"I'm going to speak my mind because I have nothing to lose."--S.I. Hayakawa
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Saturday, June 19, 2010

Oh. Is it raining?

One of the first things you learn when you come to Alaska is that if you want to do something, then just do it. If you postpone and lollygag and procrastinate waiting for the right weather, you aren't ever going to get around to doing what it is you want to do.

Take today, for instance. Here are some things I saw while delivering mail:

RUNNING AFTER RUNNING FISH:

Trucks and SUVs pulling boat trailers were everywhere. Traffic was awful. Fishing fever has hit the Kenai Peninsula. The salmon are running and everyone's running after them. Some had rather unique ways of hauling their boats.



This is a piece of the wonderful boat launch area in Cooper Landing. I was crossing the Kenai River bridge with traffic coming and going when I took this shot. You can see the "kids don't float" PFDs hanging below. But, what a location!




Who cares if it's raining? The fish are in!



Yeah, who cares if it's raining?





DRESSING FOR IT:

Well, at least the saddles have rain coats.



Ah, well, I reckon the riders do also. Aussie dusters all the way around.



SIZE DOES TOO MATTER:

When you're part English Mastiff, Rottweiler, and Chespeake Retriever your toys should be in proportion, not one of those wimpy green tennis balls..



THESE FEET ARE MADE FOR WALKING:

And for strolling with someone who loves you.





SUMMER SOLSTICE CELEBRATION:

So if fishing, horseback riding, and the like in the rain aren't your cup of tea, how about a mug of beer drawn from one of the 18 kegs expected to be emptied this weekend?



Maybe acccompanied by a luscious pulled pork BBQ sandwich with hot baked dinosaur beans and sole slaw?



And some cool bluegrass music.




Then visit the bake sale table for dessert.



You could listen to the kids' moose calling contest....




Check out the raffle items, including this gorgeous handmade knife by one of our local craftsman, Virgil of IRBI knives...



Or this totally awesome bowl by local bronze artist Shawn...



The bottom side of the bowl...




Or, here's just one of the items to be auctioned off... OH! MY! GAWD! Five hundred million gazillion!!!





Wander through the concession booths and find treasures like these leather and fur booties....



or these funny hats....


But don't forget your souvenir tee shirt. The annual Moose Pass Solstice Festival raises funds for our community club, and pays the utility bills for the club, volunteer fire department, and library, as well as funding various projects around town.





However, with all these rainy day activities going full blast, I think a black and white loon at Tern Lake had the very best idea of what to do on a foggy, rainy day..... (Yawn. Oh, excuse me.) ...and I think I'll follow its lead...




3 comments:

  1. I always enjoy seeing your pictures! I love the spirit; weather doesn't stand in the way of you guys doing what you you want to do. No rain-outs there.

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  2. I feel the same way about the weather. You have to JUST DO IT and allow the weather to do what it wants to do as well.

    The festival is fabulous and full of fun. I'm glad you were there enjoying the folks and fotographing it all.

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  3. I soooooo want a pair of those leather fur booties! Did you get any contact information from them?

    You know if it weren't for that darn blasted cold weather, the hubs and I would be living there in 1/2 a heart beat.

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