Landing in Vegas

It was an awesome trip to say the least. I'm so glad we got to do it and that the weather was favorable. We got to do a variety of activities during the week--some of them more fun than others. I think we saw a good part of Alaska and got to know the state a little. It really made an impression on me and I'm sure Thomas and Greg will remember it for awhile. Thanks go to PK for coming along and absorbing some of the cost. There's lots to do out there but I think the fishing and the cabin life was the most enjoyable. We're already planning a return next summer and will focus on that mainly. I hope more friends and family can come.
Cheers.

Elmendorf Air Force Base. They have an eagle sanctuary there.

Hatcher Pass. Very nice day. In the 70s.

Near an old gold mine near Hatcher Pass

I didn't let the kids eat much before the flight so they chowed down later. That's Dr. Pepper in those wine glasses by the way.

View out my window after dinner.

Down safe.

This was a really amazing experience. I'm really glad we did it. We got lucky again with the weather as you can see. The views were gorgeous the whole time. It was great to see a little more of this state from the air. It's twice the size of Texas--I can't imagine what else is out there.

The landing was a little rough

Coming back down

They're playing it cool. I can't imagine what it was like for them.

Greg couldn't see much on the second part of the flight. All the action was on the first part though and he had a good view in front. Thomas could see from the back fine but I know he enjoyed the front seat. I know I would.

Very desolate.

After the lake landing. That's our pilot John. Started flying in the 60s. Mostly in Alaska. He does this for fun.

Nothing like icebergs at 100 feet and 100 knots.

Rugged country

Nearing the mountains. We saw moose and a mama bear with cub

Thomas and Greg got to swap seats after the lake landing

That's our plane.

Final landing. My videos don't do this flight justice. You really have to be there. An amazing experience.

Check out this video on YouTube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xb_PC5_f5p8&feature=youtube_gdata

AJ

flight glacier

Check out this video on YouTube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r9Y6gg7fHtc&feature=youtube_gdata

AJ

Really flying down the river

Check out this video on YouTube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LfYeGgSfghI&feature=youtube_gdata

AJ

Lake takeoff

Check out this video on YouTube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NlIHDv1Meas&feature=youtube_gdata

AJ

Middle of nowhere after lake landing

Check out this video on YouTube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D89pOYkeGPY&feature=youtube_gdata

AJ

flight canyon

Check out this video on YouTube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GHpoc4P0An0&feature=youtube_gdata

AJ

flight icebergs

Check out this video on YouTube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BojORsGZviQ&feature=youtube_gdata

AJ

flight mountain

Check out this video on YouTube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yGtIx75fNPg&feature=youtube_gdata

AJ

flight 2

Check out this video on YouTube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AFN4ra151eA&feature=youtube_gdata

AJ

flight 1

Check out this video on YouTube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JeBGJ8T8NR8&feature=youtube_gdata

AJ

Back on the road to Anchorage

Next time I'd make sure to have one night at the lodge after fishing instead of a three hour drive. That salmon would be fresh cooked for dinner. Some of it anyway. We were still pumped up for the drive though. The fish is on it's way to Vegas. We really lucked out with the salmon fishing. Three on and two bigger than average landed. Still two weeks before peak season too. Made up for yesterday by a longshot. Thursday (tomorrow) is a floatplane trip weather permitting.

We thought for sure Thomas had one on. Turned out to be a big trout hooked sideways

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MsF4U_EQOkU

AJ

Thomas' fish video

Check out this video on YouTube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qK0_tOdd3NA&feature=youtube_gdata

AJ

Greg's king 4 video

Check out this video on YouTube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sujIbRyopFA&feature=youtube_gdata

AJ

Greg's king 3 video

Check out this video on YouTube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zG829h__pNI&feature=youtube_gdata

AJ

Greg's king 2 video

Check out this video on YouTube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q0f8wq72q9s&feature=youtube_gdata

AJ

greg's king 1 video

Check out this video on YouTube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CMPKi6lXfk0&feature=youtube_gdata

AJ

Back on shore. Eight hours on the water. Thomas and Greg did great.

Lots of smiles. Very exciting for all on board. Including Nick.

Greg's first King Salmon

That's Nick the guide. And a very good one. The fish is about 35-40 pounds. Greg did most of the fighting with a little help. I had a hard time getting her close to the boat and the net. Videos above.

He's worn out

PK's king 2

Check out this video on YouTube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EK6SZ-j_H1Y&feature=youtube_gdata

AJ

PKs king 1

Check out this video on YouTube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=owb1Sc7Y7vw&feature=youtube_gdata

AJ

PK was first to land one...details below

Best guess was around 40 pounds. He decided to give him back to the river. He regretted it though after we kept the next one. We just weren't sure at the time about the logistics of sending it home. I had one on but it got away. Mine was reddish so probably not a keeper. Maybe 30 pounds or more. It jumped a few times so we at least got a good look at it.

We finally found the rain. Not bad though-very light

Arriving at the Kasilof River ready for a hard day fishing for King Salmon?