My Christmas Story

MERRY CHRISTMAS
TO ALL



It was an evening several days before Christmas, as I sat under the gazebo down at the hole. Looking around, I admired the woodpile, so neatly stacked. It made me think of those I love most, with hopes they would soon be back. The new fire pit glistened in the snow as sparks drifted into the night heavens, as if they were tiny messengers to those that looked down from above. The tarps were stretched tight around the gazebo, just in the event that the wind did blow.

The cabins were all quiet, no lights did burn as I watched the flames from the fire pit reflect off the snow. As I sat by the fire and stared into my coffee cup, Dutch sat by me with his head on my knee as if he were a pup. Ruger was nestled into his chair, as if he were going to take good winter nap. However, tonight, he kept his eye on me.

As we sat by the fire, the stars in the heaven sparkled so bright, all seemed so right this particular night. Thoughts of Christmas past came to light. What a great time of the year. Pouring myself another cup and stirring the sugar twice, I think to myself, this will be my sixty-fourth. With some reflection, I can recall the majority of them from my early childhood. I feel regret that there are those children and now adults that never fully experienced the meaning of Christmas and the traditions that can be passed from generation to generation.

As I gaze into the night heavens and see the constellations overhead, I thank my mother for making Christmas a special time of the year. She was always regretful that she could not give her children as much as she wanted. Unknown to her and to us at the time, she gave us the greatest gift of all, the meaning of Christmas. Oh, we got a few presents, she was always sure that she got at least the number one choice on our Santa list along with a few smaller gifts and of course new clothes for the last half of the school year.

Reflecting back, I regret that I cannot recall giving her a gift until later in my life. Perhaps the smile she saw on our faces Christmas morning was the gift she enjoyed the most. She would start preparing for Christmas weeks in advance, making fruitcake, candy, and assorted goodies. These she would “hide” away in some closet until Christmas day.

As I poured myself another cup of coffee, stirring it twice, I remember a particular gift that Santa brought me on Christmas morning. The house we lived in had a cellar which had an exterior entrance. On my wish list, I had told Santa I wanted a table mounted walkie-talkie, similar to those I had seen on the police programs on the television. I was ecstatic that Santa brought me my gift. She asked me where I was going to set it up as it had two microphones. I explained to her that I wanted to set it up in the cellar and put one of the microphones in the house. The microphones were wired together so there was no great separation. She went on to start the cooking process for Christmas. Following dinner, she asked me when I was going to clean the cellar and install my radio. I hesitated and she said we could do it right now. We spent the next hour or so stacking boxes, sweeping and setting up a desk and installing my radio. The first voice I heard from my new radio was that of my mother from the kitchen.

As I gaze over the rim of my coffee cup into the flickering flames, I think to myself how I would love to hear that voice one more time, even over a crackling play radio. My mother was a big part of each of my Christmas seasons, even when I was away from home on a ship somewhere, the care packages always arrived in time for Christmas. She was a special lady.

Looking into the flames of the fire, I realized the greatest gift my father gave to me as a child was the opportunity to meet and know my grandparents, uncles, and aunts on my mother’s side of the family. On two different occasions, he loaded us into the family pick-up and drove us to Arizona to spend Christmas with my mother’s family. Perhaps, it was a gift to her but I wonder if he realized how important it would be to me in later years. I never had the opportunity to meet my grandparents, uncles, or aunts on the Harrington side of the family. I regret that but I cherish the memories of knowing the Riley family. As I sip the last of my coffee, I think of how much he would enjoy sitting around the fire and telling stories of his adventures.

After getting a few more slabs for the fire, Ruger still curled up in his chair and “Dutch” laying beside me, I pour another cup of coffee. As I watched the smoke curl up through the bell tower and disappear into the night, my thoughts turn to Brother Tad and Don. I laugh to myself wondering if they are sneaking some of mom’s “spoon fudge”. No doubt, while they are fighting over the fudge, Shane is making off with the entire pan. What a threesome to draw to! As I pour myself the last cup of coffee in the pot, I think of Dorothy, she was special and so much like her mother. In sixty-four years, a crossword was never exchanged between us. She was inspirational and taught me so much about family value by her example.

