago, so it sounds like the big guys are out and about now. |
Soferdig
Kalispell, MT (Zone 4b)
August 12, 2008 3:24 PM Post #5403966
| I rarely see bears because I don't hang out in their river locations. I have seen them kayaking along the coast but only briefly. Kodiak island I saw a lot of them there. I try to leave them alone. After all I knew Timothy Treadwell when I was out on Kodiak Island. "Grizzly meat man". |
SnowlineRose
Bend, OR (Zone 4b)
August 12, 2008 5:47 PM Post #5404569
| oh wow - you knew the Grizzly Man? I saw the Herzog documentary on him. unique individual / tragic ending. I definitely prefer seeing grizzlies from afar. The times that I backpacked in Glacier NP, Yellowstone, Tetons, and kayak-camped in Glacier Bay NP, I was always worried that we would encounter one. |
CajuninKy
Biggs, KY (Zone 6a)
September 23, 2008 9:35 PM Post #5590366
| Soferdig
What line of work are you in? I'm in the wrong business. I never get to go to such impressive places. LOL |
pepper23
KC Metro area, MO (Zone 6a)
September 24, 2008 12:58 AM Post #5591154
| You live in an impressive state, Cajun. One that I intend to visit again one of these days. :~) |
CajuninKy
Biggs, KY (Zone 6a)
September 24, 2008 1:17 AM Post #5591260
| It is very pretty here and I love it. I always loved our once a year visit to the mountains of Tennessee when I was a kid and always dreamed of living in the mountains. I have had many disappointments in my life, but living here in these mountains is a dream come true. 
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Soferdig
Kalispell, MT (Zone 4b)
September 24, 2008 5:05 AM Post #5592111
| I am a traveling veterinarian and travel to the places that I have not been before. I have for the last few years been working in Alaska. I am in Juneau now and have the next 2 days off and am headed to Sitka to take my Kayak out there for my work the next month. I will stay there in a lighthouse on an island. I am looking forward to a couple of days off. Right now it is rainy so who knows what will be tomorrow.
I too love KY. Spent a lot of time there in the 70's doing the Derby and the Mammoth Caves. Beautiful area in the spring! |
CajuninKy
Biggs, KY (Zone 6a)
September 25, 2008 5:54 PM Post #5598444
| Are you working on "regular" animals or are you doing some wild animal work? Does your wife get to travel with you? I know some nurses who travel. Must be nice getting to see so much new country and meet so many people. I'd miss the herd and the zoo that own me. LOL |
Soferdig
Kalispell, MT (Zone 4b)
September 26, 2008 6:20 AM Post #5600931
| My DW chooses to not come up so I can't feel sorry for her. Yes I work on regular animals from guinea pigs to horses. Today and yesterday I had off and went out to the ocean at Sitka and it was beautiful! Today I hiked up the mountains to a beautiful site and got to sleep in the deep sedums of the Juneau mountains. It was spectacular both days. I'll have to post pictures when I get home next week. Wow! |
1AnjL
(AnjL) Fremont, CA (Zone 9b)
September 26, 2008 6:25 AM Post #5600944
| wow sofer! thanks for the pictures :)
This is the first year DH and I havent gone to Alaska :( I am definitely going thru withdrawls :(
your pictures sure brightened my day tho! |
Soferdig
Kalispell, MT (Zone 4b)
September 26, 2008 6:27 AM Post #5600956
| I have a million and will give you the best. But you just have to wait. Good stuff. |
PeaFowlAnjL
Gate (Rochester), WA (Zone 7b)
September 26, 2008 7:04 AM Post #5600971
| Anticipation! I can hardly stand it! lol
Cheryl ~ Pea |
Soferdig
Kalispell, MT (Zone 4b)
September 26, 2008 7:21 PM Post #5602823
| I just came down from a hike up to the glaciers yesterday and it was gorgeous sunshine and lots of snow caves and flowers. Pictures to follow. |
1AnjL
(AnjL) Fremont, CA (Zone 9b)
September 26, 2008 11:06 PM Post #5603567
| yay!! 
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Soferdig
Kalispell, MT (Zone 4b)
September 29, 2008 3:25 AM Post #5611523
| Some people just start their day off good. Leaving Juneau on ferry to Sitka early in the morning. 
