Miles across Canada

After leaving Valdez, it was 5 days of driving...2300 miles later, I crossed the border into Montana, and as they say in Alaska, into the lower 48.  I didn't spend any time in Canada, only a lot of money.  As much as $5+ per gallon for gas.
As I traveled, I saw fewer animals on the road than on other trips.  Maybe it's due to this trip being later in the year this time and the animals aware that hunting season had started.  One animal I did see  that I thought was was very interesting.  Check out the passenger in this photo

Below are three pictures that are indicators as to when to leave Alaska.  When any of these three things happen, it's a sure bet that the snow is not far away.

Aspens are turning yellow

Shortage of this

The freezer is full

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I'm currently in Great Falls MT taking a break from driving and waiting on Tricia to get here.  We will be heading across Montana, South Dakota, Iowa and to Kevin and Kelly's in Springfield MO.  Lots of pictures to follow, so stay tuned...

Adios Valdez AK

I'll be leaving Valdez tomorrow headed south.  Well actually, I have to go about 300 miles to the north before I can turn south.  It'll take me 6 days to get from Valdez to the US border in Montana.  Lots of miles of miles and miles.

This is downtown Valdez on one of their rare non-rain days.

Valdez Fish

Got lots of Silver Salmon, but not as many as I did in the past.  The weather has been cold and wet for the three weeks I have been here.  It'll be good to see some of the heat you guys have been experiencing.  As an example, it rained for more than 24 hours and the temperature went from a low of 51 to a high of 52.

Soooo, ;the Blue Goose will be flying south for the winter beginning tomorrow.  The goose has a new refirgerator, new front brakes, and new alternator, all of which would have been needed if I was in Florida or Alaska.   Alaska Highway, here we come  Stay Tuned...

Valdez Alaska

After I left Anchorage, I motored 300+ miles to Valdez, a town of about 4000 people that is known for the terminal of the and FISHING.  My friends from Soldotha, Dwight and Linda came in the next day.  There are 4 other couples due in here on Monday.  We will be staying thru Labor Day fishing for Silver Salmon.
The drive into Valdez is beautiful.  Multiple glaziers and waterfalls. 

Worthington Glazier at Thompson Pass on the Richardson Highway

Bridal Veil Falls  in Keystone Canyon  just outside Valdez

I'll be here about 3 weeks so, stay tuned...

Back in the Anchor City

I left Soldotna and the Kenai Peninsula yesterday, beginning my slow journey back to St Petersburg.  I' m currently in Anchorage, headed to Valdez in search for Silver Salmon and Halibut.  There hould be plenty of both.
It's 7:00 am here and for the first time in several days, I can see the sun.  I believe this has been the coldest summer I have spent here...usually in the mid 40s in the am, then warming up to the mid to high 50s.  Eat your heart out.  I'm at Ship Creek parking lot, for those of you familiar with Anchorage, just next to the train station.  The creek has Pink and Silver Salmon running in it and it seems a little weird  to be fishing in the  downtown area.  Wish me luck and stay tuned...

Sockeye Salmon on the loose

The run of Sockeye Salmon started  about two weeks ago up the Kenai river.  To date the limit has been 3 per day, but with the number of fish coming up the river, that will change.  The conservation people don't want too many fish coming into the river as it will create too many fish in future.  Here are a couple of photos.

You gotta love these fish.  Still have about a third of the freezer to fill. so, Stay tuned...

Back in Soldotna

I spent 2 days getting back here from St Petersburg.  No pictures, no fish, no rain and no refrigerator.  Some good news...There will be pictures soon, the fish are coming, and so is the rain (it always rains), and my refrig will be fixed this week.  So as usual...stay tuned.

Ft Myers Beach Week

Well, It’s been a week of this as pictured and I will be flying back to Alaska on Monday.  A full week in Ft Myers on Estero Island and I’m ready to get back.  I took a perfect week off as there was no run of Sockeye salmon as yet.  My friend Don Causseaux once told me several years ago, “You’re the only person I know who takes a vacation from his vacation”.  Hey Don…I’m still doing it.  It was fun to see my girls and their girls as well as many friends I have met over the 31 years I’ve been going to this timeshare.  Sally, Scott and Ally had a good time…Kelly and her two dingdongs caught up on missed sleep…Frank Bryant didn’t bring his golf clubs for the third year in a row.  Julie Gingras brought her three kids while Jason is in India(Hurry back Jayson, and come to see me in Alaska)…Laura Gagne was here while Gerry stayed home to work (see ya next year Gerry).  Laura’s brother Perry was here for one day with his 4 boys, and Grandpa Ferrell watched the Casey trial all week.  Joe Pruitt bought a 2002 Corvette.  Matt Bryant, we miss you (hope to see you soon).

Gotta get some more beach time, so…stay tuned.

Daytime Beach Shot

Sunset Beach Shot