Now I got my flight completed, please indulge my suggestions for HITW improvements.

I saw this mountain, my altimeter said 10,000, the map said it was 14,000. Anna Belle

started saying "DB Cooper, DB Cooper", then she bailed along with spike. I saw two trees

and tried to slow it down by going between them, the rest is history. You see the thumb,

Have not seen AnnaBelle since. The End.

Headed your way, thats me at the controls, on the way I found this Idle Aire facility for planes,

set it down right on top of it. damned if it wasn't a lamp post.

Briefing

I made two trips into the HITW today, one early this morning and the second one when I finished work at 7:30. Did not drive all the way in, did not want to disturb the bowl area and the condition that it is currently in. It is looking good, much better than one year ago at this time. Walking around, had a little flood damage to the floor of the "Duck House" but nothing serious. The only problem and it is short term is that the depository unit filled up with water and is now frozen. Once I remove the tarp from the roof, the skylights will take care of that problem and it should drain just fine due to the sand and gravel composition.

As I entered the area, I did notice two magpies sitting very close to one another on the "sand hill" so I walked over to where their nest is at and they both immediately flew into the trees above me. One of them had a gleam in their eye so I am assuming he was the male and perhaps he thinks he is going to get lucky and raise another hatch in their home. We are going to have to call in some expert zoologists to move "Kroc" to the lower lake. Unlike last year, he is out of water! That area is dry, the only resemblance to the "Kroc Pond" is the landscaped rock pond that Mama Moose installed last summer. It is full of water, but hardly enough room for a respectable "Kroc". The "Kroc Pond" may recover once the Buffalo Clan move in and start draining their septic tank. Without the "Kroc" pond, the zoo may also need to be re-located, however, all of the animals appear to have remained in the area.

Due to the low area behind the cook tent, that is full of water but draining slowly and with a little time, I can trench that out. The gravel base that everyone worked on has remained intact, the second year in a row so perhaps typar and washed gravel is the answer to the problem.

Two mysteries remain, I covered all of the rigs prior to the onslaught of winter. They remain covered with the lone exception of the Bear Den, his tarp is missing. Now I wonder, besides myself, Butch and Heather there has only been one other person into the HITW this past winter. That being Papa Bear when he was so kind as to shovel off all of the roofs from the snow load. Now do you suppose, I could find my "new" blue tarp somewhere, like Bear Ridge, the winter home of the Bear Clan?

The second mystery, which if you recall I asked all of you to try to solve last fall. That mystery has still not been resolved, I just wonder who would do such a dastardly deed. The crime scene remains untouched since last fall. Although, a little more gross! I did not check on "Mr. Mouse" or "Sneaky Snake", I am sure all of you have been concerned about their welfare through the winter. However, I did notice that "Arnie" must have rested at peace all winter, his headstone is standing tall and proud. Most likely waiting for the little girls to move into camp before he once again starts to stir. You are going to have to hurry to take advantage of the "Sundance Glacier", like all glaciers it is receding rapidly. Currently it is about one third the size it was last year with bare ground on both sides of giving it additional warmth to melt, I doubt that it will survive to Memorial Week. Damm, Global Warming!!!!!!!! "Wild Bill" the woodman has a trailer load of slabs ready to move in as soon as I tell him it is dry enough, he reminded me that Donny had not paid for the last load he ordered. Perhaps, the other Bill will be here in time that he can be put in charge of "bucking up the wood". That completes my daily report for today, have a good day and good luck tomorrow.

Before taking off I checked winds-hence the wind sock at Cheyenne(you need this technology at the HITW). Thats me in the cockpit and a close up of me at the controls. See you soon.

This is a very do-able project for the enhancement of the HITW and recreational outlet for the little clan members or even for those adult? members after they have sit around the "fire pit" and had a few beers. We have enough slab wood in our "wood pile" or the dunnage pile under the Wolf Den to build this. All we need is some sheet rock screws! The neighbors property should have a couple of old, forked trees that we could borrow. How high can we make the little ones go before they "puke" or before the "ferris wheel" tips over?

