Braden Braves Alaska - 2006

Two Thousand Six was a terrific year to be in Alaska. Having my friend, James, my son-in-law Jim, and especially my grandson, Braden with me made the trip perfect. It was one of those years when our timing was right. The salmon were running. The halibut (even though they were not giants) were biting. Life was good.

James and I arrived three days early so that we could travel to the Copper Valley for the Sockeye Salmon run. We caught our limits each day, and, still had time to explore. The scenery south of Glenallen is beautiful.

We found snow alongside the road, and, could not resist a little snowball entertainment.

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Sunsets were what you might expect in a frontier like Alaska. These two shots were taken about eleven o'clock at night. The sun would rise again about three o'clock. It never got dark enough to need a flashlight.

Down, out of the mountains, we discovered wild brilliant beau ques, arranged by the Master Florist.

The Klutina River provided exciting times catching Sockeye (Red) Salmon.

We even stumbled onto the Alaska Pipeline while we explored primitive backroads.

James found time to clown around on an old wrecked car that had tumbled down an embankment.

One of the oddities in Alaska is the multitude of storage houses, designed to keep the locals' supply of meat out of reach of bears. The houses are built very strong for that purpose, and, need no refrigiration through the winter. Outside elements make a great natural freezer.

Jim and Brady arrived in Anchorage. We picked them up at the airport and drove to our cabin on the Kenai Peninsula.

Wildlife was abundant, from large to small.

Our cabin even had an outside hottub. Jim and Brady could not resist a picture opportunity.

It was off to the Russian River at the first opportunity. Braden got an assist in landing his, first ever, Sockeye.

Jim and Braden, the proud fishermen!

Is it legal to have so much fun?

There's always a payment to be made for having fun. I was impressed that Jim, always, worked hard when work was necessary.

We had warm days and cool days. Jim and his shadow (Braden) endured the elements.

Halibut fishing was enjoyed by all aboard the Nautilus II.

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Braden was a terrific fisherman with great determination.

The deck hands were very impressed with Brady's attitude.

On our trip back to Anchorage, we stopped to photograph this herd of wild mountain goats. You never know what wildlife you will see in Alaska. Everyone should get to go at least once a year!