The fog hung thick over the bay that morning. We left the Homer Spit on the Sea Predator, a power cat that cut steady through the gray water. The captain said the fishing would be good. It was. I brought up two halibut first. They were small. We measured them and let them go back… Continue reading The King in the Fog
Author: heistad
The Jeep, the Hill, and the Homestead Cabin
After the good days in Seward, I went on to Homer for more fishing. The road ran close to the Kenai. The river was wide and clear, full of men standing with rods. They cast and waited. It looked fine, the fishing, but there were too many of them. I thought I would come back… Continue reading The Jeep, the Hill, and the Homestead Cabin
Dipnetting: An Alaskan Tradition
At the Kasilof special use area, a peculiar and distinct practice unfolds – dipnetting for salmon, a pastime exclusive to Alaskan residents. Armed with oversized nets, they plunge them into the water, wait with bated breath, then hoist them back up, their triumph revealed as a gleaming salmon rests within. Success comes swift, as native… Continue reading Dipnetting: An Alaskan Tradition
Whales and Glaciers: A Tale of Nature’s Drama
A distant whoosh broke the silence, signaling their arrival. Tails and humps breached the surface, a grand display of their presence – whales, graceful and powerful. We tracked their movements, waiting patiently as time slipped by. Suddenly, a flurry of birds swarmed, signaling their feast on the abundant fish. And there, before our eyes, the… Continue reading Whales and Glaciers: A Tale of Nature’s Drama
Adventures in Seward: Of Porpoises, Otters, and Silver Salmon
After a few more days of unwinding, I chartered a boat for a leisurely ride, and perhaps a bit of fishing. As we glided across the water, the fish finder hummed with anticipation. Then, a sudden splash like an unexploded depth charge. I rushed to the bow and witnessed a group of playful dal porpoises,… Continue reading Adventures in Seward: Of Porpoises, Otters, and Silver Salmon
After the Dalton: Discovering Serenity in Seward, Alaska
Rest and solace beckoned after the rough ride on the Dalton Highway, and I found my respite in Seward, Alaska. Nestled amidst protective hills, the town’s expansive marina was more than one would expect for its size. Locals hurried, but the rest of us took our time, savoring the unhurried pace. A picturesque trail traced… Continue reading After the Dalton: Discovering Serenity in Seward, Alaska
Journey on the Dalton Highway: Between Pristine Perfection and the Quagmire of Mud
The Dalton Highway, a rugged artery etched into the Alaskan wilderness, reveals its true nature through the ever-changing road surface. Just before the reaches of Deadhorse and much further down the line, a stretch of pristine perfection unfolds, rivaling the finest asphalt known to man. It’s a sight to behold, a testament to human ingenuity.… Continue reading Journey on the Dalton Highway: Between Pristine Perfection and the Quagmire of Mud
Conquering Deadhorse: Embracing the Arctic’s Bleak Beauty
Finally, I made it to Deadhorse. The view was bleak, with a river that seemed nothing more than a drainage ditch cutting through a gravel parking lot. There, a lone tour company offered passage through the secure oilfields of Prudhoe Bay. Not the most scenic trip, but it didn’t matter. At long last, I stood… Continue reading Conquering Deadhorse: Embracing the Arctic’s Bleak Beauty
Wild Encounters on the Road to Deadhorse: Conquering Dysentery and Meeting Musk Oxen
After conquering dysentery, I diligently cleaned and refreshed all my supplies before hitting the road once more towards Deadhorse. Leaving Gailbrath Lake with renewed determination, I kept a keen eye out for any wildlife that might cross my path. In the distance, a brown figure emerged, resembling the shape of a bear. Grabbing my field… Continue reading Wild Encounters on the Road to Deadhorse: Conquering Dysentery and Meeting Musk Oxen
Unforeseen Obstacles: A Retreat from Gailbrath Lake
Gailbrath Lake, nestled in its awe-inspiring surroundings, beckoned me with its tranquil beauty. The rolling hills and majestic snow-capped peaks created a picturesque backdrop, while the serene waters invited me to find solace. It was a sanctuary of peace and promise, a place where serenity was within reach. But fate dealt a harsh blow as… Continue reading Unforeseen Obstacles: A Retreat from Gailbrath Lake