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Soferdig
Kalispell, MT (Zone 4b)
September 29, 2008 3:31 AM Post #5611535
| Starting my hike up Purservernce trail. Lots of water falls and snow caves to explore along this hike right outside of Juneau. 
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Soferdig
Kalispell, MT (Zone 4b)
September 29, 2008 3:35 AM Post #5611537
| This is near Glory Hole where the gold mines were. Not a bad place to mine for gold. No bears yet seen. 
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Soferdig
Kalispell, MT (Zone 4b)
September 29, 2008 3:40 AM Post #5611551
| This was a nice stop for a short lunch in the wildflowers and to pick salmon berries. Nobody on this 5 miles of trail. 
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Soferdig
Kalispell, MT (Zone 4b)
September 29, 2008 3:43 AM Post #5611561
| I love the cow parsnips. They are huge here. I danced to my I-pod to celebrate the beauty of this natural area. 
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Soferdig
Kalispell, MT (Zone 4b)
September 29, 2008 3:47 AM Post #5611577
| I found a large stash of gold here. Iron pyrite more likely. The granite around here is still being mined for gold. Trouble is finding a place to stash the tailings. 
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Soferdig
Kalispell, MT (Zone 4b)
September 29, 2008 3:49 AM Post #5611592
| The fall colors of the alpine meadows is quite wonderful. The sedums are deep and beautiful. I took a nap on a mattress of about 12" of soft sedums. 
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Soferdig
Kalispell, MT (Zone 4b)
September 29, 2008 3:54 AM Post #5611608
| Alpine ponds are so inviting to soak in. But forget it wayyyyy tooooo cold! Beautiful anyway. 
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Soferdig
Kalispell, MT (Zone 4b)
September 29, 2008 3:59 AM Post #5611620
| Nothing like the smell of alpen winds, the peace of alpen ponds, and the draw of an alpine water falls to keep you climbing into the higher meadows. 
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Soferdig
Kalispell, MT (Zone 4b)
September 29, 2008 4:04 AM Post #5611637
| The roar of this beauty is so much better the the best IPod recordings. How to relax is defined with a passive long fall of water in rarified air. Soon to be up to the snow caves. 
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Soferdig
Kalispell, MT (Zone 4b)
September 29, 2008 4:08 AM Post #5611652
| The snow cave gives the opportunity to partake in the rich mineral water of old snow becoming alive again and starting its decent into the valley after a long rest on the mountain slope. 
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Soferdig
Kalispell, MT (Zone 4b)
September 29, 2008 4:12 AM Post #5611662
| Walking back to the lowlands and enjoying the moist realm of new rain being lifted to fall another day. What a fun hike in a beautiful ocean environs. 
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1AnjL
(AnjL) Fremont, CA (Zone 9b)
September 29, 2008 4:29 AM Post #5611715
| WOW!!! |
CajuninKy
Biggs, KY (Zone 6a)
September 29, 2008 10:56 AM Post #5612097
| Absolutely breathtaking. |
pepper23
KC Metro area, MO (Zone 6a)
September 30, 2008 12:35 AM Post #5615158
| Gorgeous!!! |
Sequee
Carmel, NY (Zone 6b)
May 5, 2009 7:13 PM Post #6508351
| Breathtaking! |
Soferdig
Kalispell, MT (Zone 4b)
May 6, 2009 3:27 AM Post #6510778
| I am headed out to Hoonah, Wrangell, and Petersberg to get some more pictures in 2 weeks. Should be pretty and sunny some. I'll post when I get back. |
CajuninKy
Biggs, KY (Zone 6a)
May 6, 2009 4:01 AM Post #6510910
| I've been wondering what you were up to. I'll be looking forward to your new pics. |
Soferdig
Kalispell, MT (Zone 4b)
May 6, 2009 4:08 AM Post #6510926
| Winter in SE AK is not too photgenic and hard to get to the beautiful places. I have been all over setting up my summer in remote locations of AK. This year I get to go to those I mentioned and Valdez so pictures of Prince William Sound are iminent. Also I will be in Yakutat, Skagway, and Haines. Lots to discover this summer. |
CajuninKy
Biggs, KY (Zone 6a)
May 6, 2009 4:57 AM Post #6511085
| You must be excited. Are these new places for you or might they be old friends you get to visit and reminice (sp?) with? |
Soferdig
Kalispell, MT (Zone 4b)
May 6, 2009 2:31 PM Post #6512152
| Well I have been to Wrangell 3 times and everybody is nice and thankful for me helping their dogs and cats. The rest are new to me but they are all the same grateful people with lots of love. The joy of discovery of all these places and the people is what makes me alive. I am so appreciative for all the opportunities. Nobody I know there but as a veterinarian they are soon friends. This is the village of Angoon where I will be working in 2 weeks. It is a Tlingit village and they are not too excited to have outsiders but usually are good to me. 
