Who eats halibut eyeballs? This guy
No $10 derby ticket, no $10,000 for angler
SITE OF THE WEEK
Published: July 30, 2006
Last Modified: July 30, 2006 at 04:43 AM
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Homer Halibut (overall leader):
292.6 pounds, David Brand, Eagle River, June 16, fishing with Capt. Dan Storrs on the Wildcat.
July leaders: First: 234.2 pounds, Don Turman, Manassas, Va.; July 7 with Capt. Charlie Holland aboard Tuff Stuff.
Second: 233.6 pounds, J.T. Troxler III, Tacoma, Wash.; July 1 with Capt. Mike Mann on Arctic Addiction.'
Third: 224.6 pounds, Peter Brund, El Mirage, Ariz., July 6 with Capt. Bob Ward of A-Ward Charters.
Valdez Halibut (as of July 25, overall):
First: 262.3 pounds, Derek Nahinu, North Pole, July 7, aboard the North Country.
Second: 220.5 pounds, Steven Fitch, Fairbanks, June 20, aboard the Lady Luck.
Third: 216.1 pounds, George Thul of Tucson, Ariz., June 29 aboard North Country.
ATV club meets Thursday, rides Saturday in Redux
The Alaska ATV Club has its monthly meeting 6:30 p.m. Thursday at the Eagle River VFW post. At 10 a.m. Saturday , the group meets for the Boulder Creek Redux. (www.alaskaatvclub.org )
Wombats group meets for ride at Kincaid Park
The Women's Mountain Bike and Tea Society meets at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Raspberry trail head to ride the trails of Kincaid Park. Helmets are required. (www.wombats.org)
Club plans daylong Resurrection Pass ride
The touring division of the Arctic Bicycle Club meets at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Upper Huffman trail head to ride the singletrack there. The club rides Eklutna Road on Thursday. Meet at 6:30 p.m. at the Thunderbird Falls parking area, which has a $5 parking fee. An all-day ride is planned for Aug. 6 of the Resurrection Pass Trail. Meet at 7 a.m. at the Carrs on Huffman Road to carpool or at 8:30 a.m. at the bathrooms at the Hope cutoff. Helmets are required. (566-0177, press 3; www.arcticbike.org)
Women's third Daisy Chain race scheduled at Kincaid
The third-annual Daisy Chain, an all-female mountain biking event, is from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. today at Kincaid Park. Entry fee is $20 for adults, $10 for youths. (www.arcticbike.org, 245-5088)
Visitor center in Homer offers weekly birding talk
"Wildlife and Birding Hot Spots" is offered at 1 p.m. Sundays at the Islands and Ocean Visitor Center in Homer. Get an overview of the area birding and wildlife-watching hot spots during this slide show and talk. Free. (1-907-226-4619)
Better boating class set
The Seward Flotilla, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, offers a free "Better Boating" seminar 7-9 p.m. Thursday at the Seward Community Library. "Marine Radio for Recreational Boaters" is the topic. (Orson Smith, 1-907-224-2526, Sue Lang, 1-907-224-8237)
Water Wise boating course covers prep to emergencies
The Alaska Office of Boating Safety offers "Alaska Water Wise" boating course for Alaskans, 5:30-9:30 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday . The class is free, but pre-registration is encouraged. Segments include preparation, boat operations, emergencies, cold-water survival, navigation and legal requirements. (269-8704)
Women's rifle class provides firearms, ammo, instruction
Cooper Landing Gun Club offers a Women's Basic Rifle class 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday at the club off Bean Creek Road. The cost is $50, which includes firearms, ammunition and instructional National Rifle Association class material. (Pat Dye, 1-907-595-1512)
Event offers firearm checks prior to hunting season
Sighting-In Days is 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Aug. 6 at the Rabbit Creek Shooting Park. The program is sponsored by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game and Wild West Guns. Take part in firearm safety inspection, chronograph your ammunition, and get a computer printout of hunting load, sighting-in assistance and game silhouette range experience. $10 for adults, $5 for youth 16 and younger and adults over 60. (267-2373 or 267-2534)
Homer silver salmon tourney scheduled to last a full week
The Homer Chamber of Commerce hosts a weeklong silver salmon fishing tournament beginning Saturday in the Spit Fishing Hole as well as Kachemak Bay. Entry fee is $10; a tournament-long ticket is $60. There also will be a tagged silver that could win an angler $5,000. (1-907-235-8766)
Kodiak fishery remains open to fishing until end of year
The Buskin River drainage above Bridge 1 will remain open to sport fishing for salmon after Monday and stay that way all year long. The Buskin River drainage includes the Buskin River and all water draining into it -- Buskin Lake, Lake Louise and Lake Genevieve. (Len Schwarz, 1-907-486-1880)
