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