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CajuninKy
Biggs, KY (Zone 6a)
May 6, 2009 3:22 PM Post #6512364
| Being on the water, is there a big seafood industry in that village/town? |
Soferdig
Kalispell, MT (Zone 4b)
May 6, 2009 3:30 PM Post #6512405
| Actually nothing is there but the village. Most of their income is with the Alaska Native fund from oil and other resources they have negotiated. Quite poor but close family and cultural ties. They subsistence fish and do quite well. But they cannot sell any of that to any fishery. Halibut and salmon are like the main source of food and deer and occasional Moose. |
CajuninKy
Biggs, KY (Zone 6a)
May 6, 2009 3:37 PM Post #6512438
| Does the village get a certian amount and then disburse it among the members? I would think the cost of heating oil in winter must be a big expense for them.
I have read about villages having a community yak herd for harvesting fibers to weave. Have you had any experience with any yaks? |
Soferdig
Kalispell, MT (Zone 4b)
May 6, 2009 3:49 PM Post #6512494
| I have Yaks here but Angoon and where I work is in SE AK. It is probably 1200 miles south of Yak country. We have several herds here in Kalispell that they comb out the hair for wool. |
CajuninKy
Biggs, KY (Zone 6a)
May 6, 2009 7:56 PM Post #6513480
| I saw a piece on the subject on the TV and it was very interesting. They put the yaks in a squeeze chute and combed them through the bars. I don't recall how often they said they combed them. |
Soferdig
Kalispell, MT (Zone 4b)
May 7, 2009 1:27 AM Post #6514848
| No they get it from the Federal Government. There is little labor done in these villages. Unfortunately a lot of alcohol and drug abuse. Those who subsistence fish are minimal consumers. It is easy in AK to live this way. |
CajuninKy
Biggs, KY (Zone 6a)
May 7, 2009 1:40 AM Post #6514916
| That is a shame but they don't have the corner on it. I am afraid it is a growing mentality in our country and we will be the weaker for it. It's a shame such natural resources go untapped for the most part.
I never miss the show "Deadliest Catch". I have often wondered how many of the crab fishermen are native to Alaska. |
Soferdig
Kalispell, MT (Zone 4b)
May 7, 2009 2:47 AM Post #6515248
| Probably most of them. There are quite a few out of Seattle also. I knew quite a few of them when I worked on Kodiak island and they up there were all locals.
I think we will be weaker until our form of government fails. Then those who are strong will do well and bring back a system that expects people to produce. It is mandatory. |
CajuninKy
Biggs, KY (Zone 6a)
May 7, 2009 12:56 PM Post #6516362
| Are the guys with the big boats the only ones who are allowed to catch any crabs? I would think there would be some kind of provision for the "little guys" to catch enough to eat. But maybe those crabs live in deep water and you have to have a big rig to get to them. I doubt they are like blue crabs and you could use a "set net" on them.
I think President Johnson meant well but things have gone really bad with the welfare system. It became a handout rather than a hand up. Nobody wants to work anymore. Too many act like the world owes them a living. That is as much a character problem as anything and you can't govern that away. |
Soferdig
Kalispell, MT (Zone 4b)
May 8, 2009 3:03 AM Post #6520042
| I agree with your closure. Many of my clients have pets and they think that we also should provide for their needs. It is very emotional to all when they have not allowed their lives to be enriched with the value of work.
