Sam And Saundra's Second Time Around - Part 62

Sam And Saundra’s Second Time Around – Part 62

Alaska 

7/9/11- 8/3/11 - Kenai River 

To our last adventure’s list of fishing holes at the Kenai – we have three additions.  The first is the Rotary Park, located down Funny River Road on the left.  We fished here extensively last time, just missed it on the list.  The next is Swiftwater Park, down Redoubt Road behind Fred Meyers. Turn right before the Yellow Gate and the Blue Gate fishing holes.  The third was a whole adventure in itself. 

Sam and I set out for Bing’s Landing to fish further up the river, following the fish. We drug Judy and Dennis with us. When we got there, no parking. Full.  We decide to forgo the combat fishing experience and on the way back to camp, we pulled into a driveway that displayed a sign “Diamond Willow”.  We were the only ones there.  Large wood carvings were on display outside of a building that included a large wood shop with private residence on the top. The carvings were great.  Inside, we met the Willow Man.  A very interesting man that created magic out of wood.  I was so entertained by his stories.  One of his smaller wall wood carvings was a self portrait – and it captured his individuality perfectly. On exiting his shop, I realized that one of the large carvings (two of which were two story tallish) was another depiction of him. The Willow Man gave us the information on the man who had carved the large pieces and we kept an eye out for his shop.  Missed it. Judy picked up some free items from the Willow Man, but he would not let us buy one of his walking sticks, saying they were not good enough to sell.  Very interesting place and artist.  Kind of old world elf like – cousin to a troll 

maybe. What do you think Judy?

Sam's Diamond Willow Collection

Anyway!!!! He gave us a lead on another possible fishing hole that the locals use.  We headed back towards Soldotna on the Sterling Highway and turn left at Jalapeno Road.  Followed it to the river, veering right to miss entering it and taking a more active part of the fish run.  When we see a short gravel road that obviously leads to a fishing spot, we pull to the side and make our way to the river.  Another good public location to fish, but an early start is recommended for prime fishing spots.  Thanks Willow Man!