FishTaxi

Map Decor

2012-01-31T20:06:00.004-09:00

Colorful topography maps of Alaska the kids in Valdez school made.

Shorter Nights

2012-01-30T20:43:00.002-09:00

The winter days are getting noticably longer. South Central is gaining about 5 minutes a day. During this latest cold snap, being clear & cold, the sunsets have been magnificant.

Operation Snow Globe

2012-01-27T23:00:00.003-09:00

I put a red arrow pointing to the FishTaxi. We all gathered in the Valdez HS gym for this shot of the whole gang. Photo compliments of the City of Valdez. They gave us all copies with our checks and printed a poster size which we all signed. Quite the deal.

Happy Horse

2012-01-25T18:42:00.005-09:00

Back home in the valley of the horses. Looks like spring around here compared to Valdez; snow wise.

Bumper to Bumper was able to fix my tail lights in under 20 minutes for $20. It was a fuse. Ordered a front headlight & right blinker assembly on-line. No junkyard in the state had one. Kendall Toyota in Anchorage would have had to order it, too. I found it used for $150 less.

Soon my horse (van) will be as good as new and ready to ride!

Moose Mishap

2012-01-24T15:06:00.004-09:00

I clipped a calf moose following close behind the cow who darted out in front of me at Milepost 50 of the Richardson Hwy on my way down to Valdez.

It was dark & snowing. I was going about 40-45mph. When all of a sudden there they were, about 30ft in front of me, crossing the road.

Moose collisions are not only breaking vehicles this year they are breaking records. With the deep snow in the mountains they are hanging low in the valleys. More moose on the roads, train tracks & neighborhoods causes more chance of encounters. Most not friendly.

As I braked and turned into a slid to the left, hoping to miss the calf, when my right front collided with its right rear haunch. The impact knocked it off its feet sending its rear onto my hood. Then bounced off towards the right snowbank and luckily not into my windshield & front seat.

My mechanic in Valdez punched out the dent (my hood opens!) and duct-taped the plastic blinker cover back on but wasn't able to fix the electrical problem. No tail lights! So I scooted back to the Mat-Su Valley during the day light & have an appointment at Bumper to Bumper tomorrow to see if they can find the short. Also lost the plastic blinker cover somewhere so I am checking junk yards. Must have needed MORE duct-tape!

On the way back I saw a lone cow moose at 50 Mile with no calf. I feel so bad.

Be careful out there and don't over run your headlights like I did. No matter what the speed limit or road conditions the moose are out there. Closer than you think.

Valdez Snow Spill

2012-01-18T18:28:00.009-09:00

Workers climbing the snowbank to get to the roof.

Shadows on the gym wall of some workers on the opposite roof.

Ladder to the roof of Valdez High School.

Workers are lifted on top of Valdez High School gymnasium. This is where I bowed out.

Got me a job in the kitchen cooking for all the hard working, starving snow shovelers out in the bitter cold now that it stopped snowing. For a while.

Valdez Snow Removers

2012-01-13T22:57:00.008-09:00

Big loaders blow the snow out of the way.

Old street signs are made into cutters to cut the snow into blocks.

The saws laying against the snowbank on the left are nifty snow cutters, too. The scoops pick up the blocks of snow.

We push the scoops full of snow to a snow shoot. This is to miss having to move the snow twice off an already shoveled roof. The snow slides easy on the plastic as long as the loaders can keep up with removal.

I'm working 2nd shift and it looks like it could last a couple more weeks! About a hundred city buildings need to have the snow removed.

Follow the Snow

2012-01-10T20:46:00.004-09:00

Heading down to my old stomping grounds in the morning. Seems good ol' Valdez town is in need of snow manicurists big time. Nothing pressing is happening here in the valley so I might as well "follow the snow" & "make some pennies from heaven". Be fun to visit old friends & take some pics too!

Photo above from the Valdez Star. Its an Alyeska photo release from the Valdez Marine Terminal

Big RED

2012-01-09T17:32:00.002-09:00

Nice spawning Kenai Sockeye caught & released by a Jimmie Jack fishing guide. Almost looks fake.

Bingo Mania

2012-01-05T21:54:00.003-09:00

Something fun to do in the deep, dark winter is play BINGO! Especially if you win like I did tonight! There are smoking & non-smoking rooms. You can still smoke at BINGO, the bars, in cabs & owner's choice restaurants in the valley. Thurs-Sunday nights with late-nights Friday & Saturday. I like that they start at 6:30 and I'm home by 9:30. And tonight about $150 ahead!

Located at 6445 E. Blue Lupine Rd. in Wasilla.

Die Hard Fisherman

2012-01-04T19:56:00.005-09:00

December 20th on the Upper Kenai bridge.

Took these pictures driving back to the valley from the Kenai Pennisula. In between storms that almost closed the highway. Lots of snow so far this winter. Nothing compared to Valdez though.

T-Shirt Weather

2012-01-03T18:10:00.004-09:00

This boxboy said he wasn't fazed by the below zero weather. Took his coat off to go outside.