Alaska King crab is available in inland waters but they are over caught like anything else. But anybody who buys a licence can catch them. Dunguness crab are also caught by locals. All good food. I am going to Wrangell and they get the big and small shrimp. Especially good right out of the water. I will be fishing soon with my Kayak and that is a special day. I can't wait. |
CajuninKy
Biggs, KY (Zone 6a)
May 8, 2009 3:35 AM Post #6520166
| Sounds like fun. I miss fishing. When we lived down the bayou we went fishing all the time. Great fishing there too. Red fish and Speckled Trout mostly but the black drum were plentiful and taste great. There is also a lot of sheephead but I don't like them so much. Reds are the most fun to catch. DH had a charter boat and he was a shrimper so we had all the fresh seafood we could ever eat. I miss that. We are going on a trail ride next month where there is a lake we can fish in. I hope we can catch something for supper. I know there are bass in the lake. I hope there are catfish too. I'll bring the fish fry in case we get lucky. LOL |
Soferdig
Kalispell, MT (Zone 4b)
May 8, 2009 3:39 AM Post #6520181
| I often troll a line behind my kayak while I am traveling around seeing AK. When I catch one I pull over to the shore and build a fire and smoke it while I take a nap and then gorge on the whole slab. I do have to be in places where brown bears (coastal grizzley) are not hanging out. |
CajuninKy
Biggs, KY (Zone 6a)
May 8, 2009 10:45 AM Post #6520720
| I can see where no bears would be a plus while napping next to smoking fish! Is all the water cold there? I would think that would make fishing a bit harder. I know you don't catch anywhere near as many fish here in the cold water as you do down home in the warm water. I know there are plenty salmon there but what other fish is there? Do ever catch any crabs or shrimp. My DH still has his 30' shrimp trawl but it hasn't seen any water here. He was talking to DS yesterday about shipping the net UPS to him in La so he could do some shrimping. Our DS bought the boat when we moved and he does a bit of crabbing. |
Sequee
Carmel, NY (Zone 6b)
May 8, 2009 1:47 PM Post #6521293
| This is an interesting thread. I am enjoying it. I feel like I'm rolling down the lazy river as you chat back and forth.
I am a novice kayaker, so I haven't taken taken to moving water yet. I'm still doing ponds and small lakes. Maybe this summer I will get up the courage to venture into an EASY river... |
Soferdig
Kalispell, MT (Zone 4b)
May 8, 2009 2:35 PM Post #6521464
| Welcome Sequee! I sea kayak and have never river kayaked. I started 25 years ago in Puget Sound and have paddled most of the coast north of there to Juneau. I have always attracted fisherman comments when I on a kayak catch a salmon. Everyone thinks that is great. I have a fish finder and know how to use the currents and eddy back and forth without having to work too much.
Yes Cajun the water is usually between 42 and 55 F and when you get wet you need to quickly build a fire and dry off. I usually use a wet suit in the summer and a dry suit in the winter fishing. Fish are caught all year long. But most of the best time is June through September. Salmon (Kings, chum, humpies and silver), Halibut, Ling cod, Yellow eyed rock cod, Black cod, many other bottom fish especially rock cod (like snapper), dungeness crab, AK king crab, various shrimp, and lots of shark. There are many others that come up that I don't know the names of especially bottom fishing. The water temp has little to do with the fishing. Tides control the feeding of the fish and so that is what you refrence when picking time of day to fish. Also herring, krill, candle fish all are what the big guys eat so when they come in that is when fishing is good. Crabs are caught in traps and rings that you pull up after leaving for a while on the bottom. Shrimp are netted or trapped the same way. Clams, Mussells, and squid are also a stand by when the fishing is slow. Lots to eat in AK. |
CajuninKy
Biggs, KY (Zone 6a)
May 8, 2009 7:47 PM Post #6522771
| Wow. No wonder so many homesteaders head that way. Is life on the coast much different from life inland? |
Soferdig
Kalispell, MT (Zone 4b)
May 9, 2009 12:56 AM Post #6523947
| Big time. Inland is tough and sparse. Lots of moose to eat but you get tired of an all protein diet. Vegetables grow poorly and only cold season perform. Berries are the only carbs that are native to AK and they in my opinion are tart. Salmon berries, currants, and another I don't know the name. Costal living is easy, lots of wood for heat, mild winters, and lots in the water to eat. |
pepper23
KC Metro area, MO (Zone 6a)
May 14, 2009 1:39 AM Post #6545597
| I'm enjoying reading all this again. Love hearing about Alaska!!
