May 20

Mission accomplished and headed back to Sitka. Two bears and two very happy hunters. The 2nd bear was spotted while on our way to Sitka, those guys "glassing" until the very last minute. Hunter and guide jumped in the skiff and made their way to the beach, hiked down to where the bear was hanging out and the hunter made the shot. Way to go Andy! Luke is on the top deck right now working on the hide, he is very adept at what he does. We have about 5 hours to motor into Sitka and by then, my honey will be there. YIPPEE! Making our final dinner of bbq steaks, baked potatoes, stir-fry vege's and coleslaw. There is still some dessert for them to finish up, didn't really have time to bake today. It's been a crazy day. The water is very choppy, boat is swaying side to side but Brad has the pedal to the metal to get us home soon. Makes it fun to try and work in the galley, one minute I'm leaning over the sink and the next I'm over the stove and of course my feet are still planted in the same place. Can't believe how well I've done with the water and not getting sick. Our next hunt could be a different story since we will be going out into open water. Time will tell. Lot's to do once we are in port but looking forward to cleaning things out and starting over. I was just told we will be going through whirlpools in about 4 minutes and to make sure nothing was on the table that could roll around or off. Hang on guys, we're in for a ride! HOOOOLY COOOOOW.......that was off the charts. We were rolling like crazy. I was literally bracing myself in the galley, one hand on the coffee pot and the other on the cast iron skillet filled with hot steaks cooking. Seriously, I was sliding all over the place but trying to hang onto everything. Stuff went flying, as I said, holy cow! Okay, we made it, dinner is over and I can see Sitka in front of us. So excited. Will post this to update all of you!

May 19

It's Tuesday night, Byron arrives in Sitka tomorrow. We are gonna have so much fun. Just spending time together will be special. We are going to have to rearrange my bunk room, my stuff is spread out on all 3 bunks. Better do some consolidating. Did I mention that I have a stool in there so I can reach the light? How sad is that? The light switch is mounted on the ceiling directly on the light and wouldn't ya know it, just out of my reach. But truth be told, I need the stool to climb into my bunk too. Oh well, such is life. There is one cupboard in the kitchen that is hard for me to reach. I stand on my way tippy toes, tilt the bowls forward on the edge and let them fall out towards me. Have to be fast though, cuz if all four fall at the same time, it's hard to catch them all. There is also a chest freezer on the top deck with food stuff. Minnie told me she has actually gone head first into that thing to get food out....not me! I'm just that much shorter that my whole body would fall in, so Luke has graciously been getting stuff out for me. There is food all over this boat, it's crazy. I have a pretty good handle on where things are now but once in awhile I have to ask Luke but only after I've racked my brain to see if Minnie told me where the item should be. I'm running out of breakfast ideas, I hope to download some more recipes while I'm back in Sitka. Brad took the remaining hunter out in the skiff hoping to find his bear. It would be great if he could take home a bear too. Luke and Mark are on the top deck "glassing" (looking through binoculars) for bear. Last night was spent fleshing the bear hide, took some pictures of the process. Then rubbed salt into the hide to help it dry out. I learn something new everyday. And I thought my brain was done learning new stuff. It's not, I just needed to wake it up again. :-)

May 18

You've probably seen the pictures on Facebook but if not, we got a bear! Last night, Mark brought down a very large brown bear and oh my goodness, what a sight. I got a radio call from Luke telling me to have Brad and Andy stay dressed once they returned from hunting, Luke and Mark were going to need help. So as soon as they pulled in, I told them about the call and they took off in the skiff to go find the other hunters. About 20 mins later, they were back at the boat telling me to get a coat and my rubber boats, I was going back with them to see the bear. Per Brad, who has been guiding and hunting for a long time, "you are going to want to see this, it's a very large bear". So there I am, at 11 pm, throwing on a sweatshirt and boots and grabbing the camera. I climbed into the skiff with the guys and off we went. Oh my goodness. It was fairly dark when we arrived at the beach, Luke used his flashlight to guide us in and off we went. As I climbed the first small knoll, I saw a huge mound of something in front of me. I also had a flashlight and I pointed in that direction. Again, can I say, Oh my goodness? I have never seen something so amazing, this bear was not only big but beautiful. His fur was full and his head was huge, he had big paws and long claws. It was awesome. We took some pictures and they graciously let me pose with Mark, the hunter. I was sitting next to a 900 lb brown bear guys!! I can't tell you how I felt. It wasn't sadness, which is how I thought I would feel. It was more of a wonderment and an appreciation for this great animal. The hunters weren't hollering or jumping up and down in excitement, they were very respectful and seemed to be in awe by the bear. Finally, they covered him up with a tarp so they could return the next day. And guess what? They woke me up at 5 am to go with them, this would be another first for me, to see the completion of the hunt. I captured it all on photos, from start to finish. Once the hide had been removed I asked how long before the carcass would be consumed. Brad said it takes about 2 days for the other animals to get it down to bones. How amazing is that? In fact, when we left the area on the boat, there were already about 15 eagles on and around the bear starting the process. I don't know much about animal life and their habits but I do know they are constantly in search of nourishment for themselves and their young. The bear has provided greatly for them today. I'm not going to stand on a soapbox and say YIPPEE, I believe in hunting. I will say that these men have shown me respect for the animal and reverence for the process. I appreciate them sharing with me their skill, desire and expertise. It has been a brand new experience for me, one I won't soon forget. Thanks guys.....dj

