Some summer pics...

Yukon Mike

Yukon Mike

Well-known member
Its getting cooler at night now, so I guess the summer of '09 is winding down. We've had some really nice warm weather this year, with highs of 20 - 30' C. It was warm like this the year Jane and I first came up, and I think that's what tricked her into staying all these years. The kids were even swimming in the lake. The down side to a hot summer is lots of forest fires. It can get really bad at times where your throat gets irritated and your eyes get itchy - kinda like bingo halls in the old days.

Anyway, here's a few shots...

In June Mac kayaked up a series of beaver dams with some buddies and caught a bunch of fish. He wanted to take me there so we gave it a try. I knew I couldn't lift much so once Mac wore himself out I showed him the magic of a come-along.

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All total I think there were 9 beaver dams to get over, but I couldn't make the last three to the big lake. We were rewarded with some excellent pike fishing though. On Mac's first cast he caught a 38"er and he got about 6 more in the 30 - 40" range the first evening. I only caught four big ones I think. All big grannies were released, but we did bonk some little ones for shore lunch. I was beat when we decided to stop trying to go up further, so we made camp and spent the night. Pretty nice trip.

A big fatty over 36".

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The only native trout we have around here are lake trout which I think might actually be a char, but there are bull trout in the SE Yukon in the Liard River drainage, so me and the kids had a bit of a road trip towards Watson lake.

The bugs and smoke were horrible so we didn't fish as much as Mac wanted to. He still caught a few nice eaters.

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I think this is just the most perfect looking pool to fish. Except there was no fish.

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Fixing up the Campbell Highway. I got stuck and had to lock the hubs to get through. Note the "detour" right through the middle.

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The signpost forest.

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Fort pics. This was a great project for Mac and I. I did the thinking and math stuff, and he did all the nail pounding and lifting stuff. I wasn't going to build anything this summer, but I got all the aluminum roofing from the old curling rink in Watson Lake, the cedar siding from a tear down in town here, the one window from the dump, a big picture window from my neighbor, and a steel door in a frame from the dump. I couldn't resist.

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Meg made this for Mac.

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I felt bad about killing that big tree, but big ones like that eventually blow down so I had to cut it. It was about 130 yrs old.

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So that's about it. We're going to head to Dawson City for "Discovery Days" celebrations this weekend and then go north to do some hiking and hopefully hunting. Mac's been practising everyday with his bow and can sniper a mini football at 30 yds. He's really steady with that .270 he bought as well. Hope we see some food walking around.

Hope you all are having a great summer too,

Mike
 
Dang it Mike!!!! Now I REALLY REALLY want to get back up there again. Can I stay in the tree house? Great pictures, I remember the all the signs.

If Mac keeps tugging on come-alongs all summer, he will have all the girls eyeballing him when school starts. Bet your whole family is just too tired of summer and can't wait to get back to the school life, right?? hehe
 
Great pics Mike, thanks for sharing.

That's about as good as a tree fort can get and the fishing doesn't look half bad either.

Happy hunting, take plenty of pics.

-D
 
Looks like you had a great summer, and your kids are growing like weeds. It's amazing how fast they grow.

Great job on the tree fort!

-Jack
 
Mike

What a great series of pictures. I'd love have a Summer of those adventures. Your kids are really shooting up. Mac is looking like a man and I bet you have the beat the boys away with a stick to keep Meg safe. Can't wait to see pics of your Fall hunting adventures.

Eric
 
Mike,

Thanks for sharing. It looks like you have all had a great summer.

You can always post more pictures. They are pretty "exotic" for most of us.

Tom
 
Those are great pictures. I'm trying to remember the excuse I used for not moving to Alaska upon my discharge in '68. On my way to the armpit of Southeast Asia in '66 I stayed in Anchorage for 3/4 days and have made myself a promise to return someday. I hope your kids (and I'm sure they do )appreciate the beauty of the country they live in.
 
It has been a really good summer up here.

As far as the house situation its just sitting there all torn up. Things are moving pretty slowly and we still don't have the OK from the insurance co to hire a guy to put the kitchen and bathroom back together at least. I think if we still have no kitchen and shower when school starts I'll see if I can borrow an RV from someone and put it in the driveway. Maybe insurance would spring for a new wall tent completely furnished by Cabelas?

Glad you guys enjoyed the pictures.

Mike
 
Mike,

That is too bad about the slow progress on your home. I was afraid to ask as I didn't want to spoil this thread. Maybe Mac can kick some insurance butt and get things moving. That or better yet, sic Jane onto them, I know she'll take no crap!
 
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