12/29/2012 We have met a lot … Final Friends & Family post

We have met a lot of wonderful and interesting people in our journeys.  Jim is one of those special friends.  Navy pilot shot down in Vietnam, airline pilot, bush pilot, African big game hunter, falconer, log home builder, Texas rancher, father and husband. This photo was taken one afternoon on  Nikiski Beach, AK where he was training  “Pepper” his newest falcon.  Only 2 post to go!

12/21/2012 We had a feast! Final recipe post….

We had a feast…. remembered a wonderful day on the river and fantasized about next year’s adventure.  This gorgeous sockeye or his cousin was prepared perfectly.  I say take  a “recipe” and make it your own.  Trust me the writer of this “recipe” did the same thing.

ALWAYS start with wild caught  salmon (my preference is Lower Kenai River sockeye caught in August).  Portion  each filet to about 4-6  oz, place on a square of tin foil 12 inches or so.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Slice a sweet Vidalia onion and place a generous amount of onion on each filet. (Is there any other kind of onion?)  Sprinkle with Garlic salt, cracked pepper and if you are of the nature a little red-hot chili pepper.  Place a small pat of butter and 2 tablespoons of Meyers lemon juice (fresh squeezed from your own tree if possible.)  Close the package up leaving air space at the top… Cook for about 30 minutes.  Serve each person their own package so they can enjoy the delicious liquid created during the cooking process.

This is so easy to fix, so easy to clean up and is so YUMMY!!   Only 10 post to go!

12/2/2012 … those that are annoying….

Now I didn’t take this picture.  I asked someone to take our picture from their boat….. the reason I included it is because I have always loved this part of Skilak Lake.  You feel like you are at the end of the earth and it is an amazing place to be.  The kicker is that there were two other people in the boat with us and they were very annoying….. I just “photoshoped” them right out.  I wish it was that easy in life.  If I love you … you get to stay in my pictures!  I love Reubin Payne and Jack.

11/29/2012 …summer is over.

In a run down old building in the heart of  Soldotna, AK, someone decided to open a coffee shop and offer expensive coffee and really delicious pastries.  I wasn’t drawn in by the smell of the coffee… I was struck by the simplicity and beauty of the fence and fireweed.  The Alaskan’s say that when the fireweed is gone… summer is over.

11/24/2012 HEY! LOOK AT ME!

HEY! LOOK AT ME!  Sometimes we demand more attention that other times.

11/19/2012 The magic sound of flowing water…

Do you think that this fisherman is thinking about his stock portfolio,  the next natural disaster or  what’s going on at work?  I hope not…. there needs to a place where your mind can rest.  The magic sound of flowing water, clean, crisp air filling your lungs and the ever-present anticipation of a yummy salmon on the dinner plate is better than any mood medication.  Near Coopers Landing, Alaska.

11/16/2012 We flew over in an “Otter”…

When the plane pulls away you know it will return BUT for a few brief hours you are living the dream.  You, your guide, an abundance of fish, bears and scenery.  Later that afternoon we were the only ones on the return flight and I was delighted to perform the co-pilot duties.   We flew over in an “Otter”  and were  guided by  ”Badger”.   Wolverine Creek, Alaska