Heading North- Delta Junction and Clearwater River

Our second day in Delta Junction proved to be hot by Alaskan standards. Temperatures were forecasted to be in the 70s, but the thermometer in the shade read 80°F. We had run into boat issues the day before at Fielding Lake, so while the guys were troubleshooting the boat, we kept the kids busy with water activities outside.

Later in the afternoon, the guys were ready for a test ride in the boat, so we loaded up and headed to the Clearwater River ten miles north of Delta Junction.

The spring-fed and crystal clear river was a favorite spot for our friends to have an easy after-work adventure.

We split up and a boatload headed upriver, while the rest stayed back to cook dinner at one of the many picnic spots near the river.

After an hour, the boaters returned and enthusiastically told us about the fish they caught. After stories were shared, dinner was ready, and we enjoyed charcoal-grilled brats.

After dinner, those of us who hadn’t been on the river yet loaded up in the boat. I have fond childhood memories of riding in river boats on the Kuskokwim River, and as we got on step and sped around the bends in the river, I couldn’t help smiling at the nostalgia and thrill of it all.

Vance, who had been up this river many times, knew were to find the grayling and once we stopped, we were quickly reeling in grayling.

Atlee was an enthusiastic fisherwomen and loved reeling in the lively fish.

After each of us caught a few fish we headed back.

Kids shared fishing stories, and enjoyed playing in the water at the rivers edge.

The sunny interior Alaskan summer day had fooled us again; the sun was shining, but it was way past bedtime, so we headed back home to unwind and put the kids to bed.

The next day we planned to say goodbye to our friends in Delta Junction and make our way to Fairbanks.