May 17

Evening again. Dinner is over and the guys are out hunting. Last night was pretty exciting for the one hunter, Mark. They anchored their skiff and walked up the beach and found a bear party! There was several bears and of course the one Mark wanted, no rub, nice size and a male, everything was just right for the trophy shot. UNTIL, a sow interrupted the shot and started walking towards the hunter. That's right, a female bear saved the male from becoming a rug. Mark and Brad said the sow walked within 20 feet of them, turned her head towards them and just kept walking. And the boar, turned and went the other way much to Mark's frustration. But they were pretty pumped so both boats are going that way tonight. We'll see how they do. I'm on the top deck again, tank top and shorts. I kid you not people, if the weather was always like this, I'd move up here. But, I've been told by the Alaskan's that it's not always like this and don't expect it from one day to the next. But I do, cuz that's what I've been enjoying. Got my first close up bear pictures today. She was on the beach and we drifted by close enough to get pictures. She has a rope around her neck, no one knows why though. Alaska Wildlife is going to tranquilize her and get the rope off of her, they just have to keep track of her. She traveled quite a distance last night, she was out at Mark's bear party last night and this morning she was fairly close to our boat. Kind of stayed on the same beach most of the day. Feel bad for her, they think the rope is cutting into her neck and will eventually strangle her if they don't remove it. I'm hearing lots of animal sounds and have no idea what some of them are. Can't even begin to describe them, sorry. We are in a bay that has an old cannery at the end. It was the last working Sitka cannery but shut down in the early 70's. It's now owned by a group of lawyers that supposedly want to build a fishing lodge. Some of the buildings are falling down onto the beach and others have been refurbished. Looks like there are caretakers that live there, hard to believe. They are out here miles from civilization. Not for me thank you very much. If there isn't a Baskin Robbins within driving distance, count me out! Good old chocolate chip, yumm, I miss that. We've been eating way too many carbs but those are some of the things that give the hunters fuel, yeah, I know, I'm not one of the hunters, but when in Rome.... :-). So today is Sunday and Byron gets here Weds night. oh boy, oh boy, oh boy. Hope the weather stays nice cuz we can sit up here in the evenings and just enjoy the view. My poor little feet need some lotion too.

May 16

Well, this is a new one for me, I'm on bear watch tonight. We moved to a new spot, which is how I had cell coverage for an hour this afternoon. The boat is anchored in a channel, off to the side, close enough to the beach I could throw a rock and hit it. And we are in a spot that they have spotted bears before, so I am on the top deck, keeping my eyes peeled and camera ready.  The hunters left right after dunch (dinner/lunch) and went opposite ways from the boat. Here's hoping they not only see bear but shoot them too. The guys have teased me about a bear swimming out to the boat and climbing onboard. My first thought was uhhh, okay, what would I do? Although the chances of a bear knowing how to climb onto a swim deck and then climb up the ladder are pretty slim but you never know. So I saw the hook they use to grab the shrimp ropes when we are pulling in pots. My thought would be to stab the bear with it. Of course, they said it would just make the bear mad. Then I thought of the pepper spray from Travis & Stacey, that would probably work if I used it correctly. Then, one of the guys said to go down in the engine room, no way could a bear fit down the stairs and thru that narrow door. So, the moral to this story is that I'm not worried about a bear getting on board the boat and if for some reason it were to happen, well, I'll just deal with it.  I am hoping for one to show up on the beach though, would really like to get some pictures.
Tonight was bbq ribs, those are so yummy. Can't wait to show my family and friends this new recipe. It's finger licken good.  I now have potato/sausage soup on the stove and a cheesecake in the fridge. Let's hope its a celebration tonight, meaning one of the guys got a bear.  I've been watching the shoreline for a bear and so far, nothing.  Hope they are having better luck.
It was so nice to get to visit with Byron and all the kids today. We had a small window of cell coverage, about an hour or a little more while we were changing hunting spots. Sounds like the tree sale went really well, wish I could have helped but I think they did great. So glad Byron will be here in 4 days....WHOOPEE!  So excited I'm beside myself.......have no idea what that phrase actually means but it came to mind.

