WRANGELL ST. ELIAS NEWS NOVEMBER & DECEMBER 2012 PAGE 1 w.wsen.n ww et Wrangell St. Elias News “Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty” Vol. Twenty-One Issue Six November & December 2012 $2.50 Alaska Grown—A long winter

WSEN staff photo

978—The last rays of sunshine from Rick Jr. has been doing a wonderful job of what had been a busy summer cast a documenting those “early days” through the 1glow on our newly-completed cabin eyes of a pre-teen who was suddenly plucked as the snow on the mountains and the dark from city life in Florida and transported to winter clouds loom overhead. “bush life” near McCarthy, Alaska. When it came to things like a stash of fire- He, his wife, Maria, and their four sons wood, knowledge of bush living or money we (our grandsons!) ages 12-19 live in a small were not well prepared. But we were rich in farming community called Donalsonville, GA. optimism and faith. And, 35 years later we are This issue’s segment is on page 7. still here, still living in this same log cabin! PAGE 2 WRANGELL ST. ELIAS NEWS NOVEMBER & DECEMBER 2012 A note from the publisher month of November and the Heavenly Father is the real Gift- he sun is shining in the time to celebrate Thanksgiving. Giver. Santa Claus, today’s myth- office window this af- Each of us are experiencing chal- ical gift giver, originates from a Tternoon—October 22th. lenges of some sort and magni- person called St. Nicholas. Nich- Our low temperature last night tude. I cannot help but think of olas and his parents lived in Tur- was -10 degrees. There is an inch a young man named Israel Hale key in the 3rd century and were of snow on the ground. It’s a who recently lost his two legs Christians. Nicholas grew up sure sign winter is here when from above the knee caps down knowing the real Gift-Giver. Or- Rick lights the dependable oil in a terrible accident. He is dained as a young teenager, he stove. The wood stove is now thanking God today for life—he eventually became the bishop of able to rest in-between its occa- is still alive to love and be a a small, coastal village, and his sional use. Yes, we are stepping blessing to his family and influence spread into many na- into the winter mode. friends. Rick and I thank Julia tions. He was known for helping When we lived in Florida, the O’Malley and the Anchorage Dai- the poor. Many true-to-life mira- seasons seemed to run together ly News for allowing us to re- cles were brought about through and there wasn’t much differ- print Israel’s story as published his prayers. He spread God’s ence, but not so in Alaska. I like on September 15. You can find it goodness wherever he went and the changes with each new sea- here on page 17. A follow-up of to all who he came in contact son. Israel’s recovery can be found on with. With much thanksgiving, the family’s blog at On the cover of this issue, Rick and I wish each of you a www.friendsofIsraelhale.com. you see a picture of our log cab- Merry Christmas! in built in the summer/fall of Since this issue is the WSEN welcomes aboard the 1978. Rick Jr’s continuing arti- November/December issue, the following subscribers: Marie Las- cles of his recollections of our Christmas holiday falls within fufka, AK; Kathy Vogl, AK; and move to Alaska in 1976 from this time frame. The real story of James and Trish Wright, TX. Florida receives many positive Christmas is the story of Jesus— responses from our readership. God’s precious gift to us. Our McCarthy became “home” 2 years later. Looking through those early photo albums Table of Contents brought back many warm memo- A note from the publisher...... 2 ries for me, too. As I study the Items of Interest...... 3 picture of the initial cabin lay- Wrangell-St. Elias Visitor Center Moves to Winter Hours ...... 6 out, I am thankful for the even- Kennecott’s historic Mill Building receives attention...... 6 tual changes that we now are Alaska Grown—A long winter...... 7 enjoying—an enclosed porch Local explorer returns from Northwest Passage expedition...... 9 which makes for a great entry- From Trail Dream to Ribbon Cutting...... 11 way; the office addition where Copper Valley Telecom tests wind generation...... 12 the kitchen door appears in the Wildland Fire Staff successfully burn debris piles near McCarthy...... 12 picture; a downstairs main bed- Getting into RC airplanes—the basic sailplane...... 13 room and bathroom off the rear Impressions of a place far away from everywhere...... 16 of the cabin; a new woodshed In the blink of an eye...... 17 that now contains a winter’s McCarthy Road improvements...... 20 worth of firewood. Yes, I have Cooking with Peggy...... 24 reason to count my blessings A look at the weather...... 