June 1 -- Hiking to Rusian River Falls


Hiking to Russian River Falls
Another gorgeous day in Alaska with temperatures in the low 40s this morning and reaching close to 70 in the afternoon with blue skies.  Seven of us were on the morning hike, which took us through the forest near the Russian River.   


Along the way, we took a side trail to an overlook for a very picturesque view of the Skilak Glacier, which flows from the Harding Ice Field (about the size of Rhode Island).  

 At the Russian River Falls the river plunges through a series of steep rapids and this area serves as a salmon fishing area in the season.  There was lots of water flowing, but the salmon are not running at this time.   
On the return hike, we were able to spot about a dozen Dal Sheep on the side of a mountain.  They were quite far away and had to be seen with binoculars.
After returning we walked to the small artist’s gallery along the road to see the arts and crafts created by the local artisans during the winter months. Then back to the lodge for a beer and relaxing on the deck above the river.   
We had a very nice dinner at 5:45 pm with a couple (Rod and Glenna) from Dayton, OH.  For dinner, we had Roasted Red Beet and Kale Salad (Larry), Smoked and Roasted Salmon Spread (Bev), and Pan Seared Alaskan Halibut with Crab Risotto.  Tomorrow morning, we leave Kenai for Copper River with a 2 hr stop in Anchorage.  The drive will take about 9 hours.

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