A great night for fishing!

I had the opportunity to go out fishing with Conrad (my new assistant principal), Jasmine (his expecting wife) and Kim H. (DO head boss). We have had evening showers the last several days, but we lucked out with beautiful calm skies and we even got some fish!
















We went on the North Fork of the Unalakleet River and went all the way up to the bridge (this is where the road from town crosses it, about 8 miles out). We had a lovely evening fishing, chatting and relaxing . . . a great night for sure. Thanks to Jasmine for capturing the evening events!


Conrad did all the filleting and cleaning! What a time saver! Thanks Conrad!



We came back in under a beautiful sunset. . .
And the final product. . . fish in the freezer! Wahoo!!

A walk down the beach. . .

. . . offers many interesting sights. . .

A soda can. . . Alaska's Choice apparently, and dead salmon by the 100's

Need a seat?!? Or perhaps a beheaded walrus?

Is this really a beheaded ptarmagin? Any guesses on the skull?

Here is beheaded walrus #2, expanding in the sunlight . And an abused boot.

One of many sea stars, and evidence of a good day of fishing.

and of course gillies!!

**I won a new digital camera at the recent teacher inservice (!!what a deal!!), and decided to take it for a test run**

**In a recent ADN article, there was a report that nearly 80 beheaded walruses can be found on the coast between here and Nome. An astounding number, and experts aren't sure of the reason yet. It is legal to remove the ivory from a dead walrus found on the shore, but it seems unlikley that all of them were found on shore (the gunshot wounds might suggest otherwise as well). I counted nearly 30 of them between UNK and Stebbins , on the beach to the south, when I flew in two weeks ago. . . an outrageous number of animals being killed for their ivory.

The first week back. . .

I must admit that the first week back was a tough one. I am missing family and friends, and not only did it rain for the first five days straight, I was also feeling uncomfortable in the facilitator position I was in for the workshop on Differentiated Instruction. It made for a tough week overall. Like always though, it worked itself out. The weather improved, I felt like I was making an impact in the workshop and was enjoying friends I haven't seen in a while (though still missing those in Fbks).
As for the rest of my time this week, when the sun finally came out, I took advantage of it by taking some new teachers out berry picking, went fishing on the Unalakleet River (pictures courtesy of Andy Haviland :)- thanks for sharing Andy) and got out on my bike again.










Over the weekend I picked some more berries and have nearly 4 gallons so far! I enjoyed a yummy fruit salad with fresh berries, cherries, mango and grapes. . . it might be the last one for a while :) I would like to get some more for jam, syrup, and the newest interest is donating some to John so he can make some blueberry beer!! yum!!

It was a full week, and the weekend was needed for some alone time and regrouping for the upcoming week. . . This week is our inservice and work week, and we start with kids next Tuesday. . . another year is here. . . crazy how fast it comes and goes!

The last two weeks of my summer. . .

Oh how fast it goes. . . over the last two weeks I was able to visit with more friends across the state and spend time with family and friends in Fairbanks before heading back to Unalakleet. I drove down the Parks Highway and met up with my friend Grant in Denali, and spent a day with him catching up and driving into the Park. We drove as far as we could (Savage Creek) and hiked around the area. We had both just purchased new sandals too, and had to test them out on the rugged terrain. . . they passed the test with flying colors (aside from the toe strap that tightens down on my toe until I have red marks. . . but I've been assured that it will break in and become comfortable. . . I will leave that to next summer to figure out!)

After leaving Grant, I drove down to see the Holt's in Talkeetna and spent a good two days with them. Unfortunately Tiff was terribly sick :( (we think it was a 24 hour flu)- but I was so glad that I was there to help take care of the boys and help out while Tiff slept and threw up throughout the evening :( poor thing :( Thankfully she was feeling better the next day and we were able to do a little bike ride to 'town' to get an onion and the mail (ah, the simple life). . . it was loverly! The evening was filled with naps, conversation and relaxing times. . . I also was madly working on finishing the quilt that I had made for the Holt's as a house warming gift (yes, I know, it's typical to finish a gift before giving it, but who knows me to be typical?!?!). Unfortunately I didn't quite finish and had to mail it to them a week later after finishing the binding. . . :) Thanks for the great visit Holt's! Next time I hope to see Rick too :)

I returned to Fairbanks by driving across the Denali Highway









(the first time in my Alaskan history) and meeting up with Michelle and Onan at Tangle Lakes for an evening of camping and berry picking the next morning. Though a short trip for the Henderson's it was fun and resulted in berries and time spent with family.

I also got to take Onan out for an aunt/nephew camping trip. We went to Birch Lake (outside of Fairbanks) to give mom and dad a free night, and some quality time with my nephew. It turned out to be an interesting night at a very active campground with people partying until 2 am and not showing the typical respect for camping rules that I take for granted. . . a reminder that there are many ways to appreciate the great outdoors. . .



As for the last week or so, it was the typical shopping and mailing process that comes every fall- but I also spent time helping my friend Tim at his place. He is building a cabin in the Goldstream Valley, in a beautiful area. It is a quiet place and I appreciated working in the quiet area for the last couple of days while I was in town.

And now. . . I'm here. Back in Unalakleet, and I've already started working. . . I'm helping present an inservice on differentiated instruction for the next week . . . nothing like being thrown back into work. I'll let you know how it goes. . .