Twig Eater

2012-01-02T19:49:00.005-09:00

Over 30 years in Alaska and I still get excited & grab my camera when I see a moose.

Moose means "Twig Eater" in native tongue. Makes sense because thats what they eat. In the winter (-17 degrees today) they subsist on spruce tips.

Their long legs enable them to walk in deep snow. They can move fast for their size and seem clumsy but can gallop up to 35 miles per hour!

The last pic is of his butt going down the hill. He was moving fast.

Happy Twenty Dozen!

2012-01-01T22:16:00.003-09:00

My New Year's Resolution is to keep this blog up and running. After taking a little break & enjoying the holidays its back to work. If you can call this work. I love taking pictures & sharing them with the world. I have a book in me that I want to write, too. So Happy New Year & stay tuned.

Sockeye Salmon Coma

2011-12-04T18:39:00.005-09:00

When the winter days get shorter and summer days are long gone is when sockeye salmon hits the spot more than ever.

This is just an easy fix fried in butter and smothered with onions.

With the leftovers I make Salmon Salad or whatever strikes my mood. Could be tacos, patties, quiche, lasagna, dip, chowder, mentai, California rolls, wraps or a good ol' sandwich.

High in omega-3 fatty acids salmon sure helps with the winter dundrums!

Christmas In Rehab

2011-11-30T21:27:00.000-09:00

Whale of a Show

2011-11-25T22:37:00.000-09:00

Fish Cups

2011-11-14T20:47:00.004-09:00

It's been like an early Christmas for me around here unpacking the "Totes of My Life" one more time. Now I know why I've been hauling them around & and paying storage fees.

My set of five fish cups that I just love! Unbreakable Sterling China Made in the good ol' U.S. of A. East Liverpool, Ohio to be exact. I found them at a garage sale in Fairbanks about 20 years ago.

My teapot I got at Sagaya's back when it was a little store in Spenard about that same time. Its not even broke in yet.

Care for a spot of tea?

Hike!

2011-11-12T19:52:00.004-09:00

Musher's lingo for giddy-up and go is "Hike!" Not "Mush!" like I always thought. Snapped this picture out my rolled down window driving down KGB. One shot and I got it. All this snow makes for happy sled dogs. Not so happy people. One guy at the bar last night rolled his truck. Got a ride with somebody else and they rolled. He was back at the bar today alive to tell about it. His truck was still in the ditch when I drove by. Maybe he should take up mushing. Or hiking.

Knik Style BBQing

2011-11-11T22:41:00.003-09:00

Weather permitted bbqing New York Steaks my first night!

Not only did I learn how to make pizzas I learned how to make the pizza boxes!

So happy I got a fun job cooking. It will make the winter go by fast.

Got Wood?

2011-11-10T17:25:00.004-09:00

Knik Historic District

2011-11-09T18:02:00.003-09:00

Landed myself a cooking job at the Knik Bar & Grill in the Knik (pronounced Ka-Nik) Historic District today. Located at Mile 13.5 of the scenic Knik-Goose Bay Road. A popular route to interior Alaska before Anchorage was even on the map. Dog-mushing is the word out there & the first 15 miles of Knik Road are now designated as the Joe Redington Sr. Memorial Trail in memory of the Father of the Iditarod Sled Dog race. Went on quite a few interviews around the valley and was actually picked to be hired for a couple (one was cooking at an old folks home & another was cooking in a bagel shop) but held out for this job. It was a bold move in this economy I know. But, with the money I saved all summer I could afford to be a bit choosy.

This is the back door to the nice commercial kitchen. Friday night is steak night and I will be grilling on that grill outside. (Weather Permitting!)

Northern Lights Norway Style

2011-11-06T13:31:00.000-09:00

Take 5 and watch this:

Norway's Northern Lights

11/1/11 Alaska Aurora

2011-11-01T11:37:00.000-08:00

SNOW YES!!!

2011-10-30T19:50:00.000-08:00

First dusting of snow in the valley this morning. Not quite an inch at my house.

Photo by Erin Kirkland

Here's an Alaska kid realizing he won his AK FAM SNOW BET. First time he didn't pick his birthday.

FIshTaxi on Terra Da Gente!

2011-10-29T15:12:00.000-08:00

Halibut Chowder and more...

2011-10-25T20:39:00.001-08:00

Time has been going by fast getting ready for winter. No snow in the valley yet but today it was raining & blowing hard. When it partly cleared this rainbow showed up on Wasilla Lake.

Made Halibut Chowder which is basically Potato Soup with fresh (frozen) halibut chunks added right before the cream and roux. Next I am going to make Spicy Salmon Chowder which is like a Manhatten style with Jamaican Jerk spices. Sounded good to me and its the time of year for soups, chowders & fresh bread. The picture is of the Halibut Chowder warming up on my sister's woodstove.

Here is the link to the 1st installment of the "Global Reporter"

The Global Reporter goes Kenai King fishing with Jimmie Jack Fishing! Watch & enjoy great camera work & reporting from Brazilian TV. Next week I will be featured halibut fishing with them. Stay tuned!

