TaNgLeD Together TRIP

AND SO THE TANGLED TRIP BEGINS.....

Only in an Alaskan Summer could you start heading out to your camping destination at 6:00 PM!  That's right.  We left for our 5 hour drive at 6:00PM.  But no worries here.  We were able to see the sunset and then rise again just as we were pulling into our camping spot.  It sure is nice pulling up to camp near midnight and still being able to set up tents in the light.  NO FLASHLIGHTS NEEDED HERE FOR CAMPING.

(SUNSET) (SET UP CAMP)

So we slept for a few hours and then woke up for food and then we were off to the lake to catch some grayling.  GRAYLING: one of Alaska’s most delicate and beautiful sport fish. Their identification is easy due to their vibrant colors and incredibly large dorsal fin. At one time, their abundance stretched as far south as Michigan. Their almost complete disappearance from the Lower 48 was caused by over fishing, competition from non-native species, and loss of habitat. Thankfully, this colorful fish still graces nearly all of Alaska’s wild freshwaters. And they are very fun to catch and release.  We also discovered that they are yummy to eat.  They do not freeze as they have antifreeze in their bodies.  So if you kill it you must eat it.  No saving for a later date.
                             

I had the opportunity to try FLY FISHING for the first time.  We discovered once we arrived that the Alaska Fly Fisherman Association makes a trip to Tangled Lake around Summer Solstice.  This was the reason for our 5 hour drive.  Admittedly, We had a great time catching fish and getting help from the many fisherman eager to help us.



Just as we had cast our first lines in the water, Manda gave her line to Dallin.  Next thing we know...Dallin says he has a fish!  We didn't believe him.  Impossible!  To which he responded, "Hello, it's pulling on me!"  So yes, first fish goes to Dallin.

            

And since he caught it, he wanted to eat it.  If he wanted to eat it, he had to gut it.  Manda is a pro at it.  She taught him how to do it as he watched with eager eyes.  He was extremely proud of his accomplishment.

 

I cannot tell you how many fish we caught.  TONS!  It was great fun.  All the kids caught fish.  We went out on the canoe.  Waded into the water.  Threw spinners off the boat dock.  It was wonderful. 
Then I went out of the canoe with Manda, Dallin and Aubrey.  I brought my camera to capture thier catches.  This is the last photo taken before we realized...my camera had slid out of my pocket, over the side of the canoe, and safely found a new home in the bottom of Tangled Lake. I was SICK!!

Left pocket...notice my leg is up.  I think it must have happened just before this picture or shortly thereafter.  Thinking about it still makes me a bit sick.  HOWEVER, there are blessings from losing your camera.  Look for a future post.  =====AND=====

Luckily, Manda still had her camera.  So while we are limited on ALL of the photos taken that day, and learning a lesson about transferring SD cards more frequently so I do not lose a son's birthday pictures, we had a great time. I'm so glad Manda took pictures of the kids for me. 
             

On the way home we took a detour to the Klutina River to try to catch some SOCKEYE REDS (Copper River).  One look and Manda and I decided...NO WAY!  There were whole 100+ feet trees rushing down helplessly.  My momma bear instincts said no way.  It may look decieving, but that water is rushing fast.  You have to yell to talk to each other when you are near it.  We were told that the river had rose over 4 feet in the last two days.  It warms up, snow melts, more water, less fish.  This year the salmon are confused.  We had more snow than usual.  This has caused the water to remain colder longer.  They are triggered by temperature of the water to start to run.  They are huddled at the base of the river in the ocean waiting to run wanting to spawn.  We hope they run soon.  We stopped long enough to see HOW to cut and gut the salmon.  And how to throw the guts to the crazy seagulls. 

Then we left to return home.  Manda and I left those silly boys and took the kids home.  I could never live with myself if I let my child fall into that river. SCARY I TELL YOU! 

(DWAYNE on cell)
We stopped at this fun sign for kicks in Palmer.

We ended up with NO Copper River Reds, however, we had a great camping trip together.  I am forever grateful for Manda being willing to be my partner in crime (Really my helpmate with everything).  What a beautiful location and a wonderful adventure.