2010-04-29

New Designation For HITW

Hydrology Report: I am overwhelmed with the success of the Dewaterization Project. I know that there has been a little concern on the validity of this project. The first excavation was completed by Lady Eagle, Anna, and She Wolf. The kids packed the mud up up the hill to where I constructed a mud and rock wall to divert Bear Creek into the excavation site. That project has proven to be very successful, even for planting flowers until Ranger Bill got a hold of the weed eater. Ranger Bill also excavated the site, until he had to be winched out of the mud because he went in over the top of his hip boots. Bull Moose got into the final clean up phase of the excavation after "Bobcat Man" roughed it in. Eyes rolled, snide remarks were made when the coffer dam and decking was built.

But the end results, it works great! As I write, the pump is on auto pilot and keeping up with the water flow draining into the cistern. Water is flowing into the site from all directions, still one low spot in front of the cook tent that has always collected water. This will be taken care of as soon as the dump trucks can get in. Currently, we are in the best shape that we have ever witnessed during spring break up. With the rain today, approximately 81.4% of the snow pack has now been pumped out of the area. A slight sluffing of soil on Grannies Gulch but to date no major landslides.

The snow storage area on Messican Lane has decreased in height from six feet to approximately 2 feet, so we should be able to re-open Messican Lane to traffic, one way only with the next week. Because of the fire hose route and break up conditions, Bronco Lane is closed to through traffic. Cabins wintered very well, a slight heaving of decks but nothing that will not correct it self.

NEW DESIGNATION

The current site is designated as the Hole In The Wall Recreational Area. During the past three years, exhaustive research has revealed that this same area hosts a year around population of wildlife, waterfowl, and birds of prey as well as a large variety of migratory and resident song birds.

During the last wildlife survey, in the time allocation of 6 minutes four Snowshoe Hares were counted indicating that the total population may exceed the grazing area. Other wildlife in the area include Moose, Bear, Wolves, Lynx, Buffalo, Beaver, Rabbits / Hares, Ermine, Porcupine, Shrews, and common field mouse. Some of the more notable birds enumerated would include a large population of Eagles, Ravens, Woodpeckers, Song Birds, and Pink Flamingos. Seasonal migratory waterfowl would include Mallard Ducks, Lessor Canadian Goose, and Sand Hill Cranes.

Although, no photographic evidence is available, it is consider that it is very likely that an exotic specie also exists in the area. Undocumented evidence indicates that there is a possibility that two of the major bodies of water also contain Krocodiles. Origin of the specie is unknown, however, the early settlers in this area named these two bodies of water, Upper and Lower Kroc Pond. Not to be confused as the "original" Kroc Pond which has since been claimed as a Moose Wallow.

Based on the research and data collected on this area, considering that it was previously designated as a "Recreational Area" we have just received official documentation designating this area as a "Wildlife Refuge". Henceforth, this area can be referred to as "Hole In the Wall Recreational Area and Wildlife Refuge Area or HITWRAWRA, pronounced as HIT WRA WRA.

Example of the flourishing population of
the Snowshoe Hare that populates the HITWRAWRA


Migratory Waterfowl ~ Kroc Pond Area

The HITWRAWRA has a stable population of resident squirrels including the species
of "Claire Allen", "Butch", and "Sundance Kid".


Area received the designation as a "Wildlife Refuge" primarily due to the discovery of one particular specie that is considered endangered. The total population of this specie is unknown due to their rarity. This is the only known photograph of this rare specie. Although little biological data is known on this specie, however it is considered likely that this particular specie is a cross breed between a Kangaroo and Jack Rabbit.


2010-04-27

From Alberta to Finland,

and Thailand to the UK,
a lot of visitors have come to this site in some way.
just check out the feedjit map below, left. I only
hope that we can keep out any illegal aliens.

...like Arizona has recently decided. I'm not a big fan
of Jon Stewart, but his reference to that state being
"The meth lab of democracy" was a giggle.
This year, we need to be checking greeng cards
with the number of Messicans we have...


2010-04-24

H.I.T.W. Spring Update

With an occasional flock of Sand Hill Cranes flying overhead and the Bald Eagles returning to the river valley, spring is here. The Anchor River broke up on Lady Eagles birthday, most likely the easiest break up I have seen on the river. Did not have one ice jam on the lower river, the majority of the ice has exited the river except for a random ice berg left stranded on the beach to melt. Visited the river in a couple of spots this morning. Thought you might enjoy this, going to be a lot of fish lost on Gull Rock this season. It is a massive log jam.