Food of the Rainbow

2011-10-12T11:22:00.001-08:00

Pass the Sausage!

Try eating one color at a time. New diet!

Talk about Blue Cheese

Ice Cream WINNER!!!

Found here

Hood Art

2011-10-09T22:14:00.000-08:00

Looks like a 1976 Ford Torino hood to me. One of a kind!

This roadside show is off the Old Glenn Highway known as the Butte.

I've got to go back to this place. I could spend hours there taking pics and talking with the old proprieter. This carnival ride works. Just isn't motor driven anymore. It is "People driven." he said.

George's Rock

2011-10-07T17:49:00.003-08:00

Wasilla is at Mile 42 of George Parks Highway (Alaska 3). George Alexander Parks was Alaska's territorial governor from 1925 til 1933. Originally known as the Anchorage/Fairbanks Hwy it received its current name in 1975. The highway was completed in 1971. The earthmovers must have ran into this rock and set it on the shores of Wasilla Lake for a monument to George back then.

Caught on Tape: Fish Uses Tool to Get Food - Animal News: Animal Planet

2011-10-04T21:02:00.000-08:00

Caught on Tape: Fish Uses Tool to Get Food - Animal News: Animal Planet

Off the Kenai

2011-10-02T22:07:00.004-08:00

Beautiful drive off the Kenai Friday. All the fall colors with the torquoise Kenai river passing by. I was too much in a hurry to stop and take any pics. Lots of time to reflect on the wonderful summer I had fishing, meeting people from all over and basically loving my life in Alaska.

Having a couple coolers full of fish on board felt good, too.

Kenai Edge

2011-09-23T19:45:00.006-08:00

The mouth of the Kenai River

The picnic table only has bench seats on the safe side.

Erosion, earthquake or shakey legs...I wasn't getting close to the edge. Nice view from a little out of the way park I found in Old Town Kenai.

8 More

2011-09-21T19:29:00.006-08:00

Sunsets at the lodge that is. Time is getting short for me. The season is winding down to a halt soon. Luckily I have a lot to do so the time should go by fast & then slow down while I get ready for winter. HaHa I Wish!

Grab a fork...and a Leg

2011-09-20T18:40:00.001-08:00

Snapping Ray Troll T-shirts

2011-09-19T19:12:00.008-08:00

Stopped by Snug Harbor Seafoods today to pick up my smoked silver salmon and got carried away snapping pictures of the Ray Troll T-shirts. Every one of them is fantastic! Very good point.

Kind of out there.

The ugly truth.

Good book.

Fast fish!

Awwww.

Brilliant!

My favorite.

Home 4 Life

2011-09-18T19:15:00.000-08:00

Here is the new business card of the company who are the brawns & brains behind my new abode.
Thank-you Home 4 Life for giving me the inspiration and know-how to have my own place again. I might not own the spot its on but with your design features it is movable.

My own space! I can't wait! Groundbreaking was today.

Vote for Salmon

2011-09-15T17:31:00.001-08:00

Salmon for Assembly

Salmon for Governor

Salmon for President

Sounds good to me!

Little Red Cooler

2011-09-13T21:43:00.004-08:00

Had a great time on my roadtrip week vacation. The weather was sunny most of the time with the fall colors changing fast. Lots of campfires, roasted hotdogs and s'mores.

Came back with exciting news and solid plans for the winter. I changed my mind about the Hawaiian Islands and opted for joining my sister's Home For Life program and building a model gertee. Hired a carpenter, rented an awesome space in an RV park with water, sewer & electric hookups so this will be a modern gertee ( a cross between a yurt & a teepee).

So back to work tomorrow to finish out the season and look forward to winter near family in my own warm & cosy humble abode.

And my little red cooler came back empty. Ready to be filled up again!

One Last Breakfast

2011-09-06T18:51:00.004-08:00

After 88 days in a row cooking breakfast & making lunches and all the other things a lodge momma does I HAVE A WEEK OFF!!!

A week to go to the valley to visit family & friends!

The job isn't over til the end of the month tho. The last guests left this morning and a group is coming in the 18th so I need to get a jump on that. Plus we are already improving for next year. And I want to wrap the lodge up since I will be the one unwrapping.

I am looking forward to sleeping in tomorrow. Then taking a leisurely road trip off the Kenai with frozen halibut, sockeye and cohos on board.

Come along for the ride!

Dave's killer Bread

2011-09-02T19:45:00.002-08:00

Just say NO to bread on drugs!
All summer long I've been making the fisherman's sack lunch sandwiches with Dave's killer Bread. It costs a little more than 6 bucks a loaf but well worth the price when everyone raved about my killer sandwiches. You can't go wrong with killer sandwich bread to begin with.

His story makes for good table talk, too. Above is a picture I took right off the back of the loaf. There is website you can learn more about Dave's killer Bread and order it on-line if you are not lucky enough to have it for sale in a store near you.

