7-26-2013 the Russian River Falls and the Kenai River at Cooper Landing

We hiked to the Russian River Falls.  The round trip was about 5 miles but we took our time and enjoyed the walk through the forest.  There were many little water flows in the woods and very lush moss and fern gardens along the way.

After about an hour hike into the falls we saw the salmon waiting for the fish ladder to open.  They were hoping for the easier way to get around the falls, but not today.  If they were to reach the spawning areas they would have to climb the falls.  There were hundreds gathered beneath the falls and many more arriving there to continue their journey.  Some will rest and gather strength and clean their gills of the glacial flour they have collected coming up stream.

We hoped to see a few eagles and bears feasting on the bounty, but they were not at the falls while we were there.  The falls are a popular place to visit and fish.  We saw several folks hiking with their fishing poles.  There were several families picnicking and watching the fish struggle up the falls.

We climbed down from the viewing area to get closer to the bank.  It was very slippery and a steep climb.  You had to have sure footing or you would join the salmon in the ice cold waters. Everyone enjoyed watching this phenomenon.  The determination that the salmon display is astounding. We know that you cannot assist the salmon with the journey.

Can you see all the salmon??

Jumping up the falls.

It’s much like life for us. You have to struggle through life and endure the challenges that you are faced with to truly appreciate your successes.  It’s not the destination; it’s the journey you go through that really represents the personal growth you experience along the way.

After completing the hike we found a roadside park to have lunch before we headed to the Kenai River for the rafting trip.  Needless to say we needed that little break to gather up the reserve energy we would need for the trip down the Kenai.

We got suited up and off we went down the river.  The river is a beautiful aqua blue color due to the high mineral content of the water.  It was not a wild trip down the Kenai but a gentle float with a few rapids that gave you the thrill of excitement.

Young bald eagles about 3 or 4 years old.  They don't get their while heads until about 5 years old.  

We saw a few eagles, one bear cub (that old eagle eyes Sharon spotted) and hundreds and hundreds of fisher people (you cannot say fishermen anymore, as there were many woman fishing as well).  This is the height of the salmon run so everyone is lined up along the river hoping to snag the big one.  During the salmon run the fish do not eat so you have to snag them in the mouth for a legal catch.  If the salmon don’t have enough to be concerned about already, now they have to avoid all these wild fishing people.  There are not many that get hooked but a few do.  

They call this fishing frenzy combat fishing.  I would venture to say that more people get hooked than the fish.  It is not something that seems very interesting to Bob.

end of the day on the Kenai River

We all returned home exhausted and ready to relax. We had planned to have spaghetti for dinner to replace all the carbs we had expended during the day.  It was good we had simmered the sauce all day.  A good night’s sleep and we will be ready to go in the morning.  With the exception of all those muscles that haven’t had this kind of exercise in many years.  This is our training for the grandchildren.  We are determined to outlast those little rascals.  When their little feet hit the ground we will be right there to share the experiences.

Bring ‘em on!