Airborne and Northbound at last

Damn, I had more crap to load than I thought, OH NO, trouble getting up,

I should have had that tuneup done-what is that smoke anyway.

Daily Report

With breaks of sun through he cloudy sky, the HITW is now draining down. The sand hill is void of any snow and the remaining side slopes are about 50% clear of snow cover. The fire pit flower bed is in the clear as is the fire pit. The road leading into the bowl area is now dry, because someone took the time to plow it. As soon as the video store ordeal is completed, a little work at the AA, then my attention will focus on the HITW. Hoping that the Ranger will be here by then so he, Annabelle, and Bubba can do some shovel work, like digging drainage ditches and hauling gravel.

The Anchor River is now clear of all ice jams and moving along great. As best I can tell there has been no major changes to the channel - but those new, small pockets that will hold fish are yet to be discovered. I expect to make an early scouting trip early next week. Water conditions are good, it is very fishable right now. The "Forks" are perfect right now and hope to get in there to do a little fishing before the Sonar Counter is installed. When I got my Permanent fishing License a couple of years ago, I did not read the small print. According to my license, I can fish anytime I want and they cannot take it away from me because it has the word "PERMANENT" printed right across the top of the license. It is great to be a Senior Citizen! When time permits, I will be working on the activity special, look for some "new" and exciting events this year. Since we will be having several visiting fishermen this year, if you have any extra rods and reels sitting around, make sure they get loaded up. One rig will be coming back almost empty this next week if you want to stage any supplies early. Prior to the big weekend, if any of you have extra freight to haul down, with two pick-ups down here and two extra drivers, we can can dispatch rigs north to haul freight down. Don't forget, we have a long haul driver now who does not mind making a round trip drive each day, that is only 400 miles and he drives twice that much on a daily basis, it may take him a little longer if Annabelle is in the sleeper.

Sport Show is in Soldotna this weekend, the radio station sponsors the event and has a booth where they broadcast live, I do need to spend a little time up there doing some interviews but more about that later for those not in the know but the announcement has been made and I am now once again committed. It will be fun.

I have decided to put off driving and try my Microsoft flight simulator

wings. I borrowed a DC3 from an old friend here in Wyoming. I'll

be airborne soon. First I had to load my stuff, then the trip began....

About AnnaBelle, you saw the before but you ought to see what one of those makeovers can do.

River Report

The Anchor River is going through the annual phase of "break-up". Took a little survey this past evening, we may see some changes to the river this spring, but until all of the ice jams are cleared, a total assessment will not be available. The area from the "Picnic" Hole upstream through "Gus's Run" is completely blocked forcing the water to go around the old river channel through the old "Gabion Hole". This has happened in the past, but the full force of the river has moved into this area this year and the current is pushing the "Picnic Hole" to the other side of the river. A large ice jam, about a quarter mile long is also located upstream from the forks, if this one breaks before the ice jam in "Gus's Run" breaks out, things could get real ugly. A partial ice jam is located below the bridge. In some areas the river is over the banks and partially flooding out the Coho Campground. Reportedly, the mouth of the river has really changed, but we will see these changes several times before the final break up. As things developed, I will keep you appraised of the situation and start marking the better fishing spots with surveyor tape so all of you will know where to fish. Opening day is on my Birthday - I wonder which one of us will catch the first "King" of the season - but I guess that is a given! At least my bet is on the "old guy", you remember him, the guy that won the "Silver Salmon Tournament".

HITW Update and Weather Report

It is raining, has been raining, and will continue to rain. Be advised that the Anchor River Bridge is now open for traffic, completed three days ahead of schedule. You will no longer have any trouble seeing the "height restriction" sign for the bridge. If you miss it, you also will miss the bridge. Anchor Point is now less than a mile from the Eagle Nest.