As the tears swell and occasionally find their way into my coffee cup, I look at the stars overhead and realize just how much I miss each of them but also blessed that they were a part of my life for so many years. Each of them gifted me with so many fond memories, the greatest gift that they could give me during the holiday season. In the reflection of the fire, I see the outline of the Bear Den in the darkness of the night. A memory flashes through my thoughts of the day that the loft in that cabin was completed. The roof was not yet on, after struggling a bit, Shane made his way up the ladder to be joined by Dana. The two of them stood on the loft, their arms around each other’s waist, the beaming smile of Shane; one would have thought he was standing in the most expensive penthouse in the world. The happiness they reflected, I had to turn and go for a private walk.

These are the thoughts and memories that I shared with myself as I sat around the fire and enjoyed a pot of coffee with Dutch and Ruger. Christmas is one of those special times of the year that you can reflect upon the past with clarity and understanding why events unfold the way they do. Just in the event, that some special visitors also want to sit by the warmth of the fire, I retrieve another load of firewood and bank the fire. Loading up Dutch and Ruger, we turn to leave the “hole” as I look in my rearview mirror and see the sparks flying into the star filled night, lighting the pathway for those visitors so they to can enjoy the quietness of the night and their memories.

Santa's Helper

Santa Is Awful Busy This Season
His Request For A "Stimulus Package" Was Turned Down By The Current Administration
He Has Had To Reduce His "Elf Staff" By 3,183 Elves
He Had To Install "Special Mufflers" On Each Reindeer To Reduce Gas Pollution To Meet Current EPA Standards
Consequently With His Decline In Funding,
Many Of Us Have Volunteered To Assist
As "Santa's Helpers"

This Is Just A Friendly Reminder,
To Someone That I Know!
Christmas Is Only
24 Days Away

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL

Winter Wonderland

Our first winter storm hit us on Tuesday, December 1st. Since then, I have been moving the evidence around and placing it large berms. Fortunately, the weather cleared and despite the "cool" temperatures, it was an enjoyable task but tiring. Went to work on the "Hole In The Wall" today and completed just as the sun was setting over the Inlet. Myself and my two helpers were tired, but home in time to make a couple of Thanksgiving turkey sandwiches and a slice of each Pumpkin and Mincemeat Pie. All in time, to sit down and enjoy the 1st Round of the National Finals, live from Las Vegas. How tired was I, I remember the first two team ropers (first event)and woke up to some bowling tournament. I love the rodeo finals and I slept through them, but that is o.k., they will be re-broadcast tomorrow. However, I was not as tired as one of my two "plowing buddies". He has now decided that he likes my recliner.


Although, I spent the last two days "snow plowing", perhaps a better term would be "snow grooming". It is looking good. Several things of note, if anyone is planning to spend a little winter time at the Hole In The Wall, bring your ice skates. The base of the "bowl" area is a very nice, clean, smooth coating of ice, one to two inches thick. The slopes are ideal for snow boarding, just don't let the "snow monsters" get you. "Private Drive" is ideal for sledding from the top to the Old Sterling Highway.
However, there are special closures. "Grannies Gulch" is closed until further notice due to avalanche conditions and downed alders. "Messican Lane" is closed at the west entrance due to winter storage area for snow. Access is still provided from the east entrance. "Bronco Lane" is open and now smoother than it is during the summer months, winter tires recommended. Bowl area is open with no snow berms, winter tires recommeded.
Access to the "Duck House" is not available, until someone gets a shovel to work.
Although, we have a lot of alders laid over with the snow load, the sad news is that the "Tiger Tree" between the Bear Den and Wolf Den has been severely damaged due to the snow load. One of the primary limbs on the tree was broken off under the stress of snow. We can perhaps save it or perhaps it would be a good location for a couple of apple trees.
Wildlife are present in the area, no sign of any "mean" creatures but the snow bunnies are running wild. I think perhaps the "Lynx" have went south to Las Vegas to see the rodeo. The increase in the number of sightings of the "snow monsters" will possibly decrease the bunny population, I did notice several "kill sites" with evidence of blood and white fur. I do hope none of them have moved into one of the cabins.
Enjoy The Video It Is Shorter Than This Posting.