26 today. With that said, I recall FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION...... 27 that we are about to enter the WRANGELL ST. ELIAS NEWS NOVEMBER & DECEMBER 2012 PAGE 3 Items of Interest took off on a Northwest Passage Expe- Malcolm Vance: What a surprise dition. WSEN’s first issue to hear Malcolm’s voice on the tele- (July/August 1992) printed the story phone the other day! Our visits with of McCarthy’s own local explorer. Malcolm have been too far in between “Malcolm and three other adventurers these last 30 years, so when he said he set out to recreate the trek made in wanted to stop by I knew we were in 1923 by Danish explorer, Knud Ras- for an item of interest. mussen.” It was quite an adventure With plans to “spend more time and one worth reprinting. Since Rick out here,” Malcolm said he needed to and I are still celebrating WSEN’s 20th replenish his propane supply before anniversary and the longer-term re- winter sets in. Thankfully, he had ex- turn of Malcolm, it seems only fitting tra time for a cup of tea, cookies and to include our first cover story (Local a round of good ole “catching-up.” Explorer returns from Northwest Pas- Malcolm’s summers are still tak- sage Expedition) and a welcome en up with gill net fishing in Bristol home, once again, to Malcolm. Bay. He and his twin brother, Marc, (Please find his story on page 9.) own and operate the “Bristol Nymph.” Returning to the present time, This fall season Malcolm worked in Malcolm has acquired a new title in the Brooks Range “wrangling horses” life—Grandpa. He seems quite for Mike McCann. Now he’s back pleased with his new role. He informs home in McCarthy—maybe for the me that son, Malcolm Jr., and girl- winter. Preparing for the possible long friend, Felicia, are parents of a baby haul, he purchased his first, ever, boy (now 1 year old) whose name is snowmachine, a SkiDoo Legend. He Bentley Mikhail Vance. The younger says it should do fine hauling water Vance and his family are living in and firewood. This will be Malcolm’s Fairbanks while he and Felicia attend first winter in 15 years. the university. He first arrived in McCarthy the Where has Malcolm been spend- fall of 1982. He only meant to pay our ing the majority of his time while in- town a visit, but, after meeting many between McCarthy visits, I ask him. of the local folks, he ended up stay- While living in Fairbanks, he acquired ing, purchasing property and a cabin. a culinary arts degree and work in a Malcolm’s sense of adventure soon led local restaurant. Then he moved to him into dog sledding, eventually ac- Cordova where he took up construc- quiring his own team of Alaskan Hus- tion work during the last 3 winters. kies which he raised right here in He’s now back home and is prepared McCarthy. to spend the winter. However, adven- In the winter of 1991/92, Mal- ture is still alive and well in Mal- colm (then 29 years old) and his team colm’s genes, so, who knows when it

Wrangell St. Elias News (USPS 011301) VOL. Twenty-One, Issue Six, November & December 2012. Published every two months at McCarthy, Alaska. McCarthy, PO Box MXY, Glennallen, AK 99588-8998. Phone (907) 554-4454. FAX 1-866-487-7657. E-mail: [email protected]. “Copyright © 2012 by Wrangell St. Elias News. No part of this publication may be reproduced by any means without the express permission of the publishers.” Contributors to this issue: Peggy Guntis, George Cebula, Julia O’Malley, Ned Rozell, and Rick Kenyon Jr. Subscription price is $14 for one year in the USA. Canada $16. Other countries $23. Advertising rates upon request. Deadline for publication in next issue is November 15. PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID AT GLENNALLEN, AK. 99588. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Wrangell St. Elias News, McCarthy #42, PO Box MXY, Glennallen AK 99588-8998. PAGE 4 WRANGELL ST. ELIAS NEWS NOVEMBER & DECEMBER 2012 may call once again. In the meantime, with the park service is finished, giv- most important asset is in fine work- Malcolm, welcome home! ing him more time to batten down the ing order—their wood heating stove. The Jeremy Keller family: A few hatches for the long winter ahead. Carl says they have tested it out and days ago, we had the pleasure of a vis- Thanks for keeping us updated on found it more than satisfactory. They it from Jeremy and his two sons, Ja- lake conditions and the family news! are glad they have opening windows cob “Liam,” 2, and Bjorn who is now 7 THANK YOU! A big thank you is because they’ve tested them out, too!! years old. This was Liam’s first visit due to all the local folks who contrib- Traffic from the McCarthy Road but Bjorn and I enjoyed at least two uted to the mail shack upgrade. Win- upgrade project has, for the most annual visits. I always look forward to ter mail sorting is always a challenge. part, come to a halt. Their neighbor- learning something new from my Since I am a mail sorter, I can speak hood at Mile 40 is quieting down and young friend. from experience. Cold letters and taking on the winter look, complete It is “harvest time” at the Keller those infamous icy, slick catalogs can with a thin layer of ice on their nearby farm, says Bjorn, which means he, do quite a number on one’s fingers. lake. along with his mom, Ally, and his dad, Although we wear thin (must be thin The only animals on the move in have their hands more than full. A material for sorting) gloves to offset their neck-of-the-woods are a squirrel large garden and animals to care for the discomfort, the chill eventually and a rabbit. It appears the bears and and harvest for the winter ahead are seeps through, numbing the finger moose meandered up our way this just a few of the chores that must be tips. summer! Maybe we should send a few taken care of before the snow flies. In the past, folks such as