May 15

I can't believe its the 15th already! I've been away from home for 24 days, wow, incredible. Byron will be here in 5 days.... :-)  Tonight we had a mess of shrimp and they made me peel the leftovers and freeze them.  Another thing you wouldn't have caught me doing a few months ago. But they are done and in the freezer. The guys told me there won't be any fresh shrimp or crab during the next hunt so we'll take some of those out and fix 'em. I guess we'll be out on the ocean side of the islands during the next hunt. Which means I might need my patch. Can't believe how well I've done on the boat. Have adapted to the waves and movement pretty well so far. Keeping my fingers crossed and praying I stay that way.
We anchored in the same area but out from the island a little further. That gives me a few new photo ops, Found some otters on a small little island not far from the boat. And I'm waiting for the sunset to see if it looks different from this angle.  One of the skiffs landed on an island not far from here and they are "glassing" from there. Scanning the other island with their binoculars for bear.  The two hunters have been there for quite awhile so the bear must be hiding in the brush tonight.
I'm listening to music on a little tiny speaker that Trav's gave me, it works great.

May 14

Good evening from Alaska, the land of the beautiful mountains, gorgeous water and....ME. Sitting out back again basking in the sun. We had bbq hamburgers, potato salad and jello fruit salad for dinner. Then the boys left to hunt, very positive they were each getting a bear tonight. Dreams and illusions. Wants and desires. I told them I'd believe it when I saw it, the bear I mean. They come back with all these stories about how many bear they saw, how big it might have been, but it was rubbed so they didn't shoot it. Really?  Let's see one of these things up close boys.
Hey Yvonne, I'm making dutch soup tonight and I made a pumpkin dessert too. We'll  see how they like those yummies after they get back from hunting. Well, it was getting cold in here, I came inside awhile ago, so went to get my sweatshirt and wouldn't ya know it? I put it on backwards. That's right, a hooded sweatshirt with the hood up so when I pulled the sweatshirt over my head, it was all dark in front of me.  Crap, I must be loosing(sp?) it out here.  Oh well, I've turned it around and now I'm warm. Oh what to hear another blonde moment?  Shouldn't even tell you guys but you'll get a kick out of it.  There are ALOT of islands around here and it got me wondering something, so I asked Luke, "so have they ever measured to see how far those go down?"..........now, Luke being a smart-mouth just like my own sons, says, "you mean all the way to the bottom?", (with a smirk on his face).  And in my blonde moment, it dawns on me that these aren't icebergs that float, they are land masses that stay in place. Seriously folks, this is all true, I make none of this up.  Have always thought I was fairly intelligent but well, THERE'S MY SIGN!

May 13

Hi again. Sure wish I could visit with all of you, would love to have a few laughs, you know the kind, the good old fashioned belly laugh. I can't do that with these guys, they would probably transport me straight back to Sitka and the next plane out of town......wait a minute.....ummm. :-) I love writing to all of you though it just misses the personal touch.  I'm out on the back deck, using that word generously, it's not alot of room but I have enough to put a chair right by the ladder, put my feet up and enjoy the evening.  Even sitting out here in a tank top at 7pm.  Weather is unbelievable.  The boys had crab tonight and I made a Mexican Lasagna Chile dip to go with, plus a salad. Made some more cookies, the guys are complaining that they'll have to go on a diet after this trip, oh well, not my problem. Brad and Minnie hired me to cook and  by golly that's what I'm gonna do. The other side of that coin is that I thought I would lose weight up here but doesn't seem to be the case. Oh well, I feel good and that counts for alot right now.
Did I ever tell you guys about the boat toilets? I don't think I did so here goes.  Each toilet is flushed using one foot on a lever that lets seawater into the bowl and then pulling and pushing on a gearshift type handle to make all the icky stuff go down, all the way down to Sweet Home as Travis used to say when he was potty training. Sorry, bunny trail.  Okay, now that big old gearshift, honestly, it's as big as a floor gearshift in an old pickup truck, has to be pumped back and forth about 20 times, that's what the sign says right above the toilet. Cripes, it takes more work to flush the stuff then....oh never mind. Let's just say I'm looking forward to one handle flush toilets again. Oh the niceties of life we don't pay attention to until they are ripped away from us.
Wish I could see some soccer games, missing watching those girls play. Not sure if Ryder is playing this year or not.  I'm thinking about you guys, score a goal for Grandma!
This country truly is beautiful, so untouched by human hand. The forests on the mountains are ruled by the animals, they make the trails, eat the berries and poop in the woods.....hahahaha. sorry, couldn't resist.  Don't get me wrong, there are plenty of places for people to play up here, just not where I am looking right now. Lovely, I say, lovely.

