July 4th weekend blasted Talkeetna with warm, make that hot temperatures, blue skies and a frantic desire to cram every summer activity into three days. This is an ongoing problem in a place of never ending daylight and where long stretches of rain can dampen our sprirts. But, days of rain are likely followed by days of sun. The activity switch goes from the off position, reading on the couch covered with a fuzzy blanket, or in my case my purple polar bear pants, to the on position, game on! Each spontaneously planned activity involves its own style of packing. Life jackets, stuff sacks of food, coolers, extra warm clothes despite the 90 degree heat, fishing gear, bug spray, pistol and we're off to the boat; extra clothes, camera, flight plan,
credit card and we're off to the plane. Regardless, it's a frantic rush, with each of us heading a different direction retrieving gear, so as not to miss a minute of fun in the sun. Our first trip up the Talkeetna was luxurious. Rather than bouncing along in Lisle's small boat, we were powering in style, having been granted use of an inboard used in Carlisle's work. It will be hard to ever find the small boat comfortable again! However, the inboard's fuel consumption, makes small seem somewhat more desireable.
Our intent was to scout the Talkeetna for salmon, but it was quickly apparent that they had not yet arrived. We then decided to try Fish Creek for trout. A more beautiful stream would be hard to find anywhere. A few small beaver ponds completed our quest.
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| first trout on a fly |
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| Show off! |
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Fish Creek did not disappoint!
Bear paws |
The glacial waters of the Talkeetna are always changing. The river's many braids, make navigation interesting. Our return home was a fast and exciting journey, punctuated by launching over a gravel bar, when taking "the road less traveled". Lisle, never one to hesitate, used full throttle, resulting in just the slightest jerk and grind. High fives all around.
am I right?
Is this the braid?
In my opinion, there is never a bad day on the river. I would gladly spend most days on the water, fish or not. We're thankful for the opportunities provided to us through Lisle and her wonderful friends.
putting distance between ourselves and Clear Creek
Captain and crew
