Friday, August 28, 2009
August 25th
I love Seagulls! They are here in great numbers. I wake up in the morning to there cries and enjoy watching them gather to feed along the river edge. The gulls along with many other animals are feeding upon the salmon carcases that litter the banks. After work I often find myself watching them bob under the water for, I believe, salmon eggs. The salmon aren't overly happy about this and will swim around the bird, nipping there paddling flippers.
August 24th
I sure do enjoy working with the centers raptors. Everyone at the center is very nice about sharing their knowledge about handling and giving pointers about the subject. Both Miranda and Lacie have been wonderful giving their time to the interpreters who are eager to learn. Not only have I had the opportunity to work with Katie and Kily but recently have earned the privilege to work with Pele. I'm already beginning to think about my future working with birds of prey and looking into volunteering at a center back in Wisconsin.
-Me and Pele.
-Me and Pele.
August 20th
I saw Dad off today. I knew he wasn't quite ready to leave when he woke up in the morning sighed heavily and gazed longingly out the window. I drove him to work in Ronda's PT Cruiser and we said our goodbyes. That day at work seemed a bit longer than usual, I was still in the carefree fishing mode.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
August 19th
The tide was in today and for the first time Dad and I weren't catching those fish endlessly like we were in the previous days. It took about two or so hours before the tide went out and our awesome fishing returned. We caught and bagged our limit, six to be donated to the Raptor Center and six to be flayed and smoked for future eating. What a gorgeous day. The sun made frequent appearances as blue sky showed itself. I could tell Dad was sucking it all in as much as he could for tomorrow he returns home.
-Look at how much the water carved out the river banks.
-We weren't the only ones out fishing that day.
-Our catch.
The bike ride back to S.J. is something I'll never forget. With a garbage bag containing six whole salmon for the Raptor Center, I road back to the dorms with Dad carrying our salmon keep. It didn't take long before the tiny hole in my bag split wide open and the slippery salmon scattered across the bike trail. Luckily we had a few grocery bags to stick the fish in and make it the rest of the way. What a sight that must have been for all of the cars driving by.
After dropping off the fish at the dorms we rode down to the Indian River bend directly across from the Raptor Center. This is the spot where Dad had located the bears runway and is also where the salmon ramp is located. We waited and watched for the bears and I began to take pictures of the salmon making there way up to the start of the ramp. It was so loud by the rapids I couldn't even hear Dad trying to get my attention. When looking up at him for what ever reason he pointed across the river. There feasting on a salmon was a much large bear than what we had been seeing at the center. It never even saw us as we gazed upon it. I couldn't seem to get a good picture though with the low lighting and my unsteady arms. Seeing this bear super close in that setting made me feel like I was on the Disneyland Jungle Safari, dorky as that sounds. It just didn't seem real having a bear that close and unaware of our presence.
-Salmon swarming around the base of the ramp.
-Shakie yet impressive picture of the bear.
-Look at how much the water carved out the river banks.
-We weren't the only ones out fishing that day.
-Our catch.
The bike ride back to S.J. is something I'll never forget. With a garbage bag containing six whole salmon for the Raptor Center, I road back to the dorms with Dad carrying our salmon keep. It didn't take long before the tiny hole in my bag split wide open and the slippery salmon scattered across the bike trail. Luckily we had a few grocery bags to stick the fish in and make it the rest of the way. What a sight that must have been for all of the cars driving by.
After dropping off the fish at the dorms we rode down to the Indian River bend directly across from the Raptor Center. This is the spot where Dad had located the bears runway and is also where the salmon ramp is located. We waited and watched for the bears and I began to take pictures of the salmon making there way up to the start of the ramp. It was so loud by the rapids I couldn't even hear Dad trying to get my attention. When looking up at him for what ever reason he pointed across the river. There feasting on a salmon was a much large bear than what we had been seeing at the center. It never even saw us as we gazed upon it. I couldn't seem to get a good picture though with the low lighting and my unsteady arms. Seeing this bear super close in that setting made me feel like I was on the Disneyland Jungle Safari, dorky as that sounds. It just didn't seem real having a bear that close and unaware of our presence.
-Salmon swarming around the base of the ramp.
-Shakie yet impressive picture of the bear.
August 18th
I worked today at the Center. Dad came in that afternoon to check out all the center had to offer. One ship that was scheduled to stop in Sitka had canceled that morning so I only gave one stage presentation for the day. I introduced Dad to all my coworkers, birds and the facility. We ate lunch on the back deck stairs and finished off the remaining banana split ice cream Jen and I had been purchased a few nights earlier. After punching back in from lunch, Pa explored the Centers hiking trails discovering many bear runs around the rivers bend.