Wanted ~ Preferably Alive

WANTED

Anyone knowing the current location of this person, please notify authorities of the nearest law enforcement agency. An All Points Bulletin has been issued by local law enforcement authorities, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Interpol.

WANTED
Grand Larceny, Breaking and Entering, Receipt and Possession of Stolen Artifacts,
Fraud, Robbery, and Impersonation.

RECOVERABLE ARTIFACTS
REWARD

One Of a Kind, Wool Hat That Has Historical Significance


LOCATION
Current location not known, has not been seen in Blogland for the past six months. Possibly "On The Run" knowing that their identity has been discovered and authorities have posted "Warrants Of Arrest". Last seen and photographed wearing the artifact.

Not considered dangerous, however, confrontation should be avoided and authorities notified.

Description Upon Request ~ Owner of Artifact would like to have item returned in good condition.

Why Am I Laughing

I just found out that my mommy is a Kansas City Chief fan!
I like the Denver Bronco's the best, but don't tell her
because I am afraid she will cut me off
my food supply!

Lucky Shot

We have all seen coyotes in the wild, but have you ever had a chance to get a picture of one. I would guess, if you were to set up a blind, you could call one in and get a picture. But, to see one along the highway it is almost impossible. They are very shy and move fast when they know they have been detected. After seeing a dozen or more coyotes on this trip, I finally got lucky and saw this one cross the road. I managed to get the truck stopped on slick roads, get out and walk across the road, and still get a shot of him. It was shortly after daylight so the quality is not good, but it is the best chance I have ever had. This picture was taken within ten feet of him before he quickly retreated into the trees.

Someone may want to ask "Lady Eagle" about her encounter with the U.S. Border Patrol when entering Alaska. I did not think we were going to get the opportunity to enter back into the United States and I do not want to live in Canada! First time I have ever had my truck searched and it was her fault. Does she look anything like a terrorist? But, I guess when your passport picture does not match up with the person, it could create a little concern for border guards, especially when they only have a dozen or so vehicles to check through on a winter day.

Great Idea

While traveling highway 114 in northern Colorado today, I discovered this little cabin sitting among the Aspen Trees. It was so old yet so beautiful I could not resist walking into it for some photos. Age is unknown, suppose some old gold miner, trapper, or outlaw gang once lived here. A history we will never know. The door was open, so I went inside. This particular concept would work well for those that have cabins at the "Hole In The Wall" if you wanted to build a fireplace, just cut a hole in the wall and install the fireplace, no need for an interior chimney.

The roof is caving in, rafters have fallen and in a few years the cabin will be gone.

Interior View of Fireplace

Exterior View of Fireplace

Opportunity

If anyone knows of anyone that is traveling the highways with a truck and has the capacity to carry a 20 foot extension ladder this quaint little bell is available and would surely ring loud and clear at the HITW. Location is on the west city limit of Leadville, Colorado. It is located on the right side of the road when you are east bound on Colorado Highway 24. Wide shoulders on the side of highway or can drive off the road onto the property, although no driveway installed. Small fence around it, however, deteriorated over the years and easily accessible. Did not do an alloy test to detrmine if it is brass or cast metal.

Might get a package deal if we also take the little school out back.

Employment Opportunity

Had to stop and do a little banking this morning so I stopped by the first Wells Fargo Bank that I could find. It was located in Virgina City, Montana. Must have been a hell of a horse ride, if you recall the olden days of good television, Pa and the Cartwright boys from Bozana. Their ranch was just above Lake Tahoe in Nevada. They were always going into town, Virginia City, to shop or conduct other business. Virginia City is a 1,000 miles from the Bonanza Ranch.

