Smoking Salmon

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When in AK, do as Alaskans! One of Don's coworkers invited us to learn how to smoke salmon. We met at his house with our fish. I brought silvers which was all we had, but we learned it is better to use reds! Anyway first we cut the fish with skin on into uniform size pieces. Next we made a brine of a strong salt solution with brown sugar and some spices including hot spices. Next, the fish had to soak for a few hours. We then rinsed the fish lightly and put them on paper to dry overnight. The next day the fish were put into a smoker and smoked for about eight hours. After that, we vacuum sealed them for future use. Delicious!

Spring outings

Well the snow has melted on the trail (even if it doesn't look like it), and spring outings are beginning again. On April 19th, I joined the hikers for a snow shoe in Eagle River. Much of the snow had melted so it was too late to cross country ski. I am a beginner at snow shoes and with the lack of snow it was more difficult. I went for a distance and then turned around to head to Vickie's for a delightful buffet. We saw evidence (scat) of bears, but no live ones!

The hike On May 3 began at McHugh Creek. Most of the group went six miles. I was lucky to find a group only going four miles. It had some nice views and some inclines, but I did okay.

Last week May 10, we decided to bike along the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail It was about 18 miles and I surprised some by being a much stronger biker, than hiker. (Easier on the old knees). Afterwards we had a delightful lunch at Eileen's.

You know you are in AK when....part VII

your church is having a fish fry and they ask for people to donate fish because they know everyone's freezer is full of last summer's catch!

You know you are in AK when....part VI

The street names sound like it! Cheechako is a word which means someone who has lived in AK less than a year. Chinook is the warm winds that melt the snow and ice in the middle of the winter on occasion. Chinook is next to our street Brandilyn.

Portage Glacier

Saturday I went on a cross country ski/hike with Kitty and Mark, Eileen and Bill, Marjory and Pat. (Don was out of town). The lake to the glacier was frozen and some of them had cross country skied it earlier in the week and wanted to do it again. The conditions had changed and there was not much snow left on the ice, so it was mainly skiing on ice! It was slick and hard for me to move. I was happy not to have fallen. After we got there the glacier was beautiful. We had a picnic lunch on the ice. I was surprised to see a few people biking and some also pushing stroller sleds and one chair sled with adults! The weather was clear and sunny.

I decided to take off my skis, put on the grippers and walk back. It was much easier and more enjoyable, and I wished I would have done that both directions.

BOW Becoming Outdoor Women- AK part 2

My next two events were fishing related. I signed up to ice fish because I didn't think I would have that opportunity many other places. Anyway it was very cold and windy. Our van was able to drive out on the lake since the ice was three feet deep. We began by digging a hole in the ice with a ten inch gas auger similar to a weed wack machine. It was fairly heavy and I did it with another woman and were assisted by our instructor. We drilled for a bit and then would pull up to release the powered snow/ice. After about eight or so minutes we were through to water. Yeah! Then it was simple to put some bait of shrimp on the hook and drop it down the hole about five feet deep. No one on this event the whole weekend caught anything. They had set up warming tents similar to a regular tent with small kerosene heaters inside. Very deluxe. Glad I bought new negative 40 degree boots.

My last activity was Spin Fishing 101. We learned about various type of reels, poles, filament, hooks, spoons and fish. The regulations are pretty detailed when to fish, how many fish, what type of hook, what type of fish. I had no idea it could be so complex. I had no clue it would be illegal to keep a snagged fish. We practiced making various knots to tie on hooks, combine filament and avoid tangles. We practiced casting in an icy parking lot.

The whole weekend was so much fun. Can't wait to try something new next time.....

BOW Becoming Outdoor Women- AK

This past weekend I went on a fabulous event with my friend Julia and Mary to learn about activities to do in our state. The views and the weather were terrific with no new snow and crisp, cold, sunny days.

We each chose four activities from about twenty possible. My first was pond to pan where I learned what to do after a fish is caught. First bonk it on the head to kill it and then bleed it by cutting on a gill area! We learned how to remove the guts with a very sharp knife and how to filet salmon. I practiced on three and was able to bring it home with me. Each fish was about 26 inches long.

My friend Linda and I used to say do something everyday that scares ( challenges ) you. Well my big one for the weekend was to snowmachine (snowmobile). First, we learned how to stop, start and accelerate the machines. Some were electric start, but mine wasn't so I needed help with that. We began going in circles on a large frozen lake and then progress to zig-zags to get an idea how to handle it. After that we took to the trails and rode about 25 miles. At times I thought Don would love this and I thought "Holy sh_t I am going to die." I was the slowest of everyone, but was still proud that I did not give up. A few times I needed help, and they told me I needed to go faster up the hills so I wouldn't get stuck midway up. Part of the time we were on an abandoned road. I noticed there was a guardrail protecting o0.ne from a deep mountain valley. However that wouldn't have helped anyone because the snow was as high as the top of the rail. I am not sure I will do this again, but now it is off my bucket list.

We stayed at a church bible camp. The cabins were simple, but well warmed. The food was good and everything was convenient. We met many friendly ladies. All of the instructors were volunteers and it was run by various state agencies. What a bargain weekend at only $250.