May 12

Good evening, it's now 10 pm and I am waiting for the hunters return. White Chicken chili soup is on the stove ready to warm them up. Apple pie and cookies are on the table. I have started going to bed as soon as they return, otherwise I could be up at least another hour waiting to clean things up when they are done eating and visiting. Figured I could just as well clean up their 4 bowls and spoons in the morning.  Still trying to figure out how much soup to make in order not to throw a bunch of it away the following day.  Very hard to determine.
Had a beautiful day with weather warm enough to sit on the upper deck while we went to drop the shrimping and crabbing pots.  The hunters are excited about having some fresh seafood in the next day or two.  Found out that the shrimp are better if you let them stay in the fridge overnight before eating them. Don't know why, that's just what Luke said so that's how we do it. As I said before, I am not the seafood expert around here.
Tonight we had bacon wrapped chicken and Continental Zucchini (stir fry). Both items were popular and the guys couldn't help themselves when the cookies came out of the oven, every time they walked by another cookie met its demise. Well, that's what they're for, might as well enjoy them.
Believe it or not, I have nothing witty to share tonight, nothing exciting happened, just another day on the water gliding past mountains and more mountains.  Wilderness at it's finest. Oh, I did try some embroidery tonight, which is one of my projects to work on while I'm up here. My stitches are not even or pretty but I have to keep at it. I get so frustrated with myself when I'm learning something new, I want to know how to do it and I want to know NOW!  Not exactly the model of patience and I never have been. My guys can tell you all about that as they've watched  me trying to golf.  Since I rarely go, I have no skills which frustrates me to no end. I've been known to throw the golf club on the ground, say something totally inappropriate and stomp off to the golf cart. And then I read a book during the rest of the course. So, sitting here working on these tiny little stitches trying to make them look nice, well, let's just say I may have said something totally inappropriate during the course of the evening.
It't getting pretty dark out there but the hunters don't usually come in until the last light fades away.  I figure they'll be back in 15 mins or so. Just went outside to look and I see one skiff, a little black dot moving across the water on their way here.  Gotta go......dj

May 11

Well that went by quick.  I'm already sitting out here in Vixen Islands and the hunters have left for the evening. Our turnaround day was just that quick, I turned around and it was over. Barely got to check email and didn't get to visit with very many people. I did however touch base with a few and got to hear that everyone is doing well.  I am much renewed right now after visiting with Byron several different times, my heart is happy.  So excited to realize that he will be here in 10 days to be on the next hunt. YIPPEE....best news ever!  You would think after all these years my heart wouldn't go pitty-pat every time I see him, but it does.  From the first time I saw him when I was 15, I decided he would be mine. It took him a little longer to see his future but that's okay, guys are slow. I can't believe that was 40 years ago.....holy cow, we have gotten old together. And where did the time go?  You get so busy with work and raising a family sometimes you don't get a chance to relish the moments.  Do it now people, whatever phase of life you are in, take a minute and think about the good things in your life and hold them close. I sat behind my desk at work (home) and figured I would die there someday. Would probably be typing away, getting ready to hit the enter key and BAM, on the floor in a dead heap. But, nooooo,I have to travel a thousand miles away or more (I really have no idea where I am), so that I can see another side of life.  And I am seeing new things....the wild wilderness with eagles and whales and grown men dressing up in camo, waders, boots, more camo, gloves, hats and whatever else is hidden underneath all those layers so they can load into a small skiff and head out across the open water to try and spot a bear. I'm still trying to wrap my head around this stuff.
Our two new hunters are from Oregon, bless their hearts. :-)  Fixed them the traditional first meal of Open face roast beef sandwiches baked in the oven with a romaine and mandarin orange salad.  Baked the 5 layer bars this afternoon and they dipped into those as well.  Now I have cheeseburger soup cooking, might as well hit them with the good stuff right off the bat. Sunset won't be until close to 10 so those hunters will soak up every moment of daylight.
So I have a little story to share. Last night I spent the night on the boat, in the harbor, by myself. That was a huge step for me. Cuz I really didn't like the idea of being alone on the boat the whole night.  So after everyone left and I made my phone call to Byron, I went around and locked all the doors. There's the cabin door and the wheelhouse door plus I double checked the top deck hatch to make sure it was securely closed. Now, what else do I need? I decided to take a pair of scissors to bed with me, which I know, may not have been the smartest idea but wait, there's more!  Travis had given me a canister of pepper spray so I thought it was the right time to get it out of the package and put it to use.  As I'm cutting open the package (with my scissors), I realize I don't have a clue how to use this thing. So I stop cutting and read the instructions on the back before I cut them up into little bitty pieces. It says "this canister does not need to be removed from the holster before activating". I'm looking at it, very carefully, turning it around and trying to see the spray hole, can't find it. Continue reading, "slip thumb onto glow-in-the-dark depresser and turn 1/4 turn to the right".  I find the glow-in-the-dark thingamajig and put my thumb on it but I DON'T turn it 1/4 turn to the right. Seriously, you guys really are thinking I sprayed myself, aren't you?  No faith in me, thanks alot.  Back to the pepper spray, I am really trying to find out how, if you turn the glow-in-the-dark thingamajig 1/4 turn (have I made that clear yet?), would the spray come out of the canister and not hit the snap on the holster.  I turn it around and around, actually snap open the holster and look closer but still can't figure it out. What the crap? My son gave me something that's suppose to save my life and dangit, I have no idea if it will work or not. So I figure if someone breaks in, I'll just throw the darn thing at them and shove my scissors up their nose.
Thanks for hanging around with me, going to work on the soup and put my feet up for awhile. Yak later.....dj