Inside the bank was a large sign, "WANTED: New Manager", in the small print the person must be experienced in all facets of the banking industry and personnel managment. They must be currently employed with Wells Fargo. The bank will provide housing and will reimburse all moving costs. If any of you know anyone that might be qualified to fill this position, it may be a great career move. A beautiful little town, of which I took a few pictures. Virginia City, Montana was founded in 1865 and remains a triving community.

"The California Store" which is a merchantile store is located next to the bank.

The Blacksmith Is Located Across The Street From

The Bank If You Need To Change Your Tires

Or Force Open The Safe If you Forget The Combinaiton.

The other major benefit of the bank, one of the three cashiers told me that she and the other two girls also moonlighted just down the street on rotating nights and if the new Manager was female and knew how to dance, they would make sure that she was hired at the favorite night spot in town.

Fire Side Chat

The Hole In The Wall Gazebo
is once again, operational and available for
Fireside Chats

Although, we have yet to see our first "frost" and the roses
are still in bloom, the new fire pit has been completed
for you to bask in the warmth of the fire and
companionship.

After a few more loads of "pea" gravel, we should be in good shape.
To make it easier for the ladies to start the morning
cooking fire, I used a little excess "crete" and poured a
base inside the pit to make the morning chore of removing the ashes
a little easier for them. "Wake me when the coffee is done".

Enjoyed the fall evening with the "first fire" by

burning up some of the construction debris. The pit is now "seasoned".

A very nice fire, while watching the flames the thought occurred
to me that I may have made a slight engineering flaw.
Not having a lot of experience in pouring "crete" and working with metal,
it came to my thoughts that perhaps we will experience some minor cracking
on the surface of the "fire pit". Under our standard policy of having a hot fire going 24 hours a day may create an expansion problem. I did not allow for any heat expansion of the "fire ring", although I did give it a good paint job for temperatures up to 1000 degrees, according to the instructions on the can of paint. As the "fire ring" heats up, it may expand enough to crack
the surface "crete". In the event this happens, I have already filed a mental solution to make repairs in the event that should occur.

Improvements were also made to the "excess water collection site",
volunteer fire department and tanning deck. To qualify for the
Hole In the Wall Volunteer Fire Department
"emergency service grant" funding we had to come into conformity
with their regulations. One of these was that whoever painted
the fire station "red" used the wrong red. In accordance with their regulations fire fighting apparatuses must be painted "flame orange". It was also required to have all flooring painted with 'fire retardant paint". However, while being inspected a very good suggestion was made.
Volunteer "fire departments" can receive additional funding from the Division of Forestry"
if they provide weather service information to track "wildfire" conditions and prognostications. The "weather data" station was installed today on the corner of fire station. The "Buddy Warren" Weather Station" is now operational. The station has the ability to give you the current temperatures, wind direction, precipitation received, wind speed, and the wind chill factor. Currently applying for grant funding from the National Weather Service to make the HITW
a weather reporting station. Upon approval, you will be able to get onto their site on the Internet and get the current weather conditions at the HITW.

~Having Some Fall Fun~

"Fall Fun"

It is really to bad that all of you cannot enjoy the early days of Fall
at the Hole In The Wall. Some call it "Indian Summer".
Although, unusual we have not yet had our first frost of the season.
Late this afternoon, as I was working on a fun project, I heard the inspiring sounds of the
Sand Hill Cranes making their seasonal trip to the south. Within minutes, three large flocks
appeared over the top of the Eagle Nest. Evidently, due to the high winds that were occurring, they came over at tree top level as they crossed into the air space of the Hole In The Wall. A half later, four separate flocks also traversed the same course at the same altitude. Not being able to resist, I let our resident "Bird Chaser" out of the truck to see his reaction. Evidently, he is willing to chase other birds at high altitudes, but seeing this many birds ganged up, he must have decided that the odds were not in his favor, he willingly watched them without a bark.
With heavy rains tonight, the satellite dish is blocked, instead of Fox News tonight, I am content in listening to "Lonesome Dove" ~ Life Is Good.