Also, Dave's killer bread makes KILLER toast with marionberry jelly!

My Boss on TV

2011-09-01T20:14:00.000-08:00

Come On Down To My Boat Baby!

2011-08-30T20:10:00.003-08:00

In 1967 Every Mother's Son song Come On Down To My Boat Baby made it to #6 on the Top Forty chart.

This boat reminds me of that song. I tried to link to the song but blogger won't let me. Check it out if you can!

Caribou, Eagle & Ducks

2011-08-29T20:48:00.005-08:00

Hung out with a few Common Mergansers, G-U-11s and the American Bald Eagle on the Kenai River this afternoon fishing for silvers. Two days in row I caught fish!

This is the last week of semi-busy at the lodge. Its been a great summer, and now there is time for me to go fishing, too.

The leaves are starting to turn and the caribou are on the move. Great time to be silver fishing and stock up for the winter. I believe September 1st, the limit goes up to 3 a day, on the Kenai.

Sunday Fly-In

2011-08-28T18:33:00.008-08:00

7am check-in at the float plane dock as it was just getting light. This was a trip our guests enjoyed all summer. So today we all went on the trip with Alaska West Air.

Jimmy Jack, his wife Rosie, Jacob behind me, Catdaddy and Big Jim. The plane is a 1958 Otter.

The pilot got to where we could see this BIG bull moose out the plane window.

Bears like to fish, too. We gave this guy lots of space!

On the way back from being dropped off for the day to fish for silvers our pilot flew us over the glacier.

I certainly enjoyed this trip and now I know why our guests came back so wide-eyed and humbled by our great state of Alaska.

And yes I tipped!

And now

2011-08-27T20:31:00.007-08:00

I proudly present for your viewing pleasure, my favorite flower, Livingstone Daisies!!!

August Morning

2011-08-24T20:06:00.002-08:00

This was the sunrise Tuesday morning around 5am. Then turning around towards Mt. Redoubt it looked like below.

The fireweed is getting closer to full bloom.

Fish Fests

2011-08-23T18:46:00.003-08:00

The Kenai Peninsula is all about the FISH!!!

Good Sign

2011-08-22T19:46:00.003-08:00

This "Help Wanted" sign went up today. My guess is the most educated migrant workforce in the world, American college students, went back to school after working the slime line all summer. And the fish are still running in Alaska. HELP WANTED!!!

River Scenes

2011-08-20T19:54:00.004-08:00

That is Mt. Redoubt in the distance. The volcano you can see directly across from the lodge.

This puppy was having too much fun on the river.

This was a spawned out king salmon still swimming up the river to die at his place of birth.

Silvers Anyone?

2011-08-19T12:58:00.005-08:00

Here is my first silver of the day. Everyone on board limited out. Not only was the fishing great the weather was perfect. Thanks boss for taking me fishing!

Waiting for our boats to pick us was this little girl dressed and ready. Shortly after we got our poles in the water I saw her hook in to a coho (silver) salmon and fight it to the end! I was too happy for her to pull out my camera. We all clapped & cheered when her grandpa netted her first SS of the day.

Bountiful day on the Kenai river!

Becky's Garden

2011-08-05T20:06:00.006-08:00

I am so lucky to have my friend Becky down here on the Kenai. She used to live in Valdez when I met her and we have been friends since. She is an awesome artist and her house and yard are amazing.

The perfect place for me to go unwind from the lodge.

Her pool shows how much rain we had in the last few days. It has been one wet August so far.

These are her white delphiniums she planted years ago for her daughters wedding.

And here is Becky with her humongus cauliflower.

Camper Power

2011-08-03T17:31:00.003-08:00

"Funny River or Bust"

There really is a Funny River. Its a tributary that empties into the Kenai River.

It wasn't a bust!

Hello August

2011-07-31T19:26:00.005-08:00

Where did July go? Sure went by fast. As it always does. Looking at August's schedule it looks like July here at the lodge. Which is good! We like busy. Not quite a full house tonight but we will by the end of the week.

The flowers are looking good and this poppy popped out today.

One of the guides "Catdaddy" is sporting a new Willie Boat this year. Even has his name on it. Jimmie Jack Fishing runs nothing but Willie Boats.

Goodbye July and King fishing. Dipnetting is also closed. Next up is Silvers!

The Defense Rests

2011-07-30T20:14:00.002-08:00

Patrick Wisdom and the Oilers

2011-07-29T19:45:00.004-08:00

All summer long I've been listening to the Kenai Peninsula Oilers baseball games on the radio. I love the boys of summer!

Normally the games start at 7pm which is too late for me to go since I get up at 3:30 to make breakfast and lunch for hungry sport fisherman.

Today was a double header with the first game starting at 4pm. It also happened to be the clincher that gave the Oilers the Alaska Baseball League championship!

A name I kept hearing all summer was Patrick Wisdom. Not surprising he leads the league in Home Runs and Runs Batted In.
Watch for this kid to be in the Major League soon. I'm thinking the Seattle Mariners ought to pick him up before some other team does.

