THE ALASKAN ADVENTURE Day 31,32,& 33 June 16,17,18 2009 Soldotna, AK

We have spent 3 glorious days at the Riverside Campsite in Soldotna. The campsite has been very peaceful and we have had good weather, anywhere between 50 – 75 degrees and no rain to speak of. We have not done anything touristy and as a few chores as possible, grocery shopping etc. We have just relaxed and enjoyed being retired in Alaska.

We enjoyed watching the fishermen as they fished along the bank of the Kenai River. They are not actually fishing as they are snatching the fish by using a method called the Kenai Whip. The salmon stop feeding once they hit the river on their way to their spawning area so it is no use putting any kind of bait on the hook. The Kenai Whip is a method where you toss your line into the water and let the line slide downstream. The Salmon are coming up stream and in the process of using their gills they are opening and closing their mouth. The line then goes into the mouth of the fish and you set the hook when you apply the Kenai Whip. It sure seems to work as they are pulling out fish.

We have spent a lot of time in front of the campfire and we have worked out a good routine.

Kathy the Wood Scavenger

Rod the Fire Tender

I personally thing it is a perfect routine and distribution of duties.

We have watched the fishermen catch some nice size salmon so I figured it would be a good idea to try it. So off to Fred Meyers ( the local Walmart ) we go and we get Rod some gear. Fishing Rod, Tackle, Hip Waders, Knife and a club. ( Oh yes, I forgot, when they pull the Salmon out of the river they beat it to death with a club) We headed back to the campsite so I could fish when we realized I didn’t have a license, so back to Fred Meyers.

To date the fish are winning. I have been out twice and have not caught anything. It really doesn’t matter as it is very relaxing on the river. I think that is what all of us who have not caught anything say.

Even the eagles are getting shut out.

Sadly the 3 days are at an end and we are heading out to Swan Lake in the morning. We plan to spend a couple of nights but are not sure which campsite yet.