Running of the Boots

The town turns out rain or shine.





Gut Fish?? Won "zaniest " costume. The rain stopped just in time for all ages (strollers to adult walkers) to ran the race from one end of town and back again. Prizes were awarded and lunch served in the streets for all residence. Local stores opened with special discounts and everyone celebrated the return of quiet times in town.

Bears Gone Upstream??

It seems yesterday morning a Brown Bear was seen walking on our dock!! So much for all the bears going fishing upstream. Boy am I glad I decided to sleep in instead of my usual morning walk!!!

Running of the Boots!!

XTRATUF
Officially know as the Alaskan Tennis shoe.

Set for September 26, 2009

How It All Started

The idea originated in 1995, when Raven Radio Production Manager, Ken Fate, was playing some Spanish music in honor of the annual San Fermin Fiesta, during which dozens of men run down a narrow street with the bulls, on their way to the bullfighting rings. Caught up in the spirit of the season, Ken blurted out that because Sitka is a fishing town, locals should celebrate the return of the spawning salmon in a way that would be equally as fun and crazy, while far less dangerous. He suggested gathering at one end of the main thoroughfare, stripping down to nothing but the typical Southeast Alaskan rubber boots, and running through town waving 'good-bye' to the summer's visitors and 'hello' to the returning salmon. We would call it "The Running of the Boots", and people would come from miles around to participate or to stare in wonder.

Of course, by the time the 'Run' became a reality, it had to be made a little more socially acceptable, so the 'nothing but' has been replaced by any sort of outfit that runners choose; the zanier the better.

All ideas are welcome!!!

Hiking with Bears

It seems the bears have moved upstream now and are eating the spawning fish. So it is easier to go hiking. Still recommended to hike with at least 3 people or carry. Now if only I knew how to use the thing.

F

Caught on Video: Whales Steal Fish in Sitka

Sneaky sperm whales had been snagging an easy meal by stealing black cod from deep-sea fishing lines off Sitka, Alaska. Now, underwater video has revealed their cod-thieving secret: The giant marine mammals pluck the fishing line at one end to shake the black cod free at the other end.
Read the entire article and see the video by clicking on the link below.

http://www.livescience.com/animals/090526-whale-clicks.html

Everyday Adventures

We have our slip for the winter and are settling in. We have run into friends we met at Glacier Bay and made many new friends here in Sitka. It seems there are just not enough hours in the day for all of the activities.

I've taken a part time job to meet the locals and Jim is getting the scoop on fishing and hunting. We are both having fun. We do miss our friends at home and around the world. Keep in touch.
Cheers,
F