Look for Patrick Wisdom and Oilers in Wichita, Kansas on TV for the NBC World Series August 3rd. Congratulations OILERS!

Salmon Dancers

2011-07-28T20:07:00.006-08:00

Went trolling for Kings with no bait on this awesome day on the Kenai. More like a boat ride since nobody caught a king. These fisherman are "flipping" for reds. You step around til you find a spot that snags the fish. They call it the salmon dance. Kind of looks like they are two-stepping, dosen't it?

This funny Japanese tourist is getting his picture taken hanging from the weigh-in hook like he was a halibut or something.

Here is where the serious fishing is going on. The setnetters and the driftnetters taking their piece of the pie. Right out in front of the lodge. It is cool to watch. Especially on a day like today.

King Killer Eggs

2011-07-26T20:18:00.004-08:00

For lunches once a week I color hard-boiled eggs and write JimmieJackFishing.com on them. These are for folks from the lodge that are going King fishing on the Kenai or Kasilof rivers only. I don't send them in the lunch with folks going halibut fishing or the fly-in sockeye/bear viewing trips for various reasons.

I wrap them in a napkin and add salt & pepper to the snack bag.

For added fun and luck I also pack Swedish Fish and Werther's Original and Caramel Coffee hard candies. When I caught my King I kissed a Swedish Fish and threw the fat-free candy in the Kenai River saying "to the Fish Gods!" Luck was on my side of the boat when a King hit my pole shortly after.

Try it!

Do Not Wash

2011-07-25T19:59:00.004-08:00

Mt. Redoubt showing through the clouds.

This guest was sporting his lucky fishing shirt today. Another nice group of fisherpeople staying at the lodge from Colorado, Washington state, California and St. Louis. Happy to be catching halibut, Kings and Sockeye salmon.

Good time of year to be in Alaska.

North to JJ's

2011-07-24T19:45:00.004-08:00

Its not every day at the lodge that a cabover camper pulling a homemade meat trailer pulls up to check in. Drove all the way from Colorado, too.

Took this picture the other day from upstairs in the lodge. Where the campers will be staying this week. Last week of King fishing on the Kenai. It closes the 31st.

Then its Silvers!

Moose Mountain

2011-07-22T18:46:00.006-08:00

Thats Mt. Redoubt across Cook Inlet and a moose that made a visit to the lodge today.

Check out the hooves of this cow moose. Kind of elfy looking. I've heard about this happening to urban moose. From walking on pavement they think.

Fat Freezers

2011-07-20T20:04:00.005-08:00

The freezers are filling up here at Jimmie Jacks crew's quarters. The freezer up top is halibut proccessed by Snug Harbor Seafoods. The one below holds bait and red salmon fillets vacuumed packed by one of the guides.

Next year I will have my canning equipment here and can Kenai River reds. They're not Copper River but a reds a red. I will find the time!

Gary Superman for Borough Mayor

2011-07-19T19:21:00.003-08:00

If I was a registered Kenai voter I would cast my mayoral vote for Mr. Superman!

Alaskans Dipnetting the Kenai

2011-07-18T20:41:00.010-08:00

Any Alaskan resident with 2 arms and 2 legs AND that can get off work will be hitting the Kenai this week. With a record run of sockeye salmon this year there will plenty to go around the state's table and the world. A half a million fish are estimated to have stampeded the Kenai River in the last 48 hours. The run could last a week. So throw down your pole and pick up a dipnet. If you are an Alaskan resident that is.

Cook Inlet Boat Launchers

2011-07-17T19:29:00.005-08:00

This is how they launch halibut fishing boats in Cook Inlet...with loaders. I am pretty sure that is Mt. Augustine in the background. Took these pictures from the beach near the Anchor River.

Arctic Kitty Cat

2011-07-16T21:22:00.002-08:00

My friends' new farm kitty resting on an Arctic Cat snowmachine runner was just too cute to resist!

Back in Action

2011-07-14T19:43:00.005-08:00

My Norton anti-virus subscription ran out and prevented me from going on-line. Sounds to me like Norton is the virus. With no bank account and not being able to go on-line I went to Walmart and bought Norton and woolah! Back on-line!

Took this picture the other day, out the window, downstairs at the lodge. Its always an awesome day when you can see what Mt. Redoubt, an active volcano, is doing.

the "Unforgiven"

2011-07-08T18:40:00.010-08:00

So far July has been as jammed packed as you can get it. When I am not flipping the lodge, greeting new guests/saying goodbye to old, cooking, making lunches and shopping I am going FISHING every chance I can get. Which happened the day after the 4th of July weekend.

It was the most beautiful day yet. A little foggy near land where they launch the boat near Deep Creek. It is really cool how they do it. A loader backs the stern of the boat while on the trailer into the water til the jet engines are started for take off to the fishing grounds. NO DOCK!

Everybody climbs on board up the ladders. With us this trip with Capatain Frank and his deckhand Charlie were my boss Jimmie Jack and his wife Rosy, 2 guests at the lodge from Brazil who are filming a documentary on Alaska and me.

