Mayor in Alaska

The Mayor and his Deputy of Industry and Manufacturing spent a few days in the far north, examining the local fishing industry in the Kenai River area. The trip was most informative and the taxpayer got a lot for a little because the trip was paid for by Alaska State Tourism Board through its fund for public information and education.
The Kenai River, home to many annual salmon runs, was in the midst of the 2nd king salmon run of 2010. From all indications, it's a good run, with over 500,000 fish counted by July 21. The lower river, from the mouth to Soldatna, was choked with powered boats loaded with sport fishermen; the shore, in places, was lined with casters, hoping to hook one of the many sockeye reds. The weather is typical JUly: warm temps, slight overcast with sunshine a real possible event. Camp grounds were bursting at the seams with trailers, camper vans, p/u trucks of every stripe, and Harry and Irma relaxin' in their camp chairs. Redoubt volcano glistened in the morning sun on Tuesday as the clouds separated and the snow capped peak, with its steam jet, caught the rays. What a sight! Reminded me of Mts. Shasta and Lassen, although Redoubt has more snow.

We got a close look at Portage Glacier as we turned the corner of Turnagain Inlet on our way down the Kenai Peninsula. The toe of the glacier was a dirty brown color as it retreats during the summer thaw. Traffic was light on Monday after the weekenders returned to Anchorage on Sunday night. I've never seen so many campers caravanning in one direction-that's Alaska.
The Deputy accompanied the Mayor on a trip up the Cook Inlet to observe deep trolling near the town of Homer. The weather was actually pleasant: in the 50's, calm waters, no wind, and almost no swell, which can be a real problem for small fishing boats, commercial or sport type. Other folks on board the vessel put lines in the water to 300' and caught limits(2) of the famous bottom dwellers- the Alaskan halibut, known all over North America as the great game fish that it is. Our guide, Brian, and his deckhand, Tyler, proved able seamen, as they expertly handled the anchoring, navigation, and positioning of the boat for best results. With one exception, all passengers held up well during the 3 1/2 hour trip. Entry and exit was accomplished over the beach at Anchor River with the help of giant wheeled tractors, piloted by young men, probably just out of high school. These diesel behemoths push the trailered vessels through the surf out to deep water for launching; and then, upon our return, set the trailer on a perpendicular line to the surf waiting for the Captain to steer the vessel at high power onto the skids-very tricky. Sometimes, it's not always possible to keep everything lined up and many attempts are made before success is achieved.
Our day's activities were managed by a local legend, master of the Irish Lords Charter Company: Robbie Carroll, a character out of any description of fishing on the Inlet. This grand old man of Kenai revels in his role as provider of extraordinary excursions up and down the Cook Inlet. He's been doing it for so many years he's lost count. With a glowing cigarette hanging from his lip and a frosty Bud light in his hand, he is the consumate host, keeping his guides on their toes and all of his many clients happy and well looked after. At the end of the day, the Mayor and the Deputy enjoyed some of Robbie's homemade clam chowder, New England style, with a Bud Lite, too. It was a great day.
More on Alaska tomorrow.

Summer Season Peak ?

Mayor observes eastbound traffic jam
Well, boys and girls, this weekend could mark the high point of visitor trips to the basin. Interstate 80 was a parking lot, eastbound Friday, as travelers sought relief from valley heat and day-to-day humdrum. The basin is showing signs of near capacity crowds at every venue: campgrounds-full; beaches packed; boat ramps backed up, restaurants-full; stores running out of-fill in blanks; hotels:No Vacancy signs everywhere; rental shops:jammed; traffic:creeping; boaters all over the Lake. Now, this is summer!
The Chronicle helped out,too. The front page of the Travel section featured a spread on Lake Tahoe- at three levels of comfort: luxury,bargain/casino, and rustic/nostalgia. John Flinn, veteran travel writer, reminisced about camping at D..L. Bliss during his youth. He also described the venerable Zephyr Cove Lodge in Nevada, and nevada Beach near Harveys'. From there, he went to the Ritz Carlton Highlands at Northstar, an overdone hangout for the new rich of California. Finally, a glance at Harvey's completes this capsule view of basin accommodations. The article is full of current fotos, including a peek of the Truckee River complete with rafters enjoying a float down to River Ranch and it's burger patio grill. Check them out. Nice job, John Flinn!

Bear Story: Tahoe Vista

The Mayor had a discussion with a local builder yesterday and was told the following story:
3 weeks ago, Bob received a call on the job from his wife at about 10:30 in the morning from home. She reported that a large mountain lion, complete with long, thich tail, was walking slowly through the front yard(in Tahoe Vista). What should I do was the question. Don't disturb him/her was the reply, and the feline moved on. A few hours later, Bob's wife called again to the job site. This time, she reported a full grown bear was attempting to open a patio door. Remain calm, was the reply, she'll go away. Minutes later, the wife called again: the bear was now walking up the stairs into the Kitchen, what now? With a rattling of pans, the bear walked down and out the door to the 2 cubs waiting for lunch. Then they moved on. Ah, summer at the lake.

On Clams

The Mayor has taken note of the wider media attention given the recent recognition of the invasive species of clam that has been found in increasing numbers in the Lake. The Chron had a article(7/10/10) under a Hecht byline from the Sacto BEE that detailed the plans for intervention to forestall the negative effects of the clam(s). UC Davis scientists are working on the problem and will soon introduce a rubber matting that will cover 1/2 acre of sandy inshore lake bottom in an attempt to kill the clam by cutting off oxygen. It is an experiment with long term implications.
Meanwhile, TRPA is continuing boat inspections to keep the lake free of clams, mussels, and non native aquatic plants

Post 4th days

So, here we are! Listening to the Beatles: " The long, and winding road". A melancholy lover's lament for the loss of friend. It always evokes a feeling of times lost and gone. but I always enjoys the chorus, perhaps it has to do with the line: a long, long, time ago. But, now, Obexer's is hummin' with the stable of its many seasonal visitors, congregating on the doorsteps, catching up on another year's activities, and all those events to come. Welcome to our world.

The Lake looks about the same as it did a month ago: how come? Where's all the run off? The snow is about history, the stream flow volumes have become diminished, and the gates at Fanny Bridge have remained closed. Rafters are absent except for the few individuals on their own. So, are we saving water? Apparently. The water gods have awakened and they're taking no prisoners( a frightening experience when you think about it!)Providers are asking for rate increases and the natives are restless. This follows a report of a study that spelled out the pay scale differences between private employers and the Federal Gov. There exists a 14% pay difference with Fed employees making the most money, when one accounts for education and experience. Not good.

Bear Notes
A mature bruin loped down Sunnyview Dr the other evening around 8pm. Locals took note and stayed indoors for the moment.