The Hole In The Wall Recreation Area wintered very well. There is a small heaving on the deck of the Bear Den, Buffalo Wallow and Moose Den. However, it should settle back down once the frost is out of the ground. The Bear Den had similar heaving last spring. We did have a little roof damage on one cabin because of the snow load. I think it is fixable, if not we will build a new roof. Claire Allen's Food Cache roof caved in and she would like to have it repaired.

Everything else looks good, Bronco Lane is a mess but we had expected that with as rough as it was last summer. Talk to our gravel man, hope to get things dried out and as soon as road restrictions are removed, we will see what it is going to cost to resurface. Our winter campground host was so happy to see me this spring, she jumped up and down with joy. Claire Allen wintered well. This morning, our other host "Jack" the rabbit came running out from under the Moose Wallow and ran across the parking area.

I am delighted with the De-Waterization System. It is really working well, I got a little behind because we still had some ice in the cistern and the pump was frozen in. However, once the ice disappeared, it came on line and has been pumping steady. Nice flow of water from all directions into the cistern area. Bear Creek and John's Glacier Creek is flowing a moderate level of water. Grannies Gulch a small amount but there is still a lot of snow on that slope of the bowl. The North Slope is clear of all snow. Wood pile clear of snow. Cook tent floor is clear of all snow. The only problem that the water system has encountered can be solved. If anyone knows a plumma, you might have them keep an eye open for a larger pump that some client is no longer using.

The Lynx Clan will be out in early May to deliver a couple of goodies for our use. A propane kitchen range, a side by side refrigerator, and some birch for the fire pit. The refrigerator does not work, but we figured that it would work great for dry storage of bread, cereal, coffee, etc. Keep the doors closed, it should be Claire Allen proof, bless her little heart.

Putting out enough water into Upper and Lower Kroc Pond, we have a nice little gaggle of Mallards making it a "home site" for a few days. Would be nice if they remained in the area for the summer. They would make good kroc food and we would not have to watch the little ones so close. Their presence would also cut down on the having to buy "store bought eggs". Hmmm, perhaps some thought should be given to a chicken coop. The kids would love feeding the chickens and hauling away the poop. In the fall, each Clan could take a few chickens home to winter over. I will have to go visit that store that has the big sign, "Pick Up Chicks Here", maybe I will get lucky.




Over all, we are looking good and should be ready for visitors just as soon as we get a little drying.

2010-04-19

"Spring Is Declared" In The Northland

Proclamation 2010 ~ 1

Spring is officially declared in Anchor Point, Alaska with the break-up of the Anchor River on the evening of April 18, 2010

"The Forks"


"Bridge Hole" a.k.a. "Shane's Hole"

First Flock of Mallards In The Marsh ~ April 19, 2010



Little "Woodpecker" Returned To H.I.W. ~ April 18, 2010
(1st Great Granddaughter Natalie)
Playing Dress Up

Little "Woodpecker" Returned To H.I.W. ~ April 18, 2010
(2nd Great Granddaughter ~ Jim Riley a.k.a. Riley James)
Playing Dress Up

2010-04-07

Early Spring

This is a "real" sign that we are having an early spring. This "must read" booklet is normally not distributed until mid May! No changes this year as expected since our area is not in the mix of Fish Board hearings this year. However, watch out for next year! I have seen some early proposals, some good and then there are those that should be thrown in the trash can.




Fish Identification Class

Can You Identify this fish as to what specie?

2010-04-02

Historical Pictures

The night before the dawn of this day, the Master Beaver asked a question about the history of the "Hole in The Wall" and when the development started. I answered his questions as best I could. However, on this date, I was was cleaning out my office and came across my "old" briefcase. Opening it, I found a treasure chest of "old" pictures, some of which are priceless. Four of which, I have displayed below. Although they are priceless, you can obtain a "Limited Edition" print on a 8x10 format for the price of $19.95 per copy plus cost of shipment and appropriate Kenai Peninsula Sales Tax. Total Cost $24.95.

Since they are limited editions, insure you place your order early to insure that you obtain a copy of this priceless heirloom.

ORIGINAL CLAN MEMBERS

Shane and Dana ~ "Bear Clan"
Heath and Erica ~ "Moose Clan"




Eric and Shana ~ "Buffalo Clan


John and Heidi ~ "Wolf Clan"


Heath and Erica ~ "Moose Clan"
Shane and Dana ~ "Bear Clan"



This was the Christmas before I killed all the Goldfish, someone should have told me that you cannot gift wrap a "Goldfish" and expect it to live.