-Me on the stage. Photo taken by my Pa.
-Visitors around the touch table.
-On the back deck.
After work, Dad, Tex and I made our way along the Indian River Trail to the waterfall. We kept at a steady pass and watched the time. I new the walk was long and our time before dark was limited. Dad was awestruck by the sights in this temperate rainforest and repetitively stated how unique of an ecosystem it was. I'm positive his favorite element of the forest was the giant trees that toward over us tiny travelers.
-Me, Dad and Tex at the muskeg lookout area.
-Epic shot!
-Dad posing by a giant Sitka Spruce.
The waterfall was a bit larger since Erik and I visited, results of the heavy rainfall. We discovered many clusters of salmon berry's at the base of the waterfall, one of the only places where they are left. I snacked on a few while Dad ravenously ate the remaining fruit to gain energy for the hike back into town. It was completely dark by the time we made it to the trail head. Jen was relived to see us when we returned to S.J. that night. We were both exhausted from the days excursion. We ordered a pizza and watched a movie till our eyes couldn't' stay open any longer.
-Berry picking.
-Me on the stage. Photo taken by my Pa.
-Visitors around the touch table.
-On the back deck.
After work, Dad, Tex and I made our way along the Indian River Trail to the waterfall. We kept at a steady pass and watched the time. I new the walk was long and our time before dark was limited. Dad was awestruck by the sights in this temperate rainforest and repetitively stated how unique of an ecosystem it was. I'm positive his favorite element of the forest was the giant trees that toward over us tiny travelers.
-Me, Dad and Tex at the muskeg lookout area.
-Epic shot!
-Dad posing by a giant Sitka Spruce.
The waterfall was a bit larger since Erik and I visited, results of the heavy rainfall. We discovered many clusters of salmon berry's at the base of the waterfall, one of the only places where they are left. I snacked on a few while Dad ravenously ate the remaining fruit to gain energy for the hike back into town. It was completely dark by the time we made it to the trail head. Jen was relived to see us when we returned to S.J. that night. We were both exhausted from the days excursion. We ordered a pizza and watched a movie till our eyes couldn't' stay open any longer.
-Berry picking.
August 17th
Fried salmon and eggs for breakfast! Back again at the mouth of Indian River. What a dramatic change! The shallow streams of the Indian River was now a raging rapids, results of the previous day and following night of heavy rain. Fishing was good again however and we stocked up on our now rather low salmon supply. Dad even caught a tiny Rock fish! I was getting pretty quick at filleting salmon, combination of preparing eagle diets at the Raptor Center and demonstrations from my Dad. This was a fun relaxed day.
-That waters high!
-Filleting the salmon. Look at all those salmon eggs!
-Pa and the rock fish.
-That waters high!
-Filleting the salmon. Look at all those salmon eggs!
-Pa and the rock fish.
August 16th
It was poring outside this morning. I have learned from my stay in Alaska that you can never plan around the weather because your perfect day won't always come. I really wanted to show Dad the far end of the island by Starrigavan where the mother and two bear cubs are located. We set off in the rain for Starrigavan, fishing pools strapped to my bike. I have only seen it rain that hard maybe two times since I have been here in Sitka. Pa and I were soaked the time we arrived at our destination. We began to fish wet but warm at the oceans edge. Just like the day before the fishing was exceptional with every cast came a fish. We were on level ground today so it was much easier to land our fish and return it into the ocean.
-Pa gazing at the Starrigavan viewing platform.
-More fish!
-This salmon makes me look small.
As Pa continued to fish I climbed the edge of the bridge to spot any bear activity. Sure enough, in the distance one of the cubs was walking in the estuary stream. I called for Dad to come take a look but in that short time that passed the bear had vanished. This was the results of a few obnoxious people flocking to the bears location.
Before heading out we stood and watched the salmon from the fish viewing platform. No bears made anymore appearances that day. With all the rain the previously low river was rising. You could actually watch the sandbars in the middle of the river disappear completely under the water.
The ride home was a bit chilly as it was getting close to dark. We made it back with our entire body's soaked to the bone. Our boots were completely waterlogged as well, I actually pored the reaming rainwater out of them. After a good hot shower it was salmon on the grill again tonight. No complaints here!
-Returning to S.J. very wet!
-Pa gazing at the Starrigavan viewing platform.
-More fish!
-This salmon makes me look small.
As Pa continued to fish I climbed the edge of the bridge to spot any bear activity. Sure enough, in the distance one of the cubs was walking in the estuary stream. I called for Dad to come take a look but in that short time that passed the bear had vanished. This was the results of a few obnoxious people flocking to the bears location.