Here is Jimmie Jack pulling up an 100# halibut all caught on camera.

Jimmie Jack ruled the boat that day with the 2 biggest fish when he added a 70 pounder to the box as the last fish caught. My two were much smaller like the one at their feet.

We couldn't have asked for a better day to be out on the water fishing Cook Inlet.

This is the Brazilian reporter talking to his cameraman while holding the halibut. Quite dramatic but it makes for good tv.

The end result! Also if you check out ktuu-channel 2 in Anchorage Jimmie Jack is featured in this weeks fishing report. GotoAk.com from the home page and look for the fishing report. Pretty cool!

Feather Beach

2011-06-28T19:33:00.004-08:00

The beach out in front of the lodge. Some friends who came to visit found agates. I found a seagull feather sticking up out of the rocks.

Food Taxi

2011-06-26T20:44:00.004-08:00

Fish are jumping on the Kenai and Jimmie Jacks Lodge has a full house booked through July. The white board below shows who goes where and when on any given day. My idea. Helps me a lot because even though guests are given a folder with their itinerary (and most questions answered) when they arrive I guess most don't actually read them and there is no way I'm going to remember. Heck, by the time they leave I remember their name. If they tip I'm 100% sure of it.

Million Dollar Pool

2011-06-21T19:27:00.005-08:00

Out the north road on the Kenai Spur Hwy in the small town of Nikiski is a beautiful pool. When they built it back in the early eighties it cost a million dollars. Well worth every penny in todays dollars. Bought a punch card and went swimming in it for the first time today. No, I didn't go down the slide. One of these days I'll get a wild hair. Maybe.

Give MOOSE a Brake

2011-06-20T20:17:00.000-08:00

Kenai Don Jose

2011-06-19T20:11:00.003-08:00

The boss took the whole crew out for Mexican food and gave us cool new jackets. I had the chili relenos. They asked if I wanted it beef or chicken. I always thought they were just cheese and a sauce. I chose beef and it hit the spot.

The lodge is getting busier. Will have 16 guests by Tuesday. 9 arrived today. 4 for breakfast at 3:30 am leaving for halibut fishing at 4am to get to Ninilchik by 5. 2 for breakfast at 6:10 for a 7am check-in on the Kasilof and 3 for an 8am breakfast for a halibut charter leaving at 10:30 for an 11:30 check-in. Means I'm up at sunrise at 2:30am or will that be sunset?

Picture Window

2011-06-18T20:50:00.003-08:00

The view from upstairs at Jimmie Jacks Lodge. There is a fire pit out there with neatly stacked wood with fire starter in bins in the old boat. Nice place to sit and watch the sunset. With summer solstice almost upon us I am asleep well before the sun sets. Since I'm the breakfast cook I'm up rattling pots and pans in the kitchen at 4am. Easy to do since its light out. Hard part is going to bed when the sun is shining.

Serious Fishin'

2011-06-17T20:54:00.002-08:00

Photo taken by David Drake

One of the guides took this picture today floating a drift boat down the Kasilof river. I've taken this trip before. No motors allowed. Quiet and peaceful with lots of wildlife and King salmon!

Halibut in the Raw

2011-06-16T19:21:00.002-08:00

One of the guests of the lodge this week is fishing all day then cooking, or not cooking his catch I should say. The above plate is halibut cheeks, freshly caught today, sliced thin with a little wasabi paste for a delectable treat. Halibut sushi at its freshest best.

No Moose is an Island

2011-06-14T20:39:00.002-08:00

Letting off some Steam

2011-06-13T21:35:00.002-08:00

The clouds cleared this morning for a bit and showed a clear view of Mt. Redoubt. Looks like she was spewing some steam, too. The lodge has been busy and I'm getting in the swing of things again. I am happy to have help this year and Jimmie is very organized. The clients are catching fish and having a real good time. Lots of fathers and sons, of all ages, having the time of their lives catching fish, bringing it back to the lodge and grilling it. I make them breakfast and send them off with a lunch but they are on their own for dinner. Which is nice for me as well as for them and the local restaurants. I have not had a chance to go fishing yet but I'm sure I'll be able to wet a line soon!

Salmon Skin Sushi

2011-06-10T19:22:00.003-08:00

This is my all time favorite sushi. When I think of all the salmon skin I have thrown away and I could have just fried it to a crisp and snacked on it all day long. This is a plate of salmon skin sushi from I Luv Sushi in Anchorage. I treated myself, my niece and grand-nephew to sushi on my way down to the Kenai. Jimmie Jacks' wife Rosy makes sushi and hers was the first salmon skin sushi I tried 2 years ago. Been addicted ever since!

Kenai Moose

2011-06-09T21:13:00.003-08:00

I've relocated to the Kenai Penninsula for the summer again. Got my old job back as Lodge Momma at Jimmie Jacks Fishing Lodge. He called me the other day so thats why I haven't blogged in a few days. Packed up and headed down to the Kenai. Got here last night and stayed with a friend and she told me about this cow moose that looked part pinto/albino like. First thing this morning, driving out the the lodge, I spotted the strange colored cow with her normal hued calves. My friend was happy to hear she was still alive and had twins with her. She hadn't seen her since early spring.

