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.