KTNA also spoke of snow arriving North of Fairbanks, earlier than normal. School has started and school buses have returned to the highway. They sport lights on the roof which seems like a good idea. The bank clock outside Wasilla said 51 degrees. Lack of sun and a steady drizzle makes it feel darn cold. I admit to turning the heat on in the RV and staying in bed longer than normal this morning.
Yesterday, on our shopping trip to Wasilla, we passed Montana Creek. A week ago, the roadsides here were crowded with the cars of fishermen who had parked to walk in to fish. The absence of parked cars, now suggests that maybe the Silver Salmon fishing has slowed down. We haven't been and Carlisle's boat sits idle at the end of the driveway, pulled from the water when she left 3 weeks ago. We would still like to get some fishing in, but hunting season is here. Our neighbor, Trapper Tim, and other local hunting guides have left for the mountains, guiding hunters to moose and sheep. Our own hunt for caribou will begin September 12th and we are getting organized. One reason for shopping in Wasilla was to look for ammunition. Bucky was surprised to find bare shelves in the three stores he visited. Radio advertisements, luring Alaskans to spend their PFD, permanent fund dividend, on a new truck or new snow machine before the snow flies, fill the airwaves, a sure sign of Fall. Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation The Permanent Fund was established to ensure that Alaskans would get long-term benefits from oil development. It is an important source of income, particularly for rural Alaskans. The Permanent Fund is currently valued at $45,713,000,000 (can that be true!) In 2012, $646,805 was paid to eligible Alaskans, each receiving $878. The amount fluctuates from year to year and is the topic of guesses until announced in October and often jokingly referred to by the more common moniker, personal floatation device, as it often is a lifesaver.
As our time in Alaska shortens, Bucky continues to improve the cabin. Our attached shed nears completion, and is already providing shelter and storage. We visited Home Depot while in Wasilla and came home with two base cabinets and a counter top to match the one in our kitchen. These will turn the new pantry into a great work area. Bucky placed plenty of outlets at counter height for small appliances and the microwave.
The entry to the new gear/tool storage. We're checking out what type and size antler to use as a door pull. Bucky constructed the door from birch harvested here on our AK land, cherry from our Ripton land and old strap hinges from VT. It has been satisfying to use the materials brought on our trailer from VT. Hopefully, the same trailer will bring caribou meat back to VT!
Looking from existing cabin into our new inside storage/pantry
We were planning to use the same hickory base cabinets as are in the cabin kitchen, but we were easily swayed into buying two less expensive unfinished oak cabinets. Some color was needed, so applying a Cabernet stain is my next assignment. I love Cabernet and may need some as I hate painting!
Carlisle has been away for the past three weeks. When she is here, she's a blond whirl wind whipping us with her energy and enthusiasm. Things are mellow in her absence. She is presently working for Silver Salmon Lodge, keeping their remote bear viewing tent camp secure. There was some cooking involved for overnight guests which had her a bit anxious until we thought of all the convenience foods the lodge would surely supply her with. Can't wait to hear the stories and see some bear pictures. This lodge is located on the coast in Lake Clark National Park, close to where we did our own fly out for bear viewing. Along with watching bears devour salmon, these lucky guests will sleep beneath the shadow of Mt. Iliamna, one of Alaska's many magnificent volcanoes. Our communication with Carlisle has been limited to a few fluky text messages and a garbled satellite phone call.
As anxious as we are for Carlisle's return, she has greater reason to be both anxious and excited. A new addition to her life is waiting for her. No, not a puppy! But, almost as cute.
Carlisle fullfilled her dream of owning her own airplane by partnering with another enthusiastic young pilot and purchasing N53778, a Citabria. It presently resides at the Talkeetna Airport, but will soon move to a smaller strip. Owning an airplane takes adventure and exploration to the next level. It is exciting to see a long sought after dream realized and we hope we can go along for the ride.