Back to Drift River

We had enjoyed a magical 24 hours on the McArthur River, but with the weather turning, we decided to pack up and head home. While packing up, Woodsen remembered he had been in touch with our friends the Markwoods who fished near Drift River. We realized this was the last day they planned to be at their fish site, so we decided to make a slight detour to their fish site on the way home.

Visiting the Markwoods at their fish site is always on our summer to-do list, and I’ll never forget how many lupine covered the ground the first year we arrived.

In 2009, Mt Redoubt erupted and deposited a large amount of ash at Drift River and around our friend’s fish site. As vegetation slowly returned, the conditions were perfect for lupine. As time has passed, more grass has started growing and we’ve found fewer lupine on subsequent visits.

I recently found a draft of a blog post from 2016 with all my lupine photos, maybe i’ll post it to share the beauty.

This year, when we landed, Lupine the dog greeted us. Melozi added her namesake flower to her collar.

We enjoyed a quick visit and caught up before taking a group photo and heading on our way.

The Markwoods have been fishing at Drift River since their youngest was Atlee’s age. It’s been fun to see their family grow as their kids married and then again as they added grandkids to their fishing tradition. We visit a few families that fish together, and it’s a special thing. For a few months of the summer, families leave their homes, head to their fish sites, work hard together, spend time in nature, and enjoy the bounty of Alaskan Salmon.

After we took off I couldnt help but search through my pictures to look at photos from years past. Heres a few that I found.

2017

2019

Atlee and Teagan are a month apart and have known each other since they were babies.

Growing up, my family moved around every 3-4 years, and I always dreamed of having friends I had known since childhood. It’s fulfilling to see that happening for our family, with the Markwoods and many others. The people we enjoy Alaska with really make it memorable!

I can’t wait to make more memories with the Markwoods at this special place!