Ninilchik - June 24, 2014

Jeff, Marcella, Jim, and Dee were scheduled to go on a charter halibut fishing boat.  They had to be there at 7 a.m.  We went to watch them launch.  Launching in this area is very different.  There are no docks so the boats, on a trailer, are backed into the water, usually at low tide, a by what I call a tractor with huge wheels.  The boat is backed far enough into the water for the propeller to clear the bottom and get off the trailer.  Then when they return, usually at high tide, the trailer is back into the water and the boat comes in at a pretty good speed, hits the trailer, is hooked on, and then pulled out by the "big tractor".  The rules for fishing are different this year.  Each person can only keep 2 fish, one large, but the other can be no longer than 29".  It has had a negative affect on the fishing charter business.  Marcella caught the biggest one, which weighed in the 20s I think.  They all got their two fish and we had some of Jeff and Marcella's for supper which we enjoyed very much.

Gary and I did laundry (not too exciting but necessary) then drove around the area.  I walked a path to a bluff overlooking the Cook Inlet and a wonderful view of

 Launching with the "ring of fire" in the background

 Launching

 Almost there

 Coming in

the beautiful mountains across the inlet.  The weather today has been sunny and pleasant.  The tops of the mountains cannot always be seen because of the clouds but today they were shining in all their glory.  This mountain range is known as the "ring of fire" because of its volcanic activity.  The names are Mount Iliamna, Mount Redoubt, Mount Augustine, and Mount Spurr.  Their snow covered peaks shine on a day like today.  Mount Augustine has erupted several times, most recently in 2006.  Mount Spurr last erupted on March 22, 2009 resulting in ash falling as far away as Anchorage.