Did you know…
that Lake Iliamna covers about 1,000 square miles (roughly 75 by 20 miles) and is the largest lake in Alaska, the second largest lake in the U.S. (after the Great Lakes). There have been persistent rumors of "Illies," giant creatures living in the lake.
(Click small pics to see larger)
We are honored to have "A Natural Beauty at 50!" by Judy Vars on display inside Once in a Blue Moose at the corner of 4th and F St in Anchorage. This stunning work of art is just one of the 21 Wild Salmon on Parade this year. As we begin the celebration of Alaska's 50 years of statehood all of the 2008 salmon are based on this theme.
Across the street are two more Wild Salmon, "Alaska, 50 Years Young" by Collette Fry and "Gillden Anniversary" by Cheryl Lacy. Salmon puns and fishy plays on words are abundant among the Salmon on Parade.
One block east, at the corner of 4th and E St., you'll find "Canned Salmon" by Chris Arend. The combination of rusted tin can lids and nostalgic canned salmon labels gives this fish a distinctive flair.
Moving west one block from Once in a Blue Moose, to the front of the Old Federal Building, we find two more salmon with a golden theme. "Goldust Streams" by Artisans of the ARC and "Gold Fish" by Erica Miller.
Hope you enjoyed our mini salmon tour. To experience the other 15 Wild Salmon on Parade you will have to make your way to downtown Anchorage before September 5th when the salmon will be auctioned during a dinner at the Sheraton Anchorage. The proceeds from the Parade are used to support various non-profit organizations. This year's recipients are: Camp Fire USA Alaska Council, Alaska Conservation Foundation, and Anchorage Concert Association.
Wild Salmon merchandise is available at Once in a Blue Moose.
Date 8/8/08
Anchorage Temperature
Low 49 °F, High 62°F
Daylight 16 hrs 25 mins
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Life in Alaska
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| Every summer since I was born has been spent at my family's fish camp on the Newhalen River. It's located north of Lake Iliamna and Lake Clark. It's about an hour plane ride southwest from Anchorage to get to Nondalton, so we like to stay weeks at a time -- enough time to smoke and jar sockeye salmon during the run. This year my family got a head start on me, arriving at the beginning of July. I showed up when most of the work had been done by my Grandma, Mom, Dad and Uncle: the filleting, drying on the racks, smoking, jarring, and pressure cooking of the salmon. (I felt like I was one of the Little Red Hen's lazy friends.) Subsistence fishing is a way of life for many Alaskan families and while it is hard work, it is definitely worth the time and labor. You know what I'm talking about if you've ever tried Alaska smoked salmon! | ||||
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| Even though jarring fish takes a lot of work, we do have time to play! Hiking and berry picking are things we like to do on the hills and mountains close to the cabin. | ||||
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Taking a boat ride to Nondalton is always fun especially since I get to visit more of my family there. Sometimes we have to drive to Iliamna to fuel up at Iliamna Trading, where the gas price is almost twice the national average right now! Our trip was rewarded with spectacular views of the Lake, which is the largest in Alaska. |
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Another bonus is when the pavement ends in Iliamna, and we get to engage the four-wheel drive once more! Most of our time is spent close to home, where each evening at least one of us is fishing off of the dock at the river. Rainbow trout, grayling, and lake trout are some of the other species of fish that we've caught. The end of my trip always comes to soon. I hate to leave, but during the plane ride I get to enjoy the amazing views of Alaska's many glaciers, rivers, lakes, and epic mountains. -- Janine |
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Just a couple of blocks north of downtown Anchorage you will find this scene on a typical summer day. At the mouth of Ship Creek, near the original Anchorage townsite, anglers gather to brave the mud and try their luck at catching the current run of salmon. If you are not interested in getting muddy yourself you can stand high and dry on the foot bridge and enjoy the fishing as a spectator. |
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It is a great family outing suitable for all ages. This youngster landed his catch under a watchful eye and proudly picked it up like a pro. A successful trip to the creek brings a smile to kids of all ages. --Leanne |
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| Got Salmon? Have we got salmon! Whether you want to eat it, play with it, wear it, or cook it, we've got it. | ||||