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CajuninKy
Biggs, KY (Zone 6a)
May 18, 2009 2:39 AM Post #6562902
| That is about what I figured. Do many people garden by the coast? I imagine there must be lots of green houses there. |
Soferdig
Kalispell, MT (Zone 4b)
May 19, 2009 5:52 AM Post #6568787
| Yes most plants are started in greenhouse and then taken out about now to become food for the table. Quite beautiful here in Juneau today. I am planning on leaving tomorrow for all of the places I am going. Pictures to follow in a couple of weeks. |
CajuninKy
Biggs, KY (Zone 6a)
May 19, 2009 12:02 PM Post #6569200
| I will be looking forward to seeing them. |
okieinalaska
Eagle River, AK (Zone 4a)
May 22, 2009 9:59 PM Post #6584417
| Soferdig, so you are in Juneau now? I used to live there but am near Anchorage now. Welcome to Alaska and it sounds like you are doing a great thing . I used to work at the Humane Society in Juneau, I miss it a lot.
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Soferdig
Kalispell, MT (Zone 4b)
May 24, 2009 4:59 AM Post #6589931
| Got to do the 'zip line' in Hoonah a 3800ft zip line dropping about 800' to the cannery. It was a rush at 7am. A little coffee and this will wake up anyone! 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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Soferdig
Kalispell, MT (Zone 4b)
May 24, 2009 5:04 AM Post #6589940
| The trip up took over a 1/2 hour. Then the trip down took only 90 seconds. This is a picture of the launch area. 
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Soferdig
Kalispell, MT (Zone 4b)
May 24, 2009 5:06 AM Post #6589945
| You had to steer with your hand and feet as you plummeted down to the cannery. This is a picture of the Hoonah cannery. 
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Soferdig
Kalispell, MT (Zone 4b)
May 24, 2009 5:09 AM Post #6589952
| This is a picture of downtown Hoonah. The people were wonderful! I stopped and talked to many on the streets. 
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Soferdig
Kalispell, MT (Zone 4b)
May 24, 2009 5:16 AM Post #6589965
| I worked in a lodge called the "Icy Straits Lodge" and the people had to find me by the signs. It was a wonderful lodge full of fun people. 
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Soferdig
Kalispell, MT (Zone 4b)
May 24, 2009 5:18 AM Post #6589973
| The people entered the main lodge a different way and had to follow the signs to the proper location. 
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Soferdig
Kalispell, MT (Zone 4b)
May 24, 2009 5:21 AM Post #6589978
| The views out of the lodge looked out to a bay of sun and bears. The creek that I looked out to was a main highway for the locals bears traveling down to the bay. I was informed to stay away at night because many brown "grizzlies" traveled there at night. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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Soferdig
Kalispell, MT (Zone 4b)
May 24, 2009 5:27 AM Post #6589986
| My surgery room consisted of two tables made up of aluminum that provided me a view out to the bay. I had many people scheduled for appointments every 1/2 hour so being by myself I had to work fast and make them comfortable with me and fill all the paper work. 
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Soferdig
Kalispell, MT (Zone 4b)
May 24, 2009 5:34 AM Post #6589997
| Many a cruise ship will pull in to see Hoonah this summer to ride the zipline and see the cannery. The day I was at the cannery there were several humpbacks out to greet the ship as it arrived. I saw over 13 whales the last 4 days of my trip to SE AK. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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Sequee
Carmel, NY (Zone 6b)
May 25, 2009 2:21 AM Post #6593149
| Beautiful! It's so nice of you to share your photos with us. |
CajuninKy
Biggs, KY (Zone 6a)
June 4, 2009 2:58 AM Post #6639257
| The second pic up from this post is beautiful! Suitable for framing as the saying goes. Alaska looks to be a wonderland. You are so fortunate to be able to see it. But I'm sure you feel the same way. It shows in your photos. Thank you so much for sharing them. |
Soferdig
Kalispell, MT (Zone 4b)
June 4, 2009 5:20 AM Post #6639684
| Sorry guys but I have been having too much fun to download to my home computer. I will do it when the first cloudy day arrives. Off sailing tomorrow. |
CajuninKy
Biggs, KY (Zone 6a)
June 4, 2009 1:23 PM Post #6640408
| It's a tough job but somebody has to do it. LOL |
pepper23
KC Metro area, MO (Zone 6a)
June 5, 2009 1:36 AM Post #6643468
| Enjoy the weather and sailing while you can. :~) |
Soferdig
Kalispell, MT (Zone 4b)
June 7, 2009 2:05 AM Post #6652140
| Our next stop is Angoon. It is a small Tlingit village about 70 SW of Juneau. It sits on the outlet of Mitchell bay a beautiful inland sound of Admiralty Island. This view from downtown to the entrance of Peril straight to the west. 