I'll be changing my header soon now that I'm no longer in Palmer. I'm looking forward to a fun summer of fishing, taking pictures and cooking on the Kenai.

Qiviut Hand Knits

2011-06-04T19:19:00.006-08:00

Beautiful and warm hand knit scarves, hats and headbands for sale at the Musk Ox farm in Palmer. Very plush and very expensive. I tried the headband on and loved how it looked and felt. Out of my price range at $125 though. I could afford the $7.00 for the tour to get up close and personal with the musk ox but it was raining and nobody on the ride wanted to go so I opted for shooting a pic through the fence. You can kind of see them lying down.

May Day Tree

2011-06-02T20:28:00.006-08:00

Bloomed on the first of June in Palmer. Now that I know what they are I've seen them all over town. Flowery and frangrant the tree is also known as the bird cherry tree.

With the rain the last couple of days the valley is bursting with green and color.

Knik River Road

2011-06-01T18:06:00.003-08:00

At the end of Knik River road is the Knik River Lodge. Their restaurant is a yurt with a view.

On the way we passed by this. I thought the van was on fire at first then thought maybe the van was a smokehouse. I really have no idea what it is.

Stopped and asked this guy if he was catching any Dolly Varden and watched him fish for a bit. They were only taking his bait...not his hook.

The Knik River Road is off the Old Glenn Highway. Coming from Anchorage its a right just before the bridge over the River Knik.

Feigning Flowers

2011-05-31T21:50:00.004-08:00

They look real from a distance, don't they? I needed dirt to plant the tomatoes in and since I live in farm country I didn't think I would have to buy dirt from Walmart. I looked under farming/gardening on Craigslist and found Organic Dirt for a dollar a 5 gallon bucket. And right up the road! I got the directions over the phone from a funny old man and couldn't wait to meet him.

He and his wife lived on five acres with a "For Sale/Owner Financed" sign at the end of their long drive way. The wife came out and showed us where the pile of dirt was. My friend walked down to the gate with her while I drove my van. My friend told me while we were filling the buckets that the place had sold. The buyers had told them to quit remodeling the place as they had their own plans for it. She had also told her that if we wanted some rhubarb to help ourself. When we went to cut some rhubarb the old man came out. I asked him about the fake flowers and he told me this story:

For years they spent a thousand dollars every year to flower up the place. His wifes father had lived with them until his late 90s. One year he was complaining to him about the money, the work, the weather to her dad and he said "Why don't you just buy fake flowers". So he did. Now it only costs him $200 a year for instant gratification and a lot less work and worry.

The dirt pile was 7-year old horse manure. The tomatoe plants are thriving in it! Now that I found a good close dirt supplier I'm thinking of expanding and also growing cucumbers & peppers in the hot house with the tomatoes.

HOT DOG

2011-05-30T21:45:00.003-08:00

75 in the shade in Palmer today. What a beautiful Memorial Day weekend all over Alaska.

Let summer begin!

Tunnel Of Love

2011-05-29T20:14:00.002-08:00

Not really the Tunnel of Love but a strategic tunnel that goes under the Glenn Hwy in Palmer at the end of Auklet Ave. Saves a lot of time if you are walking or riding a bike as the pedestrian crossing light on Arctic is the longest wait in Alaska.

Pictured on the right are the leftovers of our BBQ today. Teriaki Chicken and an awesome Thai Salmon, grilled asparagus, potatoe salad and the all-American hot dog. Beautiful weekend in the valley and they are calling for 77 degrees in Palmer for Memorial Day.

God Bless our Troops!

Lawn Art

2011-05-28T21:56:00.003-08:00

Garden chair made of willow.

Old trike displayed in a perennial garden at Bushes Greenhouse. I took lots of pictures there yesterday. Every where I looked was a photo op.

Flower Power

2011-05-27T22:36:00.003-08:00

Went to Bushes Greenhouse today out the Butte in Palmer. It was absolutely stunning. Picked up cherry tomato plants, slicer tomatos, 2 kinds of basil and other herbs. Could have spent hundreds of dollars if I would have had it. Oh, I couldn't believe it. They had Livingstone Daisies so I got some of those. (My favorite flower) They call them Icy Plants here. I don't know the name of the flower pictured but it sure was pretty.

Cutting Edge

2011-05-26T19:45:00.002-08:00

Turn of the century knife sharpening stone wheel where you sat and human powered the wheel sits in George's yard. It still works!

Kamchatka Globeflower

2011-05-25T19:47:00.006-08:00

The hardy must-have perennial Trollius Riederianus also known as the common globeflower is blooming right now. I've seen this flower in Valdez and all over Alaska. I was pleasantly surprised to see it in my yard here in Palmer.