Afognak opens to red fishing
The sockeye salmon sport fishing closure for the Afognak River has been rescinded. A late-season count of 2,387 red salmon passed the river weir in late July, bringing the escapement high enough to open the area for fishing. The bag and possession limit is five salmon per day and 10 in possession. (1-907-486-1880)
Rehab of marine mammals will be Wednesday talk topic
The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center hosts Tim Lebling of the Alaska SeaLife Center 7-8 p.m. Wednesday at the Begich Boggs Visitor Center on Portage Valley Road as part of its Wildlife Wednesdays program. Lebling will speak on rehabilitation of marine mammals. Free. (783-2025, www.alaskawildlife.org )
Hiking course on geology of Denali set for mid-August
The Murie Science and Learning Center offers an introductory geology course taught by Denali National Park Geologist Phil Brease Aug. 11-13. The class will spend time in Denali National Park hiking on slopes and ridges while gaining an understanding of common landscape formations and learning to recognize ancient patterns of rock and ice. Registration is required. (www.murieslc.org, 1-888-688-1269)
Walking-talking program about tree-growing fungi
Learn about forest fungi at 2 p.m. Aug. 6 at the Eagle River Nature Center. Lori Trummer, a forest and plant pathologist with the U.S. Forest Service, will lead a walk and talk about the different fungi that grow on trees, as well as some of the uses of these natural wonders. The program is free; parking is $5 for nonmembers. (694-2108)
Guides help point out ways of Eagle River beavers
Take a guided beaver walk 8 p.m. Friday Aug. 4 at the Eagle River Nature Center. Join a staff naturalist on a one-mile walk on the Albert Loop Trail to observe signs and habits of the nocturnal beaver. The walk is free; parking is $5 for nonmembers. (694-2108) Learn what wild plants can be harvested for tea
Join a wild tea party at 2 p.m. today at the Eagle River Nature Center. The program will provide favorite recipes from wild ingredients and includes a walk on the Rodak Trail to learn about leaves and fruit that make good teas. The program is free, but parking is $5 for nonmembers. (694-2108)
HIKING
Explore Alpenglow trails led by knowledgeable guides
"Highland Trekking" is a weekly alpine hiking tour led by guides who know the area. The 9 a.m.-5 p.m. hikes are for those 13 and older. This Saturday's hike heads to the Alpenglow trails. Cost is $32 per person. Meet at Lidia Selkregg Chalet at Russian Jack Springs Park for transportation to trail heads. Plan for changing weather and trail surfaces. Wear sturdy, comfortable shoes and carry water and food. Registration is required. (Ronn Randall, 343-4260, randallr@muni.org)
Wild in the City program introduces city parks
Anchorage Parks and Recreation offers a program in which adults can learn a little bit more about the popular parks throughout the city. Called "Wild in the City: Adult Adventure Days," the program is 9-11 a.m. Aug. 8, 10, 15 and 17. The first event Aug. 8 will include a hike to the beach at Kincaid Park. Other events include packrafting at Little Campbell Lake on Aug. 10, exploring sand dunes at Kincaid on Aug. 15 and visiting the forest of Hillside Park Aug. 17. Pre-registration is required. For adults 18 and older. $10 per day or $35 for all four days. (343-4217, www.muni.org/parks)
Group plans Kincaid Park hikes Monday, Thursday
Alaska Outdoors will meet at 6:30 p.m. Monday at University Lake Park and Thursday at the O'Malley trail head. Monday's hikes are relatively flat and easy. Thursday's hikes are more challenging. Kids and dogs are welcome. (770-0440; groups.yahoo.com/group/alaska_outdoors)
South Fork is destination of 14-mile Saturday trek
Take a guided hike to Eagle and Symphony Lakes 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday with an Eagle River Nature Center volunteer. Liza Sanden will lead this 14-mile hike. Meet at the South Fork trail head at the end of Hiland Road in Eagle River. Bring a daypack with clothing, food and water. Hikers should be in good shape and have completed a hike of similar length. The hike is limited to the first 10 people (at least 18 years old) to register. (694-2108)
Hatcher Pass nature walks scheduled during weekends
Free guided tundra walks are being offered at Independence Mine State Historical Park at 1 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through Aug. 19. The walks begin with a nature talk, then move outside to the trails and last about one hour. Parking is $5. (Panthea Redwood, 1-907-745-1940, or Kymberly Miller, 1-907-745-8936)
Eagle River Nature Center hosts guided weekday walks
