Monday August 2, Willow Creek Campground, AK

110 Miles

Hopefully we have finally sorted out the leak in Ruakiwi. Keith put us onto the Ford agent in Anchorage so after saying our farewells we drove down to see them. They were very helpful and had a good look, but in their opinion the only thing it could be was a leaky seal around the window.. So they sent us onto a windscreen company who were great. They tested the window but it was fine, but when the poured water on the outside corner of the window it dripped in. Up came the bonnet and grating and they felt that some sealant had broken down, so they dug it out, cleaned it thoroughly, gave it some sealing coat then filled it with a silicone product. Hopefully that has done the job. We will wait and see.

It was two in the afternoon before we left town and the plan was to head up to Talkeetna. The clouds lifted and the sun came out…seemed like a good omen.

We drove through Wasilla, made famous as the home town of Sarah Palin but it didn’t hold much charm and we continued on up the highway. Read in the Milepost about some good fishing rivers so detoured into Willow Creek, just outside the small town of Willow, where the creek joins the Susitna River. Sure enough just a short walk from the campground there were quite a number of fishermen and they were catching silver and pink salmon. That solved it, we were staying the night.

It turned into the most beautiful evening, Ian went fishing and caught a pink salmon. Evidently not the best for eating fresh but great smoked so he gave it to a family who were going to have a smoke up with the ones they caught. Mary, who lives in Wasilla, had brought her son and 3 grandsons down to the river for a fishing afternoon. I had a great chat with her, such a delightful lady.

Sitting outside eating a very late meal and a chap walked past and got chatting. He had caught a few silver salmon and was off to fillet them….and before long he was back with a side of salmon for us, so generous.

About 10.30 Ian went back for another fish, the sun had set but it was really warm and the banks were still lined with fishermen. No luck this time but it was a joy to be outside in this beautiful weather.