"Fun Project"
For a good many years, the "Ole Fire Pit" has served us well. A lot of great visiting, harassing, teasing, tall tales, ghost stories, honest fish stories, and many jokes have been told around the pit. Many fond memories. Lots of good food and beverages of all flavors, even a few alcoholic beverages have been enjoyed while watching the flames. If only our elected officials would sit around a camp fire and just talk, perhaps they would solve some of the problems our nation faces. Most of these problems have been discussed at our "Ole Fire Pit" and resolved.

The "Ole Fire Pit" is now history, instead the "Enhanced Fire Pit" is nearly completed with a few minor details.
There were those that were curious as to the condition of the sand after several years of intense heat, it was even speculated that perhaps it had turned to "glass". The sand nearest the fire ring, was red in color turning to orange and fading into a light brown before retaining the original color about three inches from the ring.
So as not to have to move sand several times and spill it onto the gravel, the cleaned out fire pit served as storage area for the original sand. Ironically, the fire ring held the same amount of sand that was originally banking the ring.
Once the sand was moved to the fire ring for storage, the old wooden structure was removed and a new one constructed. This time, the inside walls were reinforced with "hurricane tie downs" and each piece of treated wood received a heavy dose of "gorilla glue"on each seam and end joints then bound together with "Woody Screws".

Due to the new "blueprints, calling for the leveling of the fire ring so our biscuits would not be
lopsided, I quickly discovered that all the sand stowed in the fire ring, although a great strategy, made it impossible to level the ring. Once again, the sand was moved to a "blue tarp" outside the frame for storage. After several hours of leveling, and squaring a round circle in a square box, it was time to once again move the sand from the "blue tarp" back inside the frame. No sand was wasted in these transfers, one wheelbarrow of fresh sand was required to bring the insulation barrier to grade as replacement for the rocks that were in the "old pit" as called for in the blue prints. The sand was then compacted with a "home made compactor" within two inches of the rim of the fire ring.

As per the blueprints, reinforcement wire was then laid on the compacted sand to provide extra strength to the concrete slab that will be poured.

The old burned 2" x 4" frame that surrounded the "ole pit" was been replaced with a 1.5" x 1.5" aluminum angled frame which brings it level with the top of the fire ring and flush with the exterior walls of the new fire pit, as called for in the blueprints.
I now await for first light when the "crete truck" arrives to make the pour.
Until later, you will just have to wait to see how it turns out, it is just to bad that all of you are missing out on all the fun.
Life Is Good.

Labor Day

Took advantage of the "Day of Labor" and laid in a

winter supply of firewood for the Hole In the Wall Recreational Area. Perhaps, in the next couple of days I will find the time to cut the "kindling"stock which is now drying on
the "saw buck" for the final drying stage. At present, a hastily stacked pile of "kindling" awaits the "saw buck". Should have enough "kindling" available to last into Memorial Day Weekend.

The roof of the "Gazebo" has been restored after the initial destruction of the
fire that occurred one week ago. (See Previous Posting) Although, the "Bell Tower" and roof was not restored to original condition. Making good use of the coil nailer,
a new shingle roof was laid. The material from the "lap sided roofing" is neatly stacked and awaiting for some youngster that wants to build a fort or tree house.

After a couple days of cutting a bunch of shingles at an angle, the new
roof was completed and laid to rest. Bull Buffie assisted in installing a new rain gutter system
around the perimeter of the roof line with one drain line which passes
through the rock work and then underground to the "water collection center". From the roof of the "gazebo, we should retain enough water in the cistern to fight any future fires if
they should occur.

At the end of the Labor Day Weekend,
all is quiet at the "Hole In The Wall".
This perhaps, is the only picture ever taken of the HITW
that a vehicle is not in the parking area.
The "Fire Pit" will get a new face lift
over the next several days.
All Is Good.

