08/06/2025
Once in a LIFETIME Alaska Experience!!!
Ive bee answering the call North since I attained my Eagle Scout Award as a 15yr old, dad took me to back side (isolated aide) of Kodiak Island to village lf Karluk to challengene the Mighty Kodiak Brownbear for coveted king salmon that filled the Karluck river. (Many we won, some we Lost).
Little brother Brett turned white as a ghosts as he slowly climbed a river bank to aee a massive grizzly HAD calmly TAKEN A LARGE FISH OUT OF OUR BOAT AND WAS MUNCHING IT DOWN ON THE GRASS BARELY GIVING ANY NOTICE TO BRETT.
BRETT was astonished by the sheet power and size if this verifyul created it, it made a tremendous inpact on him the remainder of his life.
We traveled to the distant tiny native cilliqge of Koligonek withrh just 150 residents in the warm season.
People in Koliganek acted as if they had never seen little blonde boys like me and my brother Brett. They would point at our eyes and they would touch our hair and they would giggle and one of the older boys would translate and he would say something like they want to know why your eyes are this color and they would like to know why your hair is so white they’ve never seen anybody that looks like you. As 12 and 14 year-old kids we were not offended, but simply answered the questions for we were as enamored and interested as they were. We saw no good or bad judgment or shame. It was just a difference and such a harmless innocent difference why not pointed out and pointed out we all did and we laughed about it and we became friends immediately.
These native those took me (the oldest on a sled and began exploring the village. Showing me where their dogs are kept and where their food is stored. Warning me of what direction the wolves and coyotes come and to keep a sharp eye.
They led us proudly to their impressive work area, they were very organized and effective at the harvesting of the wild flesh from the once swimming mighty animals.
All ages of native children would participate.
Some Would “poke” the artery just behind the lowest gill to bleed the fish, ensuring a cleaner. Some would carefully garnered the egg row and lay into containers. Some
Hung strips of salmon “Chum or “dog” bellies over the smoke to cure for days ao it might preseerve and sustain their many dogs they relied on for work and transportation.
Some had jobs of chopping the fresh fish fillets the proper sizes, so they lined up with the fillet on the other side of the fish perfectly. Removing any partial fins, or forgotten bones, slicing off all skin from the meat. When satisfied, then at the meat little package of protien on a towel, or cutting board, or a baking sheet to hold until ready to wrap in a protextive layer of saran wrapp, and then finally-freeze dry with double melted seals for added strength and piece of mind.
Some Made fermented fish head soup. I wont explain that bere 🤢
We observed the ways of the ancient amd seasoned processors. We gained a love and reapext for natire, survival, and family thay day thay we had to experiences in a very personal way.
I am gratedul for these moments ive been given to step outside of mu world and explore another’s.
Thank you Dad
 I wonder if our ancestors would be proud of us for our new ways if they would see improvement in the process such as efficiency or high-quality long-term storage. But I also wonder if we would be keen to their techniques and wish to learn their simple methods which they have Developed over trial and error that has kept them alive.. just as a hobby.
Either way our past and our present slammed together when we are on a timeless river battling nature, which has been performing at a very high level for thousands and thousands of years with or without man’s puny influence. I cannt help but feel them very close to us.
I feel connected to the Earth and the universe. I feel connected to God, my creator. I feel very small, but I feel humble and worthy to take my small place and be a servant for him in the small way i have coveneted to do.
I aimply musr do his will that he may accomplish his great work and his glory . I wish to be found under the shade of his pavilion and in his camp of protection when the winds come and the waves crash.
God bless all the fishermann if the world. 
Especially the original, one true, Perfect Example of fishing for the ONE. He who teaches us to go now.. and be fishers of men.
Seek FIRST the Kindgom of God
…and all else will be added unto you “ALL ELSE”
EASIER SAID THAN DONE. I comit a new round of effort towards this. That is my word.
S.C.E.