Jim and your way next summer! Jeremy juggles all of these with sever- Audrey Edwards and Ed LaChapelle Congratulations on your cabin’s al local construction jobs for nearby and others have donated propane and progress. There should be plenty of neighbors. It’s a good thing Bjorn is Mr. Heaters to give sorters a central time to hunker by the wood stove this so interested in farm life! source of heat for thawing those cold winter and catch up on your reading, Although home school is on hold hands. On occasion, however, a sorter Carl, and your beading, Marcia. momentarily, (except for teaching might accidentally back into the heat- Kay, Beth, and Holly Houghton Liam how to count to 100) Bjorn’s er causing quite a distasteful odor and friend, Jen: It is always good education includes teaching me the coming from a singed parka. seeing the Houghton ladies when they different stages of a hog’s life. He de- Seeing a need to upgrade the visit their cabin down the road from scribes it as: 1) piglet; 2) shoat; 3) winter’s mail sorting system, Trig Tri- us. Shortly after their arrival, Beth pig; 4) hog. At the moment they have giano volunteered to purchase a pro- and Holly donned their work gloves. a total of 5 pigs, says Bjorn: 1 piglet, pane heating stove. Before long Rick and I took the wood splitter 3 shoats and 1 hog. others jumped on board. Neighbors down to their property and the four of Thank you for the lesson, Bjorn! Larry and Lindee Satterfield gave a us managed to fill Holly’s truck for I’m already looking forward to your propane tank complete with some transport back to her place in Anchor- next visit and my next lesson. propane left in it. Rick Kenyon, age. A pile is waiting for a later trans- Congratulations to the Jensen topped off the tank and transported it port to Beth and Kay’s wood stoves in family and Grandpa Kreblin: Jim to the shack. Neil Darish donated sev- Valdez. (aka “Grandpa” as he is known these eral pallets to give the tank a sound The ladies were pleased with their days) phoned me recently with a ter- foundation. Before long Trig and help- newly- installed solar panel/battery rific item of interest. He, his daughter ers installed and plumbed the stove. It bank system. They reported all was Lindsay, husband, Kurt, their son, got its first official use on mail day, working well and a true upgrade. Luke Allen (3), and daughter Alayah September 17th. I, for one, was very It is always great seeing you all Cecile Faith (2) are celebrating the pleased and grateful for the great job and having time for a visit and lunch. arrival of the latest member of the done by my neighbors. If I missed any- Dave Williams and Marie Thorn: Jensen family—Jazlynn Noele Pa- one who did contribute a helping Now that Dave and Marie’s summer tience. Jazlynn was born on October hand, I do apologize. jobs with the park service are finished, 2nd at the Matsu Midwifery in Wasilla. Another round of thanks to Eliza- I expected it was a good time to touch She weighed 8 lb. 10 oz. and was 21 beth Schafer and husband Howard bases with them. When I called their ½" long. She made her appearance at Mozen for their expertise in rearrang- house, Dave answered with a quick 3:37 a.m. Jim reports that the family ing a section of mail boxes to assist willingness to give me an item. is doing well. the sorters, giving extra space for fur- Marie was doing some family visit- Jim Kreblin: Speaking of Jim… ther boxes and more space between ing in the lower 48 so Dave was hold- life at Long Lake is slowing down them and the heater! Great job, every- ing down the chores and fall projects. since the arrival of snow and the be- one! He said he didn’t mind but admitted ginnings of winter showing it’s icy Carl and Marcia Elwood: The that he missed Marie and would be signs on the lake. His fall chores are Elwoods are finally getting their cabin glad when she got home from her getting accomplished and he is al- ready for full-time occupancy. Roof, traveling ventures—a cousin’s wed- most ready for winter. His summer job doors, windows are in place and a ding in Washington state, a visit with WRANGELL ST. ELIAS NEWS NOVEMBER & DECEMBER 2012 PAGE 5 another cousin in Portland, OR and a time. They were married in 2010 in lights. “This winter is supposed to special trip to Utah to see her grand- Redding, CA. produce the perfect aureola borealis,” father. Dave says she hopes to be The Yurt is 30' in diameter, says says Neil, “and I plan on being here to home in Kennecott by Halloween. Bryan, with a 16' peak for taller walls take it all in!” October is a month that Dave and which will enable them to put in the Since Neil has spent the last 3 Marie begin their “catch-up” on fall desired loft. The Yurt was made in years working at a thriving, busy projects. He and Marie built their own Homer by Nomad Shelters. Wholesome Foods store in New York kitchen counter tops made from con- This year they added another City, a winter in our quiet, remote crete. They completed 4 different raised bed for their garden plot. Erin and slimly populated town seems just tops; one, in particular, weighs (in said she was quite surprised with a the way to go this winter. Dave’s estimation) about 450 lbs. He new plant she obtained on a trip to He just recently returned from a