Sam And Saundra's Second Time Around - Part 53

Sam And Saundra’s Second Time Around – Part 53

Alaska

6/24/11 to 7/9/11- Klutina River, Glennallen 

After our tenth day in ‘mega rush’ drive to reach the Klutina, near Gakona on the Copper River, near the Gakona River, near the Sanford River, not to mention all the creeks and lakes it is near, we pull in to the Klutina River Charter RV park.  We set up camp on the only space that parallels the river.  What a view from our living room, dining room and even bedroom.  Relax.  HA!!!

Although the Reds were ‘in’ earlier and the wait is on for them to come back for another ‘run’, we are busy.  We get an annual card from the local natives (Ahtna Athabascan people), allowing us to traverse their land to the fishing holes where the Kings are waiting for us. We meet up with Dorothy and Bill (Dave’s parents) and Sourdough Joe (aka: Joel) in Glennallen.  Sam and I really like this town and these people are a big reason why.  Dorothy prepares us a fabulous moose dinner. Moose provided by Bill.  It was totally Num!  On our last trip, Dorothy prepared us a bear roast (also provided by Bill). It too was so tasty that mere dinner conversation was next to impossible.  We had dinner with Joel to celebrate his birthday and our anniversary of meeting him. Both very important dates. We enjoyed our time with him. If you stop by the fireworks stand at the Glennallen turnoff from the Richardson’s Highway, both fireworks and fishing flies are available from Sourdough. Very wonderful people!

Owen Bagging His Parade Loot

Dorothy Making Sure He Got More

We take time to view the local famous mountains, including Dave’s favorite Drum Mountain, and attend the Fourth Of July Parade in Glennallen.  We met up with Dorothy at the side of the main highway – the one that leads to Anchorage.  It closed on time and the parade hit the pavement.  This year’s theme was Heros Serving Our Country. Entries included public service vehicles (brand new ambulance this year), military – mostly old, private vehicles and floats, and commercial vehicles and floats, with a few dogs and horses thrown in. This was Owens first experience where the parade members threw candy and small gifts to the parade watchers. The parade was so fun to watch.  As we looked up the highway watching the parade come toward us, we had to take in the beautiful mountains.  We followed the paraders and ended up at the school fields.  The annual Community Salmon Picnic was in full swing.  A helicopter (life flight?) landed and was available for inspection. A big, big, biggie, inflated play structure that resembled an obstacle course was a big hit for the kids. Owen got in line and tried it out. Stalls selling local arts and crafts.  AND the big draw – the salmon extravaganza.  A variety of grilled salmon. I chose Cajun. Baked potatoes. Baked beans with jalapeno peppers – Oh so good! The best cole slaw.  Potato salad. Watermelon. Corn on the cob.  Hot dogs for those who have not yet found their salmon palate. Such good food – at no cost.  A donation is appreciated – but not required or even watched.  A true donation situation.  We loved it.  Loved getting to know the people around us in line and beside us on the grass as we ate.  Several hundred people made it to the event. We had a very good time.