Can't Complain

2011-05-24T20:20:00.003-08:00

Spent the day raking the yard in my bikini listening to Radio Paradise.com. Tomorrow I will mow the HUGE backyard wearing steel-toed boots too. Taking advantage of this beautiful weather while unemployed.

My heart goes out to the victims and families in the recent tornado mayhem. May your weather get better too!

Watch Out For Motorcycles

2011-05-22T20:57:00.006-08:00

Matanuska/Susitna valley Blessing of the Bikes and BBQ last Saturday.

Scarecow doing his job in a Big Lake garden. Little Doggie kitty cat stands guard, too.

Greening Up

2011-05-19T19:15:00.003-08:00

Buzzz

2011-05-18T19:26:00.002-08:00

Half a hundred congressman,
Shouting from their seats;
Indians attacking, while
The warning tom-tom beats;

A roaring air armada,
A cataract on the rocks;
The cuss-words of a bachelor;
With holes in all his socks;

The blare of horns in traffic,
The stuck hogs' anguish squeal;
The clanging rivet-hammer as
It beats against the steel;

The howling dog at daybreak
When all the world's asleep;
The blatting, bleating, bawling of
A band of frightened sheep;

The clacking of the castanets
By a charming seniorita--
But for maddening annoyance take
The hum of a mosquito!

by A.H.L

From the book Nomania published in Nome, Alaska in August 1938

Treehouse in Progress

2011-05-17T18:02:00.002-08:00

Some neighborhood kids are building a treehouse this summer. I drive by it every day and have been watching them build it up. Today they started painting it. I'll post more pics when they finish and maybe they will let me take a peek inside!

All About Cookery > Way Back Then

2011-05-16T20:10:00.005-08:00

Not in bad shape for a well-used turn of the century cookbook. The Beacoms did have it rebound by Palmer Bound in 2000.

Edited to add recipes copied from Page 360 and Page 106:

Salmon, Boiled.---Ingredients---6oz. of salt to each gallon of water; sufficient water to cover the fish. AVERAGE COST, in full season, 1s. 4d (?) per lb.

Scale and clean the fish, and be particular that no blood is left inside; lay it in the fish-kettle with sufficient cold water to cover it, adding salt in the above proportion. Bring it quickly to a boil, take off all the scum, and let it simmer gently until the fish is done, which will be when the meat separates easily from the bone. Experience alone can teach the cook to fix the time for boiling a fish; but it is especially to be remembered, that it should never be under-dressed, as then nothing is more unwholesome. Neither let it remain in the kettle after it is sufficiently cooked, as that would render it insipid, watery and colourless. Drain it, and if not wanted for a few minutes, keep it warm by means of warm cloths laid over it. Serve on a hot napkin, garnish with cut lemon and parsley, and send lobster or any other sauce liked, and a dish of dressed cucumber, to the table with it.

TIME---8 minutes to each lb. for large thick salmon; 6 minutes for thin fish.

SEASONAL from April to August.

CUCUMBERS, DRESSED. ---Ingredients.---Cucumber, 3 tablespoonfuls of salad oil, 4 tablespoonsful of vinegar, salt and pepper to taste. AVERAGE COST, frame cucumbers, 4d. to 1 s; field ones, 1d-3d each.

Pare the cucumber, cut it equally into very thin slices, and commence cutting from the thick end; if commensed at the stalk, the cucumber will most likely have an exceedingly bitter taste, far from agreeable.

For the purpose of slicing cucumbers evenly and very thin, we reccomend this slice in preference to an ordinary knife. Put the slices in a dish, sprinkle over very little salt and some pepper, and pour over oil and vinegar in the above proportion; turn the cucumber about, and it is ready to serve. This is a favourite accompaniment to boiled salmon, is a nice addition to all descriptions of salads, and makes a pretty garnish to lobster salad.

SEASONABLE.---Forced from beginning of March til the end of June; in full season in July, August and September.

Automobile Expose

2011-05-15T20:52:00.004-08:00

Fancy title for car show in Palmer today.

Let's Go Fly a Kite

2011-05-14T21:20:00.003-08:00

Up to the highest height

Let's go fly a kite and

send it soaring!

Up through the atmosphere

Up where the air is clean

Let's go fly a kite!

~from Mary Poppins

It's been a bit windy in the valley lately. Perfect for kite flying!

Trappers Cabin

2011-05-13T22:17:00.002-08:00

Old cabin on the way into Palmer. It is a museum now. Lots of cool old things in the yard. I will check it out again when its open.

I've been volunteering at the American Legion Post #35 in Wasilla for their Friday night steak night. Every post in the state has them on Friday nights. Check out the post near you. Good deal and your helping your local vets.

Home of the Moose

2011-05-11T23:12:00.000-08:00

Back to swimming in the Palmer High School pool. Since I am now a senior citizen (55 in Palmer and Wasilla) I get a discount. $35 instead of $45 for a 10 swim punch card. One night a week I do open swim instead of laps and swim with my niece and her 2 boys. 3 years old and 4 months. Its never too early to learn how to swim and enjoy the water. They love it and so do I.