says it measures 7' x 30" x 2" inches. Palmer. It is called a “rattail radish.” quick trip to Anchorage where he was Talk about heavy! Dave said he need- She expected it to look like and taste one of the guest speakers for the Alas- ed, and got, 10 “strong” men to assist like a radish. Well...it did taste like ka Tourism Industry Association’s an- him in transporting it from the yard one but instead of a root crop the nual gathering. His topic was, outside to inside their kitchen. The plant produced an edible pod that “Utilizing Limited Resources to Fulfill strong men turned out to be the Twin resembles a sugar snap pea. This was Your Small Business Dream.” “It was Peak’s Construction crew who are new to me so I thought I’d check it a lot of fun and gave me the opportu- here working on a restoration project out next growing season. nity to share what I’m doing in a re- on the mill building in Kennecott. Kale, collard greens, a lot of let- mote location such as McCarthy.” They went from a day’s hard work on tuce, some broccoli, parsley and leeks The silence might be broken on the job to giving a nearby neighbor were other crops they have enjoyed occasion this winter, however, when much-needed hands. Stages like pol- even till yesterday when they visited. Jeremy Keller comes to work on the ishing, sealing and waxing took a lot Their greenhouse was seeing its sec- lodge’s new power distribution build- of labor on Dave and Marie’s part, but ond year of production with quite a ing. The concrete pad is in place, says they are pleased with the finished variety of herbs. Neil, so over the winter months, Jere- product. Both Bryan and Erin are geolo- my could be making progress on that Dave says he is looking forward to gists who try to work in their line of project. starting on his winter “to-do” list. expertise as often as they can. Bryan Speaking of electricity...Rick and Woodworking is at the top of the list. went out this summer for a brief work I discovered Neil’s new role as a dis- Cabinet doors/drawers, window fram- stint, but Erin was kept busy locally tributor for Renewable Energy of An- ing and finishing up the kitchen fall with work at the McCarthy Center, Ma chorage. We were in the market for under that category. Upgrading their Johnsons and the gift shop. batteries for our solar system when we electrical system comes next. Some- The Campbells will stay in McCa- were given the heads up just how where in this winter season will be rthy for awhile longer but expect they close help was. Ordering the batteries time for their favorite pasttimes—ski- will travel to Anchorage for the winter and a few supplies and their delivery ing and drinking plenty of delicious, and find work. That will give them through McCarthy Center’s freighting hot coffee. more opportunities to return to their system, made the project well worth In the spring, Dave and Maria McCarthy home for short winter visits. our while. Neil says we were his first hope to return to New Orleans and Neil Darish: “I can walk and talk customers! Rick passed the word to take in the Mardi Gras festivities once at the same time!” responded Neil to Kay Houghton who was looking for a again. my question, “Is this a good time to system for her cabin. Before long she, Bryan and Erin Campbell: Now get an item of interest?” Neil was en- too, was set up with the proper sup- that summer has come to an end, the joying his daily walk while we chatted plies. Campbells are finding time to do about his busy, but enjoyable, summer Neil says he hopes to have a dis- some of their fall chores, too. Yard season as owner of McCarthy Lodge play system set up at the McCarthy cleanup and wood detail are a few of and ventures. He and his end-of-the Center this next year, providing infor- the current outside projects. An in- season crew have successfully closed mation and availability of turn-key door construction job both are look- down hotel and saloon for the upcom- systems for small cabins. ing forward to is the completion of a ing winter months. It was Neil’s turn to ask a ques- loft, which will enlarge their already Staying open longer than usual, tion. “What do you think of downtown spacious Yurt. Neil hosted a variety of guests, mostly McCarthy having its own centrally-lo- Located on what we locals call the Twin Peaks Construction crew cated source of electricity?” Instead “the island,” Bryan and Erin have working on the stabilization of the of individual generators running, how been improving their property since Kennecott Mill Building. Employees about just one? Hmmm...should be Bryan and a friend purchased it in are now gone their respective ways quieter, simpler. 2006. Erin came on board in 2007 and Neil is ready to enjoy the change If you have an opinion or ideas, when she and Bryan met for the first of scenery, snowfall, colder tempera- you should give Neil a call. He’s got tures and, above all, the northern time to listen; it’s winter! PAGE 6 WRANGELL ST. ELIAS NEWS NOVEMBER & DECEMBER 2012 Kennecott’s historic Mill Building receives attention bing walls from level one Twin Peaks has on-site are lo- hile most local Mc- through level seven. This in- cal.” Carthy/ Kennecott cludes both interior and exterior Twin Peaks hired a speciality W businesses are now crib