A Million Needles continued

Finally, my line yanked violently, catching the lot of us by surprise. What ensued was a strenuous battle between the salmon and me. It was just the fish and I, trading pulls on the line, easing up then attacking strongly again. After a lengthy fight, the fish was mine. I stood up, holding my catch triumphantly, posing for a photo when suddenly the boat caught a little turbulence...I went tumbling over the edge. Like a million needles penetrating me from all angles, the frigid water engulfed me and would not let go. I could not breathe due to the frosty waters, and struggled to swim due to my heavy jacket, jeans and boots.

With some help from my Dad and the river guide, I was safely back on the boat - or so I thought. I was out of the water but could not escape the cold and began shivering violently, teeth chattering to the point that I was rendered mute. I could not communicate the thoughts and concerns I had. I think, however, my fellow fishermen picked them up - I needed to get inside, dry off, get a hot shower and put on some warm clothes before I got sick.

Our guide said not to worry. We were close to where his car was parked, and he could drive us immediately back to our car, and, thus, the cabins. This small venture slowly turned into a two hour ordeal. Loading the boat proved much more of a chore than anticipated, and Jimmy and Frank insisted on being dropped off first for fear of missing a cab ride back to the airport in Anchorage, Alaska. After much shaking and concern, we were at the cabin where I took a hot shower and slowly thawed out.

When I felt human again, my Dad reminded me that we still had to clean the fish and prepare the meat for shipment back home. Upon weighing that fateful salmon, we were shocked to find out that it clocked in at 30 pounds - the heftiest fish caught that day! Though I almost died for that creature, I couldn't help but feel a warm swelling of pride and accomplishment. The trip proved to be nothing short of an epic escapade; and needless to say, my Dad and I returned feeling a little bit closer .

Any thoughts or comments email Dash HERE

Above: Dash gets ready to clean his catch.

Rollover image: Dash kicks back on a beautiful day
on the Kenai River.

Osprey - JournAlum - The Lumberjack - KRFH/610 AM - Travel

2008 Travel Journal

Editor-In-Chief & Web Designer - Matthew Hawk

Copy Editors - Anthony Barstow, Rose R. Miller, and Matt Barry