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Soferdig
Kalispell, MT (Zone 4b)
June 7, 2009 2:11 AM Post #6652168
| It is native village that sits in the "banana belt" of SE AK. The area is rich in fishing and there is a small fleet of ships here. Quite picturesque village where I worked this time out of a fire department. We didn't have any cages so I had to tie the recovering patients to tables, chairs, and rails at the bottom of the stairs. They were cross bred Rotweillers who I had to neuter and spay. Now how would you act? They were not happy. 
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Soferdig
Kalispell, MT (Zone 4b)
June 7, 2009 2:18 AM Post #6652206
| The two streets of the village are beautifully lined with small homes of salt and pepper construction. People walk everywhere and dogs sleep on the porches everyone stops and talks as they traverse the town lined along the outer Chatham straights and the inner entrance to Kootznoowoo (Mitchell Bay). 
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Soferdig
Kalispell, MT (Zone 4b)
June 7, 2009 2:23 AM Post #6652220
| This is the Kootznoowoo inlet and the tidal floes are quite dramatic. I sat for 3 hours just watching the flood starting and all of the life passing me by. Harbor seals were feeding on the candle fish and playing in front of me in the kelp dancing in the flood. Unfortunately I was sitting on a creosote soaked log and I still carry the tattoo on my pants. I finished the first evening and went to a bed and breakfast on the water for my restfull quiet sleep. 
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Soferdig
Kalispell, MT (Zone 4b)
June 7, 2009 2:28 AM Post #6652256
| This is from my kayak looking back to the 'Friendly Bay Inn' where I stayed. They served me Salmon caught that day, both a white and red King Salmon. Fresh salad grown in their garden, herb broccoli fried in corn meal and key lime pie for desert. A rough day at the office. LOL 
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Soferdig
Kalispell, MT (Zone 4b)
June 7, 2009 2:37 AM Post #6652321
| This was my view point to see the sunset the second night. After 2 hours of book reading and music, around 10:15, over the mountains in the distance the umber glow steamed into the snow peaks. I saw 2 whale spouts that night. My I pod fed me Peter Kater piano, and Yoyo Ma Cello. Another nice memory. 
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Soferdig
Kalispell, MT (Zone 4b)
June 7, 2009 2:47 AM Post #6652381
| Kootznoowoo and the distant mountains were the sunrise alpen-glow. But this I did not see because I did not want to get up at 4am. This area opens to the left of the picture and is full of whirlpools and overfalls in the narrows of the inlet. This whole area is wilderness preserved as Admirality Island. The largest concentration of Brown Bears on our planet, one per square mile. There is an interesting book about this island called "Bear Man of Admirality Island". This man lived alone most of his life in this wilderness area. But so do the Tlingit who remain today. 
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Soferdig
Kalispell, MT (Zone 4b)
June 7, 2009 2:50 AM Post #6652399
| When flying away in the morning I got to photograph my village of sun and fun while working. 
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Soferdig
Kalispell, MT (Zone 4b)
June 7, 2009 2:51 AM Post #6652408
| After all this is my surgical suite with my sleepy patients waking to enjoy the day. 