May 9th

We are headed back to Sitka, our last night on the water....YAHOO.  I can walk on solid ground for a day before heading back out again.  Plus I get to call people and download all these blogs. You guys will get bombarded, sorry about that but I have been out of touch for 8 or 9 days. Very excited that I made it through the first hunt with no complaints, although I did get a few pointers after the fact.  Like maybe have a few more vege options and make the roast beef sandwiches open face instead of a regular sandwich.  Maybe there are more "suggestions" coming, will have to wait and see.
Hoping Rob gets his bear tonight, he made this once in a lifetime trip from Pennsylvania and it would be awesome if he could take one home. Fingers crossed. Our dinner tonight was Mac n cheese, Minnie already had it prepared, all I had to do was bake it. The guys wanted the leftover bbq rib meat too plus I made a cole slaw and homemade rolls, which were a hit. They kind of want the same stuff when they come home late tonight so that's what we will do.
It's 9 pm, Luke and Rob just jumped in the skiff and headed to shore. They spotted one up around the bend and this is Rob's last chance to get one. Hoping its still there and has hair on it.  How weird is that? I'm telling ya, I'm learning more about bears than I ever imagined.  Did you know that when a bear gets hurt or shot, he will head straight up a mountain, they are incredible climbers and they're instincts are to head up in danger. On the other hand, when a deer gets hurt or shot, he will head down, like in a valley or towards a beach. Again, more info than I or you ever wanted to know.  Stay tuned for more useful tidbits about the wilds of Alaska.

May 8th

Well, here I am anchored up in Deep Water Cove, however, Brad is on his way back to the boat, he thinks the anchor may be dragging......well, yeah, could ya come back and fix that for me please?  I'd like to stay in the same place in order for you to find me when you are done hunting.  The guys have seen over 20 bears but they are either sows, young ones or don't have much hair. One bear they described as this way, "very skinny, sort of mangy looking with hair around his feet and a little on his head but other than that, not much hair on him.  Apparently, bears shed like household animals and since they are just waking up from their long winter's nap,they are now shedding in order to get ready for the coming fall. Which makes them fairly ugly and not something you would want hanging on your wall or made into a rug. So, they keep looking in hopes they find one that doesn't look like he had a case of lice and had his hair shaved off.
Tonight's dinner was pretty good, thanks to Minnie and her Maple Sugar glazed rib recipe. I will definitely be making this for the folks back home.  Also had mashed potatoes, peas and carrots and I have a ding dong cake all made for this evening. If you don't know what I'm talking about, you are missing out.  Remember those wonderful  lunch box treats called ho-ho's, twinkies and ding-dong's?  This cake tastes just like those ding-dong's used to way back when. I've had the recipe for years and it's a great stand-by for those times you want something special without too much extra work. Not sure what kind of soup to make tonight......might check the cupboard and see what kind of packaged soups are there, nice to have a back up every now and then.
Weather is fairly calm in this area. We went through some choppy water getting here but this area is pretty nice.
Yeah, so I'm not sure where Brad took them hunting but I don't see him anywhere on the horizon and trust me, the horizon stretches for miles.  Alaska is massive and I've only seen a very, very small part of it. The mountains and water go on forever and when you do come to a cove of some sort, all you have to do is go around one of the bends and there is another huge stretch of water.  I'm hoping Byron and I can take a week to explore once I'm done with the bear hunts. We have some time to work on that. Hey, I think I see a boat coming this way, good grief it's way, way out there, he must have taken them to Canada. :-) We did have a boat come up behind us today, it was the police, they wanted to look at everyone's license for hunting and make sure we were all legit.  Well, I didn't have to show my license, the guy must have figured out I was just the cook and there was no reason to check my ID.  Which was kinda rude, I could have been hunting, girls do hunt, right?  Just not me!  hahaha.  Okay, that little tiny speck I saw has now disappeared, what on earth should I think? I can't tell if I'm drifting, the little island he parked me next to is still about the same distance away. Ummm, never mind. They are here, the spotter dude and Brad are back for awhile I guess.  Everything is good, the boat is not drifting and I will remain here while they return to the hunt.

