(Sorry the photo did not turn out- my finger was in the way)

 I just came back from the airport.  When I was taxing over to the revetment where I tie down the wind was blowing about 20 and gusting 30.  There was a lot of snow blowing around and on the ground and not much traffic today so the tower had to send a front end loader over to shovel a path for me and dig out the revetment a little.  I got a gust that shoved the tail around and was already steering pretty much with the brakes (this is what you need to do in a tail dragger when the rudder gets overpowered) so I had to really stand on the right brake to straighten the plane out and I blew the "O" ring out of the puck in the caliper. At least I hope that is what the problem is.  It was blowing and snowing enough that all I could tell for sure is that there was hydraulic fluid spewed all over the snow.  With no brake to steer with and all the snow and wind the tower had to send some crew out and  it took five guys to back the little plane into the revetment.  By the time I was done I was pretty disgusted, although grateful this didn't happen on some remote strip or beach where I'd have to fly back and land without that brake.  Back on the boat now with the heaters going and life seems a little better again.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone with and without snow.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone with and without snow.

I am NOT ready!!!

Sept. 29th and the snow although lightly, fell yesterday for the first time. This morning we woke up to 28 degrees F. Snow predicted for this afternoon and tomorrow. The mountain tops around us are filling with snow.  I am just not ready to settle in and hibernate yet. ugh!!! I think it's going to be another long, cold winter.

Geographic Harbor, Alaska

Move!!!!!!!!!!!

Geographic Harbor

Geographic Harbor

  We have been anchored in one of the most stunningly beautiful places on planet earth for the last 3 weeks. It is surrounded by mountains with snow in spots and a lot of ash areas very visible.The ash is from the 1912 eruption of Mt. Katmai. The natural beauty of this location is a draw for people from all over the world, but the real attraction are the Coastal Grizzly bears.

Every morning and many nights we can hear them roar as they defend their fishing catch from another bear. It was not unusual for us to see up to 17 bears on the beach at any time of the day.
We  had some unexpected treats in this anchorage, sea plane pilots from two different agencies  came to visit, dinner  with a tour group from Coastal Explorer and land excursions with groups -safer to view up close bears with large groups.

We had several close encounters with bears, in fact so close that both the guide and Jim took out bear spray, fire arms and I had flares ready to go. Both times it was the cubs that became too inquisitive and decided to investigate our groups, both times just standing was enough to sent them on their way and back to mom. This location is so well visited by bear viewers that the bears just go about their business of catching fish and do they ever catch fish. Every method used from pouncing to stepping  on, to viewing underwater then grabbing was used. What ever gets the job done.

Jim went halibut fishing and came back with dinner for a few days of feasting.

Alaska holds so much for anyone interested in wildlife, fishing, hunting or general beauty.

Fun times ahead in Kodiak.

Fun times ahead in Kodiak.