Last Day for Kings

For all you fisherman out there this is the last day to fish the Kenai Kings for 2009.  All in all this season was slow, and marked by clear water conditions early in the season.  Starting on the 19th of July this area felt the rains come and removed most hope for a good ending to the season, providing a sluggish catch outlook.  The Kenai River remains on  flood watch for the remainder of this week. High water and low visibility are to blame for low numbers Catch numbers.  All we can hope for is strong run of silvers, and the flood waters to receded.

Hunting season will soon be here.  Enjoy

For all you Volcanno Watchers out there.

REDOUBT VOLCANO (CAVW #1103-03-)
60°29′7″ N 152°44′38″ W, Summit Elevation 10197 ft (3108 m)
Current Aviation Color Code: ORANGE
Current Volcano Alert Level: WATCH

Over the past 48 hours, seismic activity at Redoubt Volcano has increased markedly. Beginning at 00:58 AKT (9:58 UTC) this morning, nearly continuous volcanic tremor was recorded at stations near Redoubt’s summit, prompting AVO to raise the Aviation Color Code to ORANGE and the Alert Level to WATCH at 02:09 AKT (11:09 UTC). Seismicity began to decline at about 05:30 AKT (14:30 UTC) this morning, but, as of this writing, still remains well above background levels. AVO plans to fly an observation flight of the volcano this afternoon, weather permitting.

The current activity at Redoubt could be precursory to an eruption, perhaps within hours to days. A further increase in seismicity is expected to accompany an eruption. There is no indication that the volcano is currently erupting.

At this time, clouds obscure the volcano in satellite views, but NEXRAD weather radar data show no signs eruptive activity. AVO has received no recent observer reports. Staff are currently monitoring the volcano 24 hours a day.

AVO raised the Aviation Color Code to YELLOW and the Volcano Alert Level to ADVISORY on November 5, 2008, in response to increased emissions of SO2, H2S, and CO2; melting of snow and ice near the volcano’s summit; and a subtle increase in seismicity. These observations reflected a change in the volcano’s hydrothermal system, possibly associated with an influx of new magma beneath the volcano. It is also possible that the change was related to the development of a new pathway of heated fluids rising from magma intruded during the 1989-90 eruption.

Redoubt Volcano is clearly visible from the Kenai area. I have personally watched this particular volcano erupt many time since 1964.  Other than the possible hazards to avation in the southcentral area it is a fun show to watc. Be safe and enjoy. We all hope that it will be more restfull for the summer of 2009.

For more information go to the Alaska Volcano information center at www.avo.alaska.edu

Hello world!

Life at the Blonde Bear Bed and Breakfast has slowed down, nestled in for the winter. With the Christmas season behind us and New Years just around the corner we are looking forward to another fun filled year.

We get a lot of inquires about just how a Bed and Breakfast differs from Hotel, Motels, Lodges and other forms of Lodging.  For us it was simple, we went on vacation and thought of our lodging needs as only hotels. Then we decided to open a Bed and breakfast.  Part of our marketing was staying at other Bed and Breakfasts both  locally and abroad.  Just like other forms of lodging you get good and bad. The difference being a more personalized stay, breakfast is typically served with times being more flexible.  Your stay is usually in the home of the owners or a building close to the residence.  You are staying with locals that know the area and are quite willing to help you have a good time. Local knowledge is a huge factor when your wanting to get to those out of the way places that tour buses and guides just can’t provide.  

We have stayed at many other Bed and Breakfasts and we believe that we have brought into our Bed and Breakfast the best of all that we have seen. The decor is local Alaskcana, that we believe personifies the best of the best in Alaska.  Comfortable, relaxing, good food, good company with beautiful surroundings.  When you stay at a Lodge or Bed and breakfast expect to mingle with other guests and hosts, we provide a campfire setting in the evening that has been raved about from California to Switzerland and beyond. We as hosts love people and enjoy the company and conversation of our guests from all over the world. We love what we do. Come sit with us at the fire and enjoy life in one of the most beautiful places on earth Alaska.