May 7th

Two of the hunters are leaving early today on a float plane which will take them to Sitka for a flight to Mexico tomorrow. Ramiro Sr needs to be there for his mother who will have surgery shortly after they arrive home. She is 94 and wants her oldest son to be home during this time. They will miss almost 3 days of hunting and will leave with no bear again this year. He was here last year too and returned this year in hopes of finding the elusive bear. Feel bad for him and his son but they are wonderful guys and it was a pleasure getting to know both of them. Prayers for his mom and family.
Rob is out with Brad on the hunt. Luke and Russ are scouting in the other skiff. We are anchored back in the Vixen Island area and I can see the channel kicking up some waves.  Those guys are going to be sore after crossing that rough water tonight.  Hopefully, someone will see the "one" tonight.  It's so interesting listening to these guys talk about hunting, all day long, every breath they take, on and on and on...! Rob and Russ both have hunting cabins back home and have another hunting trip planned a few days after they get home from this hunt.  The gear they put on every time they go out to hunt is incredible. I think they must have 15 layers of clothing before they put on their waders. And when they get back at 9 or 10, they are ready to shed those layers and have some warm soup. So tonight I have corn chowder simmering as their late night snack.  The blueberry pie only had a few takers last night, so hopefully it will get eaten tonight.  For lunch we had lasagna, salad and Luke's fried shrimp.
Today is day 10 of a 12 day hunt and 7 of those days have been no cell service.  What a bummer.  Can't wait to get back in touch with people. I will probably post these blogs and if you want to read them you can, if not, that's okay too.  No hard feelings.
I am so NOT an outdoorsy Calamity Jane type of girl. I'm looking out at the weather and am so thankful to be in a warm, cozy boat, out of the wind and cold.  I have my own little room with my own little toilet and I'm good. But if someone wanted to put me out on shore, in a tent with no inside bathroom, I would not be happy.  I am considering the RV idea or a travel trailer if Byron is still willing. After the guys left, I cleaned up lunch, emptied the trashes, cleaned toilets and vacuumed and it didn't take very long. However, I suppose this little space will probably start wearing on me eventually but so far so good.  Hope all is well on the home front.....dj

May 6th

Guess where I am?  Yeah, still in Alaska but I'm sitting in the captain's chair at the wheel.  Bet you guys were wondering just how long it would be before I took over! Well, rest easy, I'm only sitting here because everyone else is off hunting. And I'm not touching anything, at all.  Just my luck I'd hit the wrong button, raise the anchor and end up in Canada somewhere.  Two of the hunters went out early this afternoon with Luke. I spotted a bear,  yep I did and they took off in the skiff after it.  Haven't heard from them yet so either they are still looking or they got it. Guess that's the only 2 options available isn't it? Haven't lost my sense of humor.  Really hope these guys get one tonight, they are the Mexicans and have to leave tomorrow without finishing the hunt. Would love for this trip to be a success for them. They have been fun to have on board. The father was planning on making Shrimp diablo tonight which means VERY HOT, so those were going to be for him, his son and Luke. They can still cook those when they get back. They put hot sauce on everything and I mean everything. Must have stomachs of cast iron.  Anyways, I made something tonight for the first time, panko crusted butterfly shrimp or something like that. And I nailed it if I do say so myself. Even took a picture to prove it to Karen since she knows how I feel about cooking seafood.  I'm turning corners here that's for sure. So the 2nd group of hunters ate their meal and have left for hunting too. We are anchored in a very pretty cove, think it's called Salisbury Sound.  Brad told me to listen for the radio in case Luke calls so my ears are tuned in to "breaker breaker got your ears on?"......actually that's not what they say but it could be. :-)
There are whales in this cove too which is kind of strange, you wouldn't think they would be in here but there must be plenty of herring to eat so they follow the fish.
Wow, talk about a whirlwind. The first set of hunters came in wanting a five minute dinner, most of the food was out waiting for them, so they gulped down food and were back in the boat in 10 mins.  Wonder how that will feel in an hour? So dinner is all put away, now to tonight's soup. Still figuring out what to make so in the mean time, I'm baking a blueberry pie. Okay, pie is finished and cheeseburger soup is on the stove.  During all of that I had to go out on deck and video a couple of whales near the boat, going to send that one to the grandkids, they'll love it.  It's now 8:30 and I have almost an hour. Taking a breath and putting my feet up.  see ya....dj