Free guided nature walks take place throughout the summer 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. weekdays at the Eagle River Nature Center. Participants must sign in at the front desk 10 minutes before departure for a tour on the Rodak Nature Trail. Groups of 10 or more must make an appointment. The walks are free; parking is $5 for nonmembers. (naturalist@ernc.org, 694-9255)
Nordic walking program aims to keep skiers in shape
Anchorage Parks and Recreation offers a Nordic walking program that uses modified ski poles for guided fitness walks in the parks. Sessions meet 6-7 p.m. for three consecutive Mondays, beginning Aug. 7 at Kincaid Chalet. The poles add stability and balance, increase cardiovascular endurance and provide impact protection for knees and other joints without a noticeable change in effort. Bring your own poles. The cost is $25 per session, and pre-registration is required. (343-4260)
Walk With a Ranger focuses on safety in bear country
Learn how to stay safe in bear country with this week's "Walk With a Ranger" program, noon-1:30 p.m. Wednesday at Arctic Valley. Meet in the upper Alpenglow Ski Area parking lot at the fee station; the $5 fee goes to the Anchorage Ski Club; Alaska State Parks stickers are not valid here. Ranger leaders are Terry DeBruyn, regional wildlife biologist for the National Park Service, and Scott Taylor, a Park Service special agent. Free. (644-3512)
Program furnishes overview of latest ultralight gear
Anchorage REI offers a program called "Reduce Your Pack Weight" 7 p.m. Wednesday at the store at 1200 W. Northern Lights Blvd. An REI gear expert will share what's new in ultra-lightweight camping and hiking gear. This clinic will teach you how to reduce the weight of your pack, enabling you to have a more enjoyable trip without jeopardizing your safety. Free. (272-4565)
Anchorage offers outdoors Discovery Days for children
Enjoy the last few days of summer vacation with games and activities at Hilltop Chalet, 10 a.m.-noon Aug. 8-10. Called Discovery Days, the program introduces children ages 5-12 to the trails and wildlife of the area. Register for one day, or all three. The cost is $10 per day, or $25 for all three days. (343-4217, www.muni.org/parks)
Preschoolers' nature walk followed by craft session
Anchorage Cooperative Preschool hosts a nature walk for preschoolers ages 3-5 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesday at Fish Creek Park. After the walk with program director Kimmer Ball, the children will participate in a craft activity related to what they learned during the walk. Bring a sack lunch. Free. (351-4576, jengordon@gci.net)
Program introduces children to variety of parks in city
Anchorage Parks and Recreation is offering a Park Hop program in which children ages 6-12 can visit parks throughout Anchorage. Explore a different park 1:30-4 p.m. each Monday. This Monday, the kids will visit Tikishla Park. Meet at Lidia Selkregg Chalet in Russian Jack Springs Park for van shuttle to the chosen parks. Pre-registration is required. The cost is $6.50 per day or $27 for the monthlong session. (343-4247; www.muni.org/parks/)
Mountain biker class geared for children ages 10 to 13
A four-week "Kids' Mountain Bike Class" is set for 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays beginning this Wednesday at Hilltop Chalet. Instructor Rose Lahti will teach riding technique, trail etiquette, and basic bike maintenance and repair. Participants provide their own bike, helmet, water bottle, and spare tube. Pre-registration is required. For ages 10-13. (343-6566, koszareksl@muni.org)
Museum's Ice Age program tailored for grades one-six
"Ice Age Ecology" is 10 a.m.-noon Monday and Wednesday at the Alaska Museum of Natural History, 201 N. Bragaw St. Learn about what Alaska was like during the last Ice Age in a setting appropriate for children entering grades one-six. Admission is $3-5. (274-2400, www.alaskamuseum.org)
Register early for fishing experience for little tykes
Knee-high naturalists will explore fishing 11 a.m.-noon Wednesday and Friday at the Eagle River Nature Center. This popular program for preschoolers ages 3-5 is limited to 10 registered children accompanied by an adult. Cost is $8 per child plus $5 for parking for nonmembers. Registration required. (694-2108)
Youngsters to study roses, their cousins on nature walk
Junior naturalists will learn about botany 2 p.m. Saturday at the Eagle River Nature Center. A staff naturalist will lead the youngsters on a search for roses and their relatives, including apples, serviceberry, mountain ash, dryas, cinquefoil or potentilla, spirea, and prickly rose. The program is free; parking is $5 for nonmembers. (694-2108)
Anchorage club schedules bicycle orienteering session
The Arctic Orienteering Club will meet from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Hilltop Ski Area for a bike orienteering meet. A running course option also is available. (Bill Spencer, 346-3582 or www.oalaska.org)