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Soferdig
Kalispell, MT (Zone 4b)
June 7, 2009 2:56 AM Post #6652427
| I visited a small village on the way home called 'Tenakee Springs'. This also is a small village of non-native people who cling to a small spot on Tenakee bay where there is a hot springs that is the center of life there. They have both women's and men's hours due to the lack of clothing. Here is a town where you "get to know" your neighbor. LOL 
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Soferdig
Kalispell, MT (Zone 4b)
June 7, 2009 3:02 AM Post #6652452
| This village has a bookstore that is never locked so people can pick up their next book for free to read anytime. It is the building on the right with the blue flower boxes. Across from that is a 5 table bakery that serves espresso, bake goods and a few necessities of isolation. I think the town has only 30 full time people year round. Summers around 120 or so.
This message was edited Jun 6, 2009 9:02 PM
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Soferdig
Kalispell, MT (Zone 4b)
June 7, 2009 3:05 AM Post #6652461
| Leaving Tenakee on the float plane lets you see the small homes along the water. Most wonderfull place. I can't wait to return. 
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Soferdig
Kalispell, MT (Zone 4b)
June 7, 2009 3:07 AM Post #6652468
| The float plane allows me to see areas I must return to Kayak in the future. This is a small creek in Funder Bay west of Juneau. 
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Soferdig
Kalispell, MT (Zone 4b)
June 7, 2009 3:09 AM Post #6652478
| And a beach to haul out and cook up some fresh caught salmon. I love AK. 
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CajuninKy
Biggs, KY (Zone 6a)
June 7, 2009 3:14 AM Post #6652492
| Awesome pics and I love your descriptions. Makes me wnt to visit myself someday. Thankyou so much for sharing. You have a great job! |
Soferdig
Kalispell, MT (Zone 4b)
June 7, 2009 3:14 AM Post #6652493
| Getting ready to land in Juneau. Tomorrow I leave for 2 weeks in Valdez, a place I have never been. I can't wait until I see Prince William sound tomorrow on my arrival. Supposed to be something else. Now cleaned up from Exon Valdez. 
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pepper23
KC Metro area, MO (Zone 6a)
June 8, 2009 1:25 AM Post #6656232
| Love the pictures and stories!! Sounds like a one of a kind place and I hope to visit one day. Thanks for sharing!!! |
Soferdig
Kalispell, MT (Zone 4b)
June 9, 2009 5:44 AM Post #6662228
| I flew into Valdez yesterday and was overwhelmed with the beautiful mountains that totally surround the city. I thought it would be just a bar infested town with pipeliners breaking up the squalid town. But no. There is a beautiful city of a couple of thousand nestled in the end of Prince William Sound. It is a fishing village of spectacular beauty. This is just a shot of the marina filled with charter fisherman and a few commercial fisherman. I am glad to be here. 
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CajuninKy
Biggs, KY (Zone 6a)
June 9, 2009 9:31 PM Post #6664993
| The guy in the riggin' reminds me of the shrimp boats back home. I really need to take a trip back down the bayou. I miss it so much sometimes. I can hardly wait for pics of this new place you are enjoying. |
Soferdig
Kalispell, MT (Zone 4b)
June 11, 2009 4:11 AM Post #6671727
| Last night I went on a trail up above the Alaska pipeline terminus. This is the end of the 800 mile journey. 
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Soferdig
Kalispell, MT (Zone 4b)
June 11, 2009 4:54 AM Post #6671888
| I got to the top of the mountains and walked in vast carpets of lupines and other alpine flowers. The mountains surrounded me and made me feel part of the big picture. 
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Soferdig
Kalispell, MT (Zone 4b)
June 11, 2009 5:18 AM Post #6671958
| This is the finished version 
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Soferdig
Kalispell, MT (Zone 4b)
June 11, 2009 5:31 AM Post #6672000
| The wild flowers all around. 
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Soferdig
Kalispell, MT (Zone 4b)
June 11, 2009 5:39 AM Post #6672015
| The mountains and the views after a 5 hour work day. Not bad in AK huh? 
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Soferdig
Kalispell, MT (Zone 4b)
June 11, 2009 5:56 AM Post #6672035
| And I finished my trip down the mountain with a few waterfalls. All of this was only minutes from Valdez. 
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Soferdig
Kalispell, MT (Zone 4b)
June 11, 2009 6:05 AM Post #6672047
| And last for tonight is my flight into Valdez over the glaciers to the west. This is a group of glaciers off the Columbia Ice Field on the Chugach Mountains. 