May 5th

Happy Tuesday, at least I think it's Tuesday, not much use for a calendar out here. Just gauge my week on how many days into the hunt we are and how many days are left.  Gotta plan the right amount of food and start making the grocery list for the turnaround day.  That's right, we end this hunt Saturday, turnaround day is Sunday and pick up the new hunters on Monday.  Guess what I'll be doing on Mother's day?  Grocery shopping and cleaning I think.
Woke up pretty slowly this morning, pretty sure my energy level is starting to dip.  Ya gotta give me a break here. I went from 0 to 60 in a pretty fast second. So after a breakfast of shrimp and crab omelets, I went back to bed and took a 2 hour nap.  That helped alot. Now we are getting ready to bbq steaks, well, Luke is going to bbq. There are baked potatoes and a corn casserole in the oven. There is a broccoli/cauliflower salad in fridge and I plan to make some garlic butter for the steaks.  Sounds pretty yummy. Should have made some bread but will take out some chips and call it good.
Dinner was a success and then they left for hunting around 4:30 or 5 and I just got done in the kitchen, it's almost 8.  Made 3 soup stocks from dinner leftovers, a corn chowder base, a steak soup base and a loaded baked potato base. How's that for not wasting anything? Then I made a chicken noodle soup for tonight.  Whew, gotta put my feet up and relax for a few minutes. I will be so relieved when we get back in cell range, this has been a very long time to be "disconnected" to all my people. We are back in Vixen Islands now, weather has been great all day, the wind has started up this evening which makes it better for hunting. I'm learning so much out here, mostly stuff I never had a desire to learn! But it's all part of the process and I believe I am more adaptable than I originally thought. Don't sign me up for hunter safety courses just yet.  I'd rather go to culinary school and learn all about stuff that I think I know but really don't.
Wonder how all the grandkids are doing?  I just looked at a bunch of their pictures on my phone and they made me laugh. Maddy Grace, you make the funniest faces when you take selfies on my phone. Alex playing soccer, Peyton with a pout because Alex took something from her, Ryder hugging his little brother Asher.  I'm so glad I have these to look at but have to be careful, sometimes they make me sad cuz I miss them all so much.  Okay, enough of that, going to read for awhile.  Love all of you and thanks for taking the time to catch up with me......dj

May 4th

No bears yet although they have been spotted and hunted, even shot at but alas, they missed. The boat is on the move, going down the coastline to spot bears. The brush is so thick in this country that the spotting is done from the boat, once spotted, the hunters load up in the skiffs and work their way towards the bear.  On land they hunt but don't venture too far into the woods due to the undergrowth.  Oops,just spotted whale....back in a bit. Okay, back from that photo op, got some nice pictures.  The captain assures me I will see many more whales along the way. Have lunch cooking to be ready around 3ish, about half an hour. Sweet n Sour chicken, fried rice, green beans  w/bacon, green salad and a cheesecake.  Hope it turns out good. These guys have been pretty easy to please so far, maybe they are too polite to say how they really feel.  Oh well, a wise woman once told me, ya get what ya get and ya don't throw a fit.
The weather is fantastic today, bright and sunny. The wind has picked up so the boat is swaying, makes it hard to cook or set the table.  So, decided to sit and wait until he anchors. Should be soon, we are going back to Vixen Islands to anchor for the night. If the wind kicks up out in the open water, we are somewhat protected in the little bay.  Then the boys will eat their big meal and head out for an evening of hunting.  Hoping someone brings home a bear tonight!
Well I was wrong, we anchored in Douglas Cove, different hunting area and the winds were calmer here. I have Navy Bean soup and 5 layer chocolate bars or whatever they're called for the late meal.
I got to talk with Byron tonight on the SAT phone. I so needed to hear his voice and reconnect.  Of course, I spent part of the time just crying, you women know what I'm saying.  Not really upset about anything but it felt so good to hear him, I just cried.  Better be careful or I'll start again.  Anyways, the SAT phone is very expensive and only for emergencies and yes, it was an emergency cuz now I feel better.
Every night I wait and watch for the hunters to return hoping someone has good news. Tonight is no exception.  I finally have my feet up and feel relaxed. That will all change once they arrive but will enjoy the few moments now.  Not sure if anyone will ever read these notes but it feels good to put things down in writing.  Yak tomorrow.....dj

May 3rd

Let me paint a picture....I am sitting on the top deck of the boat, BEAR. The sun is out and I just put on my shorts.  A few clouds but just fluffy puffs here and there.  No other boats for miles, a few birds flying by and I am right in the middle of all this vast beautifulness! So much to enjoy and admire, God's greatness expands way beyond my imagination. What an honor to get to see this countryside and there is way more to Alaska than I'm going to see.
Made bacon and waffles for breakfast.  Today's lunch will be fresh caught crab and shrimp. Luke, the assistant guide will be cooking the crab and will show me what to do with the shrimp.  Have 3 salads made, macaroni, coleslaw and a green salad. Made a frozen strawberry....(bet you thought I was going to say daiquiri, didn't you?), anyways it's a frozen dessert for this evening.  Will need to make a soup after the boys all go hunting but that can wait.
Brad let me call Byron on the SAT phone but he didn't pick up, probably cuz he didn't recognize the number, so I left him a message, then I cried. Doesn't take much lately, I've only been gone 12 days and it feels like 50.  Still wonder what this experience will mean to me and my family. As far as I know, it wasn't a fact finding mission.  It just came along at the right time for a change of pace.  I'm not contemplating my future, my past or my present. But I have begun to see how small I let my world become, literally. Getting up in the morning, walking 10 feet to my desk and staying there for 10 hours with a few potty breaks worked into the schedule. Then deciding whether or not I really wanted to drive an hour for an event or just stay home.  Did I even want to go downtown for dinner or was that too much trouble. Good grief, I've put so many limits on myself and in doing so have put limits on God's creations. Why not take the time to see something new every day?  I am seeing how important it is to keep the brain searching for new activities and things to do.  My outlook every day is changing.  My activity level has increased and I feel good. I'm grateful for this time even though my heart is missing my loved ones. Almost time to start lunch......yak again later.....dj