"Fire In the Hole"

Tragedy struck the "Hole In The Wall Recreational Area" on Sunday evening when a fire contained in the approved fire pit under the Gazebo got out of control. Due to the quick response of the three, highly trained volunteer HITW firefighters, the fire station was activated, hose laid out, and pumps applying water pressure within three minutes. They managed to contain the blaze to "bell tower". The superstructure of the Gazebo was not damaged in the fire due to the automatic activation of the water sprinkler system . Other than the total destruction of the "bell tower" the only damaged occurred to the family collection of "yager" decanters. Seven bottles sat on the wall, five fell down but broke only one. One of the firefighters was heard singing the song, "seven yagers sitting on the wall, one fell down, six bottles of yager sitting on the wall, one fell down, etc.
Although alcohol did not contributed to the accident, several valuable lessons were learned. (1) Gasoline should never be used to start a fire in the Gazebo, especially 2.5 gallons of mixed gasoline for the chain saw. (2) Flames in the fire pit should not exceed the safety altitude of 2.8 feet. (3) To activate the the fire hydrant, the pump must be plugged into shore power. (4) In the event of a fire, all present at the scene are considered "firefighters", lawn chairs should not be removed to the outer perimeter of the gazebo so you can have a comfortable chair to watch the fire. (5) Jumping up and down and screaming "FIRE" has no positive affect in getting the fire under control. (6) Getting a bag of marsh mellows from the cook tent and a roasting fork is not considered humerus. (7) When a fire is raging within the confines of the gazebo, it really does not do any good to continuously "ring that damm bell" all present were acutely aware that a fire was occurring. (8) Running around in a circle in the parking lot while screaming the sounds of a fire truck siren is also not required.
Renovation on the "bell tower" commenced on Monday and expected to be completed within the week, dependent on the quantity of moisture laden cloud formations. The one broken yager bottle will need to be replaced, but the tower bell withstood the heat, although blackened, it continues to beckon the greetings to the HITW.

1st Silver Salmon

1st Silver Salmon
Grandson Hunter S. Harrington

Anchor River, Alaska
August 19, 2009
13.5 Pounds

Fourth Generation Of The Harrington Family
Fishing The Anchor River
1954 ~ 2009

Three days prior to the 5th Annual Harrington Memorial Silver Salmon Tournament on the Anchor River, it appears that it is going to take a "big" Silver Salmon to win the coveted title as "Top Rod". Current record holder is 16.5 pounds, if you have not heard the story, I will gladly share it with you. Although, we have seen two big fish the past couple days, fishing would still be classified as "just starting". The secret to successful fishing on the Anchor River right now is the wearing of chartreuse "krocs". To wit, the proud father of Hunter, himself a masterful fishermen failed to land a silver Salmon on this outing.

Tournament time on Saturday, August 22nd is 0400 to 1200. Official scales are appropriately hanging from the new "Moose Wallow". The largest Silver Salmon a.k.a. Coho Salmon wins the Tournament. Winner takes all. High Tide is at 0445 measuring 22.3 feet at Anchor Point. Low tide is at 1045 measuring -3.3 in the event you want to fish for clams. The bell will toll at 0330 as a "wake up" call on the 22nd and make your own damm coffee.

I'm not looking to fill the freezer.

I'm just hoping to catch a fat, mean Anchor River

Coho this coming weekend.

It would be hard to
top what the Eagle brought to
camp last year,


but the biggest out of the
clans present (and
fishing) would suffice.

From the fine city creek
named Campbell ,
(about) FOUR POUNDS OF RAW COHO FURY:

I have had a good start
here in LA - warming up to the feel of silver
lips on the steel of a sharp hook and how to
wrestle them with the cheapest fly rod/reel
set I have, personally, ever witnessed
Freddy's have marked-down sales on.

Derby contestants of the clans,
we are coming down to fish.

Ideal HITW Project

The sloping walls of the HITW are perfect for a new project that I just discovered. Check it out, a few dollars and we would have a year around recreational opportunity. Materials for the project are readily available. At one time we had a "hot tub" candidate but due to some calculated abuse we will need to find another slightly used hot tub. Summer Time: Water Slide or Skate Board Ramp ~ Winter Time: Ski or Snow Board Jump

Going "Hot"

After several years of nursing a substandard electrical power system the Hole In The Wall Recreational Area has developed a individual electrical co-op. Under the watchful eye and often guiding hand of "our own" engineer, underground power was run from the primary distribution center to the secondary distribution center today. Although, it did require working the line crew overtime, individual secondary lines were also run to each individual sites on their own circuit from the secondary distribution center.
On Saturday evening or Sunday afternoon, the site will be reviewed by the inspector and the system energized to "hot" status. Following the final testing of the circuits, a yard sale will be held to sell off the excess extension cords if anyone has the need for 850 feet of extension cords, slightly used.

