We are still in Talkeetna. It's a cute, small town (less than 1,000 people) to wander around in. Eldon is going fishing tomorrow afternoon with a guy we met who has a cottage at Drummond Island. They are going with a guide and will fish for trout and grayling. We saw several bald eagles yesterday when we went on a boat ride on the Talkeetna and Susitna rivers. Talkeetna is a happy, little town. In this area in the 1970's, homesteaders from the lower 48 came here. If you stayed for 5 years and paid the taxes, the property became yours. I think most of the people living here are descendants of those hippie homesteaders. They are a friendly, laid back bunch with no material worries. They have small houses and beat up cars but are a happy, artistic group. The shops only sell locally made items. (Chad, Carlynn & Missy, you are getting something from here) Little kids even sell things on the street. Tourist buses come through here on the way to Denali and that seems to provide most of their income.

Comments from Eldon: They say that this town and Homer were the basis for the TV show, Northern Exposure. I'm always expecting one of the characters from the show to come around the corner. Talkeetna has everything you need, including one of the best bakeries. The dogs are part of the town and wander where they want, even into the stores. I'm looking forward to fishing tomorrow. We are going on a raft to a creek to fish for grayling and rainbows.

Comments from Larry: I like Talkeetna too. I'm glad I'm not grounded anymore. I can do what I want again. I hear there are a lot of dogs down town, so I'm not going there.