May 2nd

It's that time of day again and the boys had their late lunch then left for bear hunting. The other boat hunting in the same area got a bear yesterday so now these guys are ready to find theirs. Our boat is anchored around Vixen Islands near Huna area.  I have mountains on all 4 sides with several channels that lead out between the mountains. It's so surprising that I'm enjoying this as much as I am. ;-0
This morning, Ramiro showed me how to make Mexican eggs, those were yummy. Already added the recipe to my Recipe Box app to use on future hunts. Lunch was bbq hamburgers which Luke grilled on the top deck. We had macaroni salad and jalapeño ranch dip with chips. Now I'm thinking of their late night snack, they like something warm after  being out in the cold air......ummm there are soup mixes but I also have a few leftovers that could be made into a nice soup too. Also have several hamburger buns that would make great croutons.  Today's dessert was Oatmeal fudgie bars, those brought out alot of smiles and thumbs up.
Pulled the shrimp pots today, there are about 40 nice size shrimp waiting for dinner tomorrow I think. Haven't pulled the crab pots yet so will see how we do on those.
Not being able to connect with Byron or anyone else has been very hard. Almost lost it yesterday but pulled it together before making a scene.  It's one thing to be away from your loved ones but a whole other thing not being able to talk to them.  Travis and his family face timed with me before the cell service was gone.  Those girls are hilarious and I loved seeing them and their parents too.
And the highlight for the day......I took a shower. I was told ahead of time not to expect a shower everyday in order to conserve water, well doggone it, we started out Monday, visited the Hot Springs on Weds so I at least got to soak but by now it's Saturday and this little girl wants to wash her hair!  I tried it in the sink  in my toilet room, however, the sink is probably 6" across and 8" long, (I'm being generous here people) and you can't stand directly in front of it, you have to stand to the side cuz the toilet is mostly in front of the sink and sits on a platform, so trying to get your head under the faucet is darn near impossible. Taking a cup and pouring the water over my head wasn't a success either. I really wasn't trying to mop the floor but that's what happened. So this morning, I grabbed a towel and my shampoo and headed for the only shower on board.  It felt so good.  And yes, I have already lost a bet with Ronlee, he said I wouldn't get more than 3 showers a week and I, of course, said "bet me".  So with humility, I succeed defeat and now owe Ron and Lisa a dinner.  Darn it anyways. They are great company so we'll have fun.  This is way longer than I intended, thanks for sticking around till the end......dj

May 1st

Posting from Word since we are out of cell range today. If I wait to share my thoughts I might forget so here's what's been happening. Yesterday the boys got to shore for some hunting, got back about 9ish in the evening and I had chili, tortilla roll ups and cereal peanut butter bars. They loved the chili, one comment from the Mexican son, he said my dad has a restaurant in Mexico and your chili is better than the restaurant's.  Didn't have the heart to tell them it was Nalleys! hahahahaha. Enjoyed  every minute of the praise. Also yesterday we had a school of porpoises swimming with the boat, that was fascinating. They are so fast it was difficult to get pictures but I will post one when I can.  They would swim right in next to the boat and then burst out of the water and dive back in just as quick, I was snapping pictures as fast as I could hoping I got one. They stayed with us for miles but once we slowed down they left, not as much fun chasing a slow boat, kind of like a dog chasing a parked car.  We met the boat Surveyor to pick up a few things and let Dale, the captain, use our SAT phone.  Brad and Dale, the captains, both have clients on board hunting bear but they have been friends for many years and help each other out when the need arises.
Today we woke up to beautiful clear skies but decided to set shrimp and crab pots so now we're running north into some rain but there is some blue sky peeking through the clouds.  We had breakfast of eggs, sausages and toast, along with Buehler jam, which is a huge hit with the guys. Oh my, it's fun to watch them gobble it up.  Then I baked a pear crumble pie, recipe from Lisa Abrams, which I have had for years.  Makes you want to give up apple pie, it's that good. Now I have spaghetti sauce cooking in the crock pot for dinner around 3:30, will have a green salad and french bread too.  I am always thinking about the next meal and figuring out what they would like.  Not much different from home though, as soon as we would finish lunch, I would ask Byron what sounded good for dinner and he would look at me like I was off my rocker. But that's how it works when you have a mind like mine, and no, I won't try to describe my mind.  Most of you already have a good idea how my mind works and the rest of you are better off not knowing.  Well, that gets us caught up to this afternoon, still trolling to set the crab pots, dinner in an hour and then they are off to hunt for the evening.  See ya...dj1