Cyber Monday

I'm not exactly known for being cutting edge or "with the times".   No Facebook, no Twitter, just this antiquated blog to get my thoughts out.  So, with that in mind, I figure it's time to do what the cool and smart kids have been doing for nine years (Cyber Monday debuted in 2005).

Here's the deal.  For one week, starting on Cyber Monday (12/1/14), any new reservations for fishing or lodging will be discounted 15%.   As my dad would say, "that's a heck of a deal!"

Happy Thanksgiving

photo courtesy of Francis Estalallia

It's Thanksgiving week which means the Holtan household is busy getting ready for the big day. Turkey to buy, pies to be made, trying to figure out who will and who won't make it are just a few of the preparations for Thursday.

Remember, whoever is or isn't at your table this year, be thankful.  I know I am.

Polar Vortex

Write your own caption....

Eagle Rock...Swift Water Boat Rescue Exercises

From September 17th until September 28th, Kenai hosted the 2014 Alaska Fire Conference.   250 firemen from across the state attended. The theme of the conference was "Physical Preparedness and Operational Readiness."   During the eleven days they spent one day training on the Kenai River and I just happened to be lucky enough to be on the water to observe it.

I watched the firemen cycle from the boat, to Eagle Rock, back to the boat, and to Eagle Rock again. This went on for several hours.

At the end of their exercises I definitely had the confidence that if I fell into the river there are firemen who trained for this emergency and are ready to rescue me.

On the ligher side. This day also added to my litany of Kenai River stories.   I'm oftened asked if I've ever seen an eagle on Eagle Rock.  I haven't, but next time, without hesitation, I can say, "no, but I've seen 10 firemen on it."

Fuller Lakes Trail

Last Saturday, I needed an excuse to get out and recreate so I called up my buddy Todd Laflamme to see if he wanted to go on a hike with Jane and me.   He thought that was a great idea and said we should meet at the Fuller Lakes Trail at noon.

The Fuller Lakes Trail is located at milepost 57 of the Sterling Highway.  For those of you familiar with Kenai Peninsula, the trailhead is 2.5 miles west of the Russian River Ferry parking area.

Lower Fuller Lake

The round trip hike is 5.8 miles.  It's considered a strenuous hike that takes between 4-6 hours.  The elevation gain is 1,400 feet.

Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) information indicates that along the trail you can see brown bears, black bears, dall sheep, moose, and willow ptarmigan.

They also say that Lower Fuller Lake has grayling, while Upper Fuller Lake has dolly varden.

Biologists have taken core samples from hemlock trees near Upper Fuller Lake and have found that some of them date back to the 1500's.  I wonder if this was one of them?
  

Here we are taking a moment to rest on our way back down to the trail head.  Skilak Lake is visible in the background.

Overall, this was a fun hike.  But, you'll need to be in reasonable shape to do it.  All three of us definitely had a few aches and pains the following day.  As far as fishing is concerned, I'm not so sure this is destination fishing spot.   Both lakes are small which leads me to believe the overall population will be too. I guess that means I'll have to check it out again when the lakes are ice free.