Did break through the "berm" and into the HITW yesterday. The driveway is now plowed out wide enough to land a Cessna and down to bare ground. I did make an attempt to plow the "bowl" area, although plowing snow in eight inches of water is very difficult. Despite my best engineering, it appears that the "Duck House" has flooded out, currently the front porch is underwater. Had a slight accident, while trying to push the snow and water, I backed into the "Wolf Den", fortunately it was relatively secure with dunnage, but it did move slightly and the kitchen sink that was stored under the overhang was evidently a cheap model as it did not withstand the pressure of a truck backing into it - but it does have a nice curve to it. I am sure, it is nothing that the Plumma can't fix with a big hammer.

The top of the fire pit is now visible and the wood pile is clear of all snow and survived the winter. Based on the amount of standing water, since the drainage ditches are still blocked with snow and ice, if I had a sump pump that could extract water at the rate of 1,000 gpm, I could have it drained in three to four days. Could not help but play a bit, so I high marked the side of the hill with the plow truck, I was surprised how high on the hill I could get but turning around was a little scary. Currently, I believe in global warming. The glacier is down to the size that it was on Memorial Day a year ago so I doubt that it will survive until the weekend this year. Perhaps, the Little Clan Master had the best idea, dig a tunnel into the hillside.

If you are having to read faster than normal, it is because I have DSL - well almost. Remember how simple it is to hook up. It was suppose to be connected on 4/18, got the package in the mail and hook up all the little wires - but nothing happened. My little green light just kept flashing. Worked on it, cussed Heidi for talking me into it and then called the tech connect. They had not completed the work order to convert me over but it would be ready on the 19th. Again, got up early, checked my little green light and it was still blinking. Once again, I called the tech, "Oh, Mr. Harrington, we are so sorry but we had to postpone your work order until the 22nd because we need to install a part on your main line. " I reminded them that the 22nd was on a Sunday, "oh, our field crews do not work on the weekends so we will have to wait until Monday to see when they can get to it" Yea, right, I will need to wait until July to see if I can pay my phone bill as well. I sure hope DSL will increase my speed but evidently it does not speed up the service personnel.

NEW LIVING ACCOM. AT HITWRA!

Recently, I ran into an article on some 4x4 RV's that caught most of my attention for 8 of the 10 minutes it may endure at any given time. If we all sell our homes (and toys, appliances, garden output, first-born, and pets) we may be able to afford a monthly payment on the Earthroamer.

These babies could climb the sandpit walls - if we had the inclination (and we might). With almost 18,000 lbs. - sure, we'll have to avoid the "soft spots (ie ; Buffalo campslot/Bear den) until July, but the pro's are worth any woes. 90 gallons of fuel for the 325 HP diesel that pulls this all-weather, four-season, all-terrain Class C motorhome WHEREVER you stop could be limitless in adventure possibilities.
ADA guidlines were not taken into consideration during the engineering, development, or marketing of this vehicle.
Any modifications made therewith will void any warranty unless installed by a trained, licensed professional.

about a year ago

It was about a year ago that we all started this Blog thing...remember the "blog" at camp? Scanning through the various bloggers I have noticed that The Wolf Clan seem to have come up with the most "growth" is their ability to design a site. The Bear Clan has proven that Bears sleep in the winter...and they chose who is allowed to comment on their site. The Eagles seem to be confuse...Papa Eagle blogs about anything and sometimes I wonder if senility is sinking in...and it appears that Mama Eagle has forgotten her way to blog land....hmmm...maybe we whould award her this Memorial weekend...for "longest unattended blog." Seems a lady of her "analisims" would sweep the cobwebs off her blog once in awhile. My Buffie herd has wandered over to "My Space" and can not seem to find their way back...Sorry I have not gone looking for them...Sometimes a mom needs to know when to leave them alone...and besides it is the only place I get any peace and Quiet. So Memorial Weekend is coming up fast...got two boxes of capri sun stocked in the camper...and all the "dry goods". Finish up the food...and I am headed south...I will bring Johns sump pump with me....that should help dry out the puddles...it is doing wonderful in my yard. I say we leave the crock pond...it can pick off the strays...I am working on a way to get my trailor to my fall camp site in the spring...I think the wolves have enough dunnage to build a bridge....if I can get there before them!! If not maybe I can sink that white bronco in the mud as "fill". A problem is lack of "trucks" for hauling gravell this year...it appears a Ford and a Chevy plow truck are going to be our choices. Moose are employed in Anchorage now and may only be available for the weekend...bringing down a second "tent" thought about putting it over my trailor...but well I will get mud one way or the other...so maybe the fire pit? with a few modifications we may be able to make it work...I am planning the "coral and riding arena....the reason we must move the white bronco....and I have plenty of hay for the four legged critters. If that croc eats the mules...your in trouble!! Train it to stick to "weiner dogs." and other bite size morsals. Maybe at that level it will take care of the garbage too.