Before heading out we stood and watched the salmon from the fish viewing platform. No bears made anymore appearances that day. With all the rain the previously low river was rising. You could actually watch the sandbars in the middle of the river disappear completely under the water.
The ride home was a bit chilly as it was getting close to dark. We made it back with our entire body's soaked to the bone. Our boots were completely waterlogged as well, I actually pored the reaming rainwater out of them. After a good hot shower it was salmon on the grill again tonight. No complaints here!
-Returning to S.J. very wet!
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
August 15th
Today was the first of many fishing days to come and we made sure to set the alarm. After another Huckleberry pancake and eggs breakfast, we sent off to find the perfect fishing destination. We started out passed Totem Park across form the trailer court. It wasn't long before Pa had caught a female pink salmon. These fish are simply beautiful, with their pink/green coloring and a spotted tail.
-Pa on the way to fish.
-First catch of the day.
We continued to fish moving down the shoreline trying to find the perfect location. We learned from a local that you can't fish the Pinks once they have entered the Indian River. They are protected while they are spawning to ensure their population for the future. It wasn't long before Dad had diapered behind the a rocky ledge that concealed the rivers mouth. Here is where the thousands of Pinks were congregating in the ocean, lining up to make their way into the rivers mouth. Here every cast was successful. Dad was in utter bliss has he reeled in fish after fish after fish. It was if he was in his youth again enjoying the simple pleasures of life without the burden of reality. I equally enjoyed capturing these moments through the eyes of my camera, though no picture could capture the phenomenon of salmon run. Unless you have experienced this event you can't even begin to imaging the sights we encountered that day. Fins were breaking the waters surface everywhere you looked with multiple fish jumping into the air endlessly, creating large slapping noses when they hit the surface. It was something to see when a gull flew close to the water creating a stamped of fish that lasted at times for 20 seconds or so.
-Dad by the rock wall.
-Salmon jump.
-Landing a humpie.
-Dad's first attempt using my camera. This blurr series is my favorite of the fishing photos!
-Look at that mouth.
-Gulls taking flight.
-Stampede in the water. Look at all those fins.
-Overjoyed.
Before dark after a long day of fishing we stopped at the Raptor Center to try to spot a bear. We were in luck as the young male was catching his fill in the river rapids. I was excited to show Dad his very first Brown Bear as I could tell he was super eager to see one. We watched until the bear disappeared into the forest.
-Da bear eating salmon.
After a quick bike ride to the grocery store we grilled our catch of the day. What a treat! The salmon tasted absolutely wonderful and there was defiantly more were that came from. We turned in for the night tired and full but ready for the next day of adventure.
-Grilling out.
-Dinner is served!
-Pa on the way to fish.
-First catch of the day.
We continued to fish moving down the shoreline trying to find the perfect location. We learned from a local that you can't fish the Pinks once they have entered the Indian River. They are protected while they are spawning to ensure their population for the future. It wasn't long before Dad had diapered behind the a rocky ledge that concealed the rivers mouth. Here is where the thousands of Pinks were congregating in the ocean, lining up to make their way into the rivers mouth. Here every cast was successful. Dad was in utter bliss has he reeled in fish after fish after fish. It was if he was in his youth again enjoying the simple pleasures of life without the burden of reality. I equally enjoyed capturing these moments through the eyes of my camera, though no picture could capture the phenomenon of salmon run. Unless you have experienced this event you can't even begin to imaging the sights we encountered that day. Fins were breaking the waters surface everywhere you looked with multiple fish jumping into the air endlessly, creating large slapping noses when they hit the surface. It was something to see when a gull flew close to the water creating a stamped of fish that lasted at times for 20 seconds or so.
-Dad by the rock wall.
-Salmon jump.
-Landing a humpie.
-Dad's first attempt using my camera. This blurr series is my favorite of the fishing photos!
-Look at that mouth.
-Gulls taking flight.
-Stampede in the water. Look at all those fins.
-Overjoyed.
Before dark after a long day of fishing we stopped at the Raptor Center to try to spot a bear. We were in luck as the young male was catching his fill in the river rapids. I was excited to show Dad his very first Brown Bear as I could tell he was super eager to see one. We watched until the bear disappeared into the forest.
-Da bear eating salmon.
After a quick bike ride to the grocery store we grilled our catch of the day. What a treat! The salmon tasted absolutely wonderful and there was defiantly more were that came from. We turned in for the night tired and full but ready for the next day of adventure.
-Grilling out.
-Dinner is served!
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