After a handful of trips,

All these yellow lines look the same, now.

Hoping to catch more than a fever from the
sick little Beaver this weekend,
we make the trek again.

How often has this happened at midnight?
Good job, Erica. Too bad it wasn't a keeper.

Having fun yet?

FREE

After parking the camper out by the old sterling this last weekend. I was worried no one would want it. Especially since sign crew couldn't agree what to write. Uncle Bill kept telling John that he was using to big of words. The next thing you know something like... "For Sale/swap" and "We don't rent Pigs" I swear I saw a sign reading "FREE 235-****" headed down Bronco Lane in the direction of the camper, but one serious looker couldn't find a phone number. ANYWAY, I advertised it and these two replies made me realize Uncle Bill is one man I should listen to.


#1 - are you still geting read of the camper

#2 hey there, Were just two guys in AK, with not alot of money--just moved here and my gawd is it expensive--have an apartment and all that--but a free camper--GOLLY GEE- im sure you have had a zillion responses by now--but if not we are interested---JEFFRO is my name and seeing alaska is my game----lol could fixer er up real pretty like and let you have a weekend here and there thanks

Needless to say the little hairs raising on the back of my neck told me not to reply to the second one.

Just chatting with a Lynx yesterday, these are some big numbers...

Eagles - 2 people - 3 dogs
Bears - 3 people - 2 dogs
Buffalo - 6 people - 2 dogs - 2 cats
Wolf - 5 people - 3 dogs
Pecker - 3 people - 0 dogs - 1 cat
Beaver - 4 people - 2 dogs
Lynx - 2 people - 1 dog
Ranger Bill - 2 People - 1 dog
Sargeants - 5 people - 2 dogs?


Totals 32 people 16 dogs and 3 cats. Did I miss anyone?

Treking North

Travel Advisory: Those driving the Seward /Sterling Highway southbound on Thursday or no later than Friday can expect heavy traffic patterns in southbound lane as the hordes descend upon the Kenai Peninsula for the Memorial Day Weekend.
To compound the problem of heavy traffic flow, you can expect long periods of delays due to slow moving expeditions. Reportedly, Ranger Bill started moving north from Lonesome Duck Ranch on Saturday, May 16th at first light. Moving north via the Utah/Idaho Trail into the Pacific Northwest. Expects to re-supply in the last U.S. outpost crossing into Canada north of Puget Sound and follow the Frasier River Trail north to the Alcan Trail. Expected to arrive in LA on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, or a couple days on each side of those day. Will possibly come riding into the HITW on Saturday, May 23rd. Anyone for a "Ranger Bill Pool", buck a shot at the nearest time (hour) and day?

Day +19 To "M" Day

With nineteen days remaining until the commencement of Memorial Day weekend, the HITW is looking pretty good in regards to drying up. Only visible sign of winter is John's Glacier is still intact, although loosing ground fast with the Global Warming Trend that we have experienced. Messican Lane is still packed in ice / snow from winter plowing but should be gone within the next couple of days. All of the drain system, except for about six inches of water in the catch basin and creeks are now dry.

Completed the roofing job on the "Duck House" with the exception of installing the skylight. Just need to lay the glass and "nailer down". With the past two days, I have got a nice sunburn, seems strange working in the HITW the first of May in a T-Shirt. Thought for awhile I was getting heat stroke, had a real severe headache. Finally it got so bad this evening I went to the emergency room to get it checked out. I just have to remember not to scratch my head when I have the nail gun in my hand.




Looks like Mt. Redoubt could be leading up to something, she is putting out a big plume and the seismic activity has increased. Hope it does not scare away the King Salmon into Anchor River.