Potential Danger Lurks At HITW

Perhaps, we should reconsider the future development of the HITW "Kroc Pond" and the creature that lurks in the depths of the pond. I realize that this is a "pet" project of the Plumma Wolf, however, can we take the chance of having an incident. What would happen if after a few brewskis, the Plumma forgets to feed his pet? How are we assured that his "pet" will remain in the pond and not slither throughout the campsite in the dead of night, picking out tidbits of food. There is no fence or moat restricting his movement. What if he wanders away at night and heads down to the state parks and decides that the Anchor River is a better home with an abundant food supply. You think Pike can devastate a salmon run, how about a "kroc"? He cannot only devastate the salmon run but also munch down on a bunch of fishermen, not to mention those that enjoy tubing the river. Being that the "Kroc" and 'Kroc Pond" is on my property, I do not think my homeowners insurance will cover the liability of a rogue "kroc". Perhaps, if we called in a vet and had him detoothed, declawed, and neutered, I would feel a little more secure in knowing that my grandchildren were playing around the "Kroc Pond" . The rest of the story is in the comment section.

Now I've got the trailer, I need to fill it. Would any of these samples fit the theme of HITW

This is Annabelle, I met her at a truck stop in Wyoming and we have been corresponding. She may be coming over the highway with me, she has always wanted to visit Alaska but just for a visit so we thought it would be a good time. Besides working as a waitress at the truck stop, she also has a small farm so she cannot stay to long so she can be at home to feed her animals and irrigate her fields. We have alot of fun togehter when I get a chance to go through Gopher Hill, Wyoming so she should be good comapny on the trip.

Wolf Den Solution

Since the Wolf Pack has upgraded their wheels to a family friendly vehicle, it appears that that the Wolf Den currently occupied in Space One at the HITW is also without wheels. Knowing that the Wolf Pack thoroughly enjoys getting out and exploring the wilds of Alaska, I have researched alternative solutions for a camper that is adaptable to their new wheels. I think I have found the solution. A second solution would be to mount the "cab over den" onto a trailer, a snow machine trailer should fit under the den nicely and towed easily. The "den" weighs less than the "Duck House" and we all witness how easily the "Duck House" was transported from the Eagle Nest to the HITW.

It must be spring, the Bears are poking their heads out of their den.

Anchor River Awakens For The New Season

First Flowers at the HITW

On Easter Sunday, the Anchor River broke free from the winter bondage of ice and snow. Spring has sprung and so the fish will arrive and the flowers will not have to break through the snow. It is time to make some spring and summer plans. If you are traveling to the HITW, be advised that you cannot get there from Anchor Point. Between April 16th and 22nd, the Anchor River Bridge will be closed, again! It is beginning to be a "spring ritual" for the folks at Alaska DOT.

