Natural High

Alaska’s Kenai River Beacon of Hope 
(Photo by Doug)

As a fish locator expert, the seagull could only watch my adrenaline charged casts aimed to intercept the non-predator/feeding red (sockeye) salmon fresh from 3-4 years at sea.

This past week saw a dramatic fluctuation in numbers of red salmon scurrying against formidable currents of the Upper Kenai River.  Which day we chose to drop-cast into the turquoise colored water near shoreline determined the outcome.  Only when knowledge that a biomas of fish had recently charged into the river’s mouth at Cook Inlet was confidence gained.  Otherwise, it was a day for photography and soulful renewal. 

Because of the river’s length, including large Skilak Lake midway, determined reds that reached the pristine Upper Kenai section had divided into returning regiments of varying numbers. When viewed in the clear water the streaming sockeye appeared as passive participants to the watchful eyes of the patient seagull, but not the seagull’s alone.  Bright, picturesque days provided easy spotting of the salmon’s sleek images by both seagull and fisherman.  The sunlight’s penetration of the pristine water conditions exposed the groups of fish migrating through sparkling shades of emerald.

It was an occasion for one of Nature’s best performances.  An orchestra of wilderness instruments and musicians included habitat view, weather conditions, seagulls, eagles, fish, and fishermen.  Intermittent squawking by competing seagulls and interludes of dark wingspan shadows moving across shoreline rocks and water surface by gliding bald eagles punctuated Nature’s performing arts display as both gave reconnaissance its best effort from above.  On this occasion only nearby fresh scat left by a resident bear gave witness to its part in the wilderness ensemble.    – Doug

ALASKA - Fishing The UNTAMED

Alaska Cache Newsletter

Alaska's Longest Work Day

 Summer Solstice 2011  
(Photo by Doug)

A young beaver is pictured above working next to my Anchorage residence at 11:30 pm during the longest day of the calendar year (June 21).  The industrious far north critter's work schedule is accelerated during the hours of twilight and dusk.  In Alaska those hours are extended throughout the night during the Summer Solstice transition period.  - Doug

Adventure Alaska Ltd

Fathers Sleep But Never Die

  Father's Day 2011

Life and Memory of Curtis Oliver Myers

Because of my loving father I will always recognize the radiant, gentle smile and giving hand of a devoted heart.  Dad knew love's reward through an enduring spiritual resolve of generosity, patience, and sacrifice. For this special day of honor I again celebrate  by recognizing the continuing life of my loving father in my resolve of inspiration and dedication.  -  A grateful son, Doug

Douglas C. Myers (Facebook)

A Simple Matter

From the sketch pad how we are to live appears a simple matter. Unfortunately, the “simple” is too often a gift for children alone. It is fundamental for the unrestrained and fearless young child to feel fully. However, for most adults repeated restraints have replaced the trust in innocence with a cautiousness that accompanies suspicion. The demanding and complex adult living experience built on aspirations of success can diminish joyful experiences extended from the past. In other words, frustration may occur when living becomes an attempt at mixing and blending unrelated paints rather than applying separately one or two basic colors. Additionally, colors used can become subdued by other influences. For example, colors of dread and fear come in many unpleasant (dark) shades that often permeate all other colors. Because of these suppressive influences what was once cheerful becomes dismal. In contrast, magic is discovered by the sensitive artist who blends pleasurable feeling with colors, shapes, sounds, or words. For the heartfelt lover, it is the pursuit of feeling blended with ambition. For the affectionate adult, companionship combines simple pleasures of the child with the dedication of the concerned parent. To experience the “simple” is to feel fully, or unrestrained, which is to be fully alive. Realizing who we are by what we feel (e.g., happy, loving, or sad, depressed) rather than by what we do (e.g., accomplishments or failures) may encourage a simpler and more satisfying connection. It seems so simple to imagine!   – Doug

 

Soulful Snippets, “The Art of Living – A Simple Matter”

Alaska Cache Newsletter