Trails improve as summer progresses
Hikers in the Kachemak Bay State Park recently encountered a stressed mother bear with two cubs between Glacier Spit, Grewingk Lake and Saddle Trailhead.
Numerous bears have been sighted in the Grewingk Valley and hikers are advised to give them lots of space and always sing or yodel as you walk to avoid surprising them.
Even though it’s July, there are still patches of snow above 2,000 feet in the mountains of Kachemak Bay State Park. State parks also advise that some trails are rough with steep grades in places and in some cases it is advisable to add a third to average hiking time.
Crews will be working on the China Poot Lake, Saddle and Wosnesenski River Trails from Wednesday, July 6, to Thursday, July 14.
Water Trail proposed for adventure, stewardship
The newly formed “Kachemak Bay Water Trail Association” is exploring the idea of mapping a route for adventures from the Homer Spit up the north side of the bay, then across the head of the bay and down to Seldovia before it ends again in Homer.
The trail map would identify landing and launch sites, facilities at each site such at campsites, tent platforms, yurts, outhouses and fresh water availability. One of the goals would be to promote Kachemak Bay as a world class kayaking, rowing and small boat destinations, said Dave Brann, one of the organizers.
Got a pot? Tanner Crab fishery opens soon
The waters of Kachemak Bay, Cook Inlet and the outside of the Kenai Peninsula will open to sport, personal use and subsisence Tanner crab harvest July 15.
Free permits are required and available during business hours from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game office at 3298 Douglas Place, behind Alyeska Tire. Turn west on Douglas off Ocean Drive and look for a blue and white sign.
Study asks where cranes nest their young
Learning more about the nesting ecology of our local Lesser Sandhill Cranes is one of Kachemak Crane Watch’s major goals. Working with wildlife biologists Gary Ivey, Western Crane Conservation Manager for the International Crane Foundation and Michelle Michaud, Kachemak Crane Watch is conducting a three-year project to learn where local cranes nest, roost, and their reproductive success.
Comfort at fish camp borders on chic
In the comfort of his surroundings, Fred Ashcraft sips a hot cup of coffee, while staring out the front window from his chair. Behind him a wood stove crackles, not only heating the room, but also warming a pot of stew. Shelves around him are stocked with groceries, and there’s a bar with several bottles of top-shelf liquor. If Ashcraft gets tired, he can also climb into one of the bunk beds behind him.
Fish and Game department issues new rules
The Anchor River will close to sport fishing beginning on Wednesday, June 15 at 12:01 a.m. through Thursday, June 30 at 11:59 p.m. to protect king salmon returning to the river. The Anchor River escapement of king salmon through June 12 was 1,405 fish. At this time we are unable to predict with certainty that [...]
Bring in three winning halibut
As of press time, Rick Pruzek of Chippewa Falls, Wis. remained the overall halibut derby leader with a 176.5 pound fish caught May 30 while fishing with Bob’s Trophy Captain Trenton Peck aboard Tuff Stuff.
The top three fish for June so far were all caught the same day on the same boat, Ocean Hunter.
Sailors to Seldovia and back
The Cooney Cup sail race to Seldovia was a challenging mix of conditions, with light winds from the east on Saturday giving way to light and variable winds through the afternoon. “The Martha J managed to leave us all behind by riding the zephyrs around Seldovia Point to a stunning victory while the rest of the fleet spent another hour wallowing around in the dead air,” Nereus captain Erik Pullman said. “Sunday was a day for spinnakers, with the typical light day breeze building through the late afternoon.”
Plan extra time for Kachemak Bay State Park hikes
In general, the Alaska State Parks Department advises that trails in the park are rough with steep grades in places and recommends adding about one-third to your average hiking time.
The Grewingk Creek tram is open and upgraded but difficult to use. For safety, a minimum of two people is suggested with one assisting by remaining on the platforms to pull on the rope and reversing the procedure when the first hiker completes the trip. Gloves are recommended.
Loose dogs take toll on domestic, wild animals
Warming weather and extended hours of light are coaxing more activity outside, which can be good, or particularly bad, when animals and people run afoul of each other.
“The warm temperatures are bringing out the roaming dogs, so now is when we see an explosion of outdoor accidents,” said Mary Huhndorf, a veterinarian at Twin Cities Veterinary Clinic.
She has already seen a seasonal uptick in the number of animals coming into the clinic with injuries, primarily dogs hit by vehicles. A dog also arrived last week with a gunshot wound.