Midsummer night program to focus on use of GPS
"Find Your Way With GPS" at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Campbell Creek Science Center. The program is part of the center's Midsummer Nights Science Series. Abigail Eng from REI will teach. Bring your own, or try one provided by REI. Learn the tricks, then test your skills on our geocaching course. Free. (267-1247)
Far North trail committee resumes meeting this month
After taking the summer off, the Far North Bicentennial Park Trail Users group reconvenes 6:20 p.m. Aug. 7 at the Campbell Creek Science Center, 6861 Abbott Loop Road. The group will discuss issues pertinent to the popular park and its many users and uses. (343-4296)
Big Dog Duathlon event registration is under way
Entry is open for the Big Dog Duathlon, 10 a.m. Aug. 6 at Knik Lake. The event features a 5-kilometer run, a 40-kilometer bike and a 10-kilometer run. Entry fees are $45 for solo entries and $99 for team entries. Registration required. (www.bigdogduathlon.com, 243-4709)
Running With the Bulls upcoming at musk ox farm
Don't miss a chance to run with the musk oxen of the Palmer Musk Ox Farm during the Running With the Bulls 5-kilometer race set for 4 p.m. Aug. 6. There will be door prizes, T-shirts and a free barbecue for participants. Registration is $20. (1-907-745-4151, muskoxfarm.org)
Seward 5-kilometer race to benefit orphaned sea life
The eighth-annual 5-kilometer Wildlife Rescue Run is 11:30 a.m. Saturday , and money raised will help injured and orphaned marine mammals at the Alaska SeaLife Center. The race is open to adults and children. Participation includes entrance to the Alaska SeaLife Center and a collectable rehab race shirt featuring Twister the seal. Registration is $15, $20 on race day for adults; $10, $13 on race day for children 5 to 15. (1-800-224-2525, www.alaskasealife.org)
Alaska Serigraphics 10-K Classic set for Saturday
The 21st running of the Alaska Serigraphics 10-kilometer Classic is 9 a.m. Saturday at Alaska Pacific University's Moseley Sports Center. There will be a free spaghetti feed 4-7 p.m. Thursday at Platinum Jaxx for race participants. Sign up online or at the feed. (www.10kclassic.com, 338-2347)
Sunshine Sports offers slide presentation on water realm
An "Underwater Alaska" slide show is 7:30-8:30 p.m. Tuesday at Sunshine Sports, 1231 W. Northern Lights Blvd. The program will include images of sealife in Prince William Sound, Resurrection Bay and Kachemak Bay. Briefly visit the new artificial reef in Smitty's Cove in Whittier. Free. (272-6444, www.alaska.net/~scubaguy)
Nature Center needs helpers for information services
Eagle River Nature Center is looking for volunteers to help with information services Tuesdays through Sundays during September, and on Friday evenings from October to December. Hours are variable, depending on how much time you have. (info@ernc.org, 694-2108)
Volunteers would collect Denali visitors' impressions
The National Park Service is seeking volunteers to conduct a Visitor Study in Denali National Park and Preserve for three- to four-day periods between Tuesday and Aug. 7. The purpose of the study is to gain new insights regarding visitors' thoughts on the park. The information will be used to improve management and services. Volunteers will contact approximately 1,000 visitors during a one-week period at multiple locations in the entrance area as well as the park road. A campsite for a tent or RV will be provided in the park or a nearby campground. (Mark Motsko, 1-907-683-9543)
Denali seeking comments on proposed hiking trails
The National Park Service is seeking comments evaluating the impacts associated with creating two trails in Denali National Park backcountry. The Triple Lakes Trail is a 7-mile-long trail built as a connection between the entrance area and the McKinley Village area and needs upgrading. The Savage Alpine Trail was identified as a new trail for increased recreational opportunities. Trails are needed because heavy pedestrian use has caused increased resource damage. Those wishing to view the assessment or comment on it can do so through Aug. 8 online or by calling Denali National Park. (parkplanning.nps.gov , www.nps.gov/dena/home/planning/home.html , 1-907-683-9581, 1-907-683-9557, 644-3612)
Compiled by Daily News reporter Melissa DeVaughn. Deadline for submission is 9 a.m. Monday. E-mail items to outdoors@adn.com, fax to 258-2157 or mail to Anchorage Daily News, P.O. Box 149001, Anchorage 99514-9001.
Site of the week
IslandsAndOcean.org: The Islands and Ocean Visitor Center in Homer is busy, busy, busy in the coming month with films, guided walks and special presentations on a variety of topics important to the maritime environment.
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