HITW Update

The roof top of the "Duck House" is now clear of snow as are the remainder for the temporary structures utilized as temporary housing for visiting clan members. The "wood" pile on stilts, remained standing despite the heavy winter snows. The "Split" wood pile is also showing, however, the "fire pit" remains covered. The sand hill is starting to show streaks of sand so it will not be long before we can commence preparing the area, although about two feet of snow remains in the basin.
"Bull Moose" walked into the site today to do a little target practicing with his new "bear gun", the south wall in the area of the Buffalo Wallow makes a good back drop of target practice. Something we may want to keep in mind for summer activities. On his excursion, he did discover that the area is not quite ready for the wearing of tennis shoes! Seems that there is a lot of water under that two feet of snow. If you should happen to notice some windows gone from your campers or unexplained holes in the wall, you may want to consult with the Moose Clan. Advisory, prior to using my chain saw to cut any dunnage that was stored under the Wolf Den, please inspect carefully prior to cutting as lead will have a tendency to dull the chain.
All is well and it will be ready to occupy by May 18th - did you know that is my birthday?

Pat sent me an e mail with a comparison of homes of Gore and GW. Being a skeptic I decided to

actually see for myself. Interesting result.

At left the Western White House-Crawford, TX.

Very energy efficient and stewards water.

At right-Gore's excess. Gore is real phony.

Of Beaver and Truckers

In picking my handle for this hi tech cb, I need to let you know I kept in mind that it was

a family oriented site. Hence Beaver Trapper. Still there are those who may insist in

misinterpretation so these photos may clarify what I had in mind.

Wearable Art

We have been fortunate at the HITW in that we are subjected to a variety of art work. We are also fortunate to be entertained by a wide range of artists, from the very little ones doing skits to the older ones just being stupid. In 2005, we were fortunate to be entertained by two teenagers in the art of mud wrestling. Conditions were ideal for a good contest and by unanimous consent, the match was called a draw. In 2006, these same teenagers enlightened us to "wearable arts", the popularity of the "colored duct tape" creations were so popular that a segment of the HITW Talent show consisted of the majority of the ladies modeling their designs created by designer "Buffalo Brittany".

The popular "wearable arts" designs this year is coming to us from Japan. In preparation, I have already started collecting a variety of paints and stains that can be used to design "special" features for the 1st Annual HITW Fashion Show. The concept is simple, you simply paint your body into the apparel design you wish to wear. It has so many piratical uses, you no longer have to undress to take a shower, just wash your clothes off. Going to the "Duck House" is much simpler, no more buttons, zippers or Velcro to get in your way if you are in a hurry. I know not what others feel, but by golly, I am looking forward to this fashion show even though I am not really fashion conscious.

Its Spring...

MMMMM.....it's spring.....just 7 weeks till ....

Can you smell the smoke....feel the heat...hear the birds...
And with the up and coming Holiday...lets not all forget to stock up...

Caribou Tracks

Soon and very soon I'll be headed to HITW. Gotta work some things out

with my rig.

Daily Update

To keep everyone informed on the status of the HITW Recreational area, due to "global warming" we have witnessed a significant decrease in the snow load on the Duck House since this photo was taken. The maximum depth is now less than four inches with 53.6% of the "blue tarped" roof now clear of snow. Covering the roof with the "blue tarp" has greatly assisted in the extrication of excessive snow. It is now projected that the roof will be clear of all signs of winter within the week. After seeing the positive affect that a common blue tarp had on the "Duck House" in the melting process of snow, this next fall I think I will cover the entire roof of the Eagle Nest with blue tarps. I just noticed in this picture, something that I had not seen when taking or posting the original picture? Is that a "Wolf" sneaking in from behind the "Duck House" to pounce on my grand son?

Bad news came to Anchor Point today, the Alaska Division of State Parks have "posted" and closed all the beaches in Anchor Point for the remainder of the year to swimming. This will have a serious impact on the tourism economy of the community as this area is know for their sandy beaches and surfing action for those "boarders" that look for alternatives to their snow boarding. The good news for those of us that enjoy just sitting around and looking at the beaches, the nude beaches at Whiskey Gulch will remain open for sun bathing only. I just have to wonder when the State Parks came to the conclusion that Cook Inlet had the second largest tidal influence in the world which creates "dangerous currents". By closing the beaches, I assume it will make it a little easier for the "tractors" to launch boats from the beach. Not only will this closure affect our local economy, it will also have a serious impact on our shark fishery.