A nice balmy -10 degrees F started our afternoon. OK So its not really balmy. More like double shots of scotch whiskey straight up cold

The fishing boats stationed at Fisher's Depot had unloaded their fresh catch and motored away looking for the next pull of ocean bounty...one remaining trawler gently rose and fell with the passing waves tied to the moorings, infront of an Alaskan rescue floatplane tied up as well. Found out when in the restaurant, that the pilot was Marshall and his dog Mush. Nice fella and even nicer pup.

I went over to the trawer and saw the fishermen loading up crates of coffee while unloading the salmon. Nice swap if I do say so myself.



Mildred the gracious cook du'jour whipped up a belly warming creamy fish chowdah (chowder for you non New Englanders) We all wolfed down like our last meal.

Frank and his young box loading apprentice Jimmy, unloaded our delivery of canned and non perishable supplies, destined for the soon to be snowed in and frozen over.



A couple hours later, Mildred got her requested tip of a gentlemanly kiss on her cheek which she asks of any pilot who lands at Fisher's Depot and consumes one of her delicious meals. She says its good luck. I think she is just tired of Frank, Jimmy, and her grouchy husband Louis. So he isnt grouchy. just a bit...rough from too many years at sea.

Jimmy refueled our flying pig, as Diane and I prepared for our flight to Coldfoot, Alaska. Bay doors closed with the provisions made by gracious hands for Teddy and Mike at Coldfoot. A special order of Salmon pot-pies and the best crumbly biscuits this side of Fairbanks.



and we started to taxi down the runway to the waves of our frozen friends we were up up and away like Santa Claus for our journey to Coldfoot where the next load was to be shoved into our bulging pig with wings. This bird would do Pink Floyd proud.

Cherokee, the plane and the scenery can be found at Avsim

The scenery is new today

And through the wild blue yonder we flew. Coldfoot would be within our sight around sunset, yet as we flew near Stevens Anchorage Intl, we happened upon one of the more popular tourist attractions for those that like to go places with little effort...an Alaskan winter cruise




Further north we travelled over the great expanse of treacherous mountains. While I sipped on Mildred's fresh roasted coffee she kindly provided us for our trip, I couldnt fathom the adrenaline junkies that were hiking the lower mountains freezing their rumps off.



Finally after a few hours, drained, out of coffee, the snacks all but gone (Diane wouldnt let me sneak a couple of the biscuits knowing Teddy would have my hide nailed to a bear), the sun was setting, and through the mist what did my wandering eyes see, but the lights of Coldfoot.



Not exactly an easy landing in a fully loaded seam busting pig, but I had done it a few times over the years, and this one would be no different.

Diane and I unloaded our belongings for a sleep over, and as we left the plane, Teddy and Mike were there of course waiting on their vittles. They knew Mildred wouldnt let them down, but they werent so sure about me. I once ate one of Teddy's cookies and he had a fit. Cant blame him though. Those cookies are like edible orga...err you know. Damn good eatin!



I decided it was time to relax before my very long journey to Sinclair Memorial in Manitoba, in one of the rustic yet comfortable and warm cabins, and dream of sugarplum fairies flying in my Piper Archer II back home in St Louis. This is of course my winter job.

Finally I can now drink a couple of straight up scotches and live it up in the peace and quiet of Alaska

Absolute marvelous pictures! Great atmosfere! i've become hung on Alaska and Canada. And i adore that plane!

Wonderful stuff SaVas & a great storyline. It's almost like being there.

Awsome shots!

Quote:


i love the cockpit in particular. it has a great view radius of at least 270 degrees.