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CajuninKy
Biggs, KY (Zone 6a)
June 11, 2009 3:16 PM Post #6673156
| Beautiful pics. Looks like you had quite a full trip. I'd love to see such sights before I pass on. Thank you for sharing. Those flowers are beautiful. Did you see any wildlife? |
Soferdig
Kalispell, MT (Zone 4b)
June 11, 2009 3:50 PM Post #6673308
| No there aren't many bears here but quite a few moose. I only saw tracks. The bears are down by town though and many people are seeing them, but not me. |
CajuninKy
Biggs, KY (Zone 6a)
June 12, 2009 3:24 AM Post #6676382
| Is it polar bears? |
Soferdig
Kalispell, MT (Zone 4b)
June 12, 2009 3:33 PM Post #6678064
| No. The polar bears are only at the top of AK at the edge of the polar ice. They don't live on land. Down here are both 'brown' (grizzly) and 'black' (small) bears. There is also a black bear called a 'cinnamon' bear that is a reddish colored one.
This is a daily event where the charter fisherman bring in the Halibut and the pictures are taken with who caught their halibut. This is the tasty size. 'Chicken' halibut, under 50#.
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CajuninKy
Biggs, KY (Zone 6a)
June 12, 2009 8:39 PM Post #6679034
| Isn't a halibut one sided like a flounder? Have you eaten any? I would think they would have a strong fishy taste being that big? Do you get to fish any in your off time? |
Soferdig
Kalispell, MT (Zone 4b)
June 13, 2009 5:45 AM Post #6681182
| Halibut are the soft expensive white fish served around the world as best food. They are as you can see big flounder. Which is a good bottom fish. They start with eyes on both sides and then the left eye rotates up to the top of the flat fish that develops. The ones you see above are small and many of the big ones (250-300 pounders) are old females. I like halibut but my favorite bottom fish are black cod, and ling cod. They are even better. Yes I often fish but don't charter. I have clients that take me out for halibut but most of my fishing is out of my kayak and I primarily catch Salmon. My kayak in in Juneau and that is where I fish in the summer when the salmon are in. This picture was taken on Kodiak island where I caught these on a river near where I work. 
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CajuninKy
Biggs, KY (Zone 6a)
June 13, 2009 8:22 PM Post #6683083
| Nice fish. How do you cook them and do you live in AK? |
Soferdig
Kalispell, MT (Zone 4b)
June 14, 2009 12:12 AM Post #6683714
| No I live in Montana and work in AK. I cook the salmon many ways but mostly with orange concentrate liquid smoke and brown sugar on a grill. Best way to eat.
Here is a collage of the wildflowers on my hike this morning.
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CajuninKy
Biggs, KY (Zone 6a)
June 14, 2009 3:24 AM Post #6684533
| How long have you worked in AK?
I like fish grilled. It's good if you wrap it in aluminum foil and slosh Italian dressing on it. Close it up and let it cook. Good like that with barbque sauce too. Never heard of orange concentrate liquid smake. I'll have to check into that. But we don't get much seafood here. I really miss it too. Had it fresh 3 times a day down the bayou. Got very spoiled. LOL |
Soferdig
Kalispell, MT (Zone 4b)
June 14, 2009 4:38 AM Post #6684745
| I have worked up here in AK for over 6 years. I live in Montana for the last 13 years having moved from Seattle. I need to change where I experience life to enjoy it. I really like AK and Montana.
This is a dog I took on the hike today. He is an abandoned dog at the local Animal Control Shelter and I always part time adopt a dog when I am working to make their lives a little better.
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CajuninKy
Biggs, KY (Zone 6a)
June 14, 2009 7:46 PM Post #6686803
| Looks like a rough coat RPT. I'm sure he enjoyed the outing and the caring company. I imagine he will miss you when you are gone. Hard to leave them, I wouldn't wonder. |
Soferdig
Kalispell, MT (Zone 4b)
June 15, 2009 3:32 AM Post #6688484
| Yes we will both miss each other. I have compiled a list for someone to adopt him just so they know his value. |
CajuninKy
Biggs, KY (Zone 6a)
June 15, 2009 4:33 AM Post #6688699
| Very thoughtful and I'm sure will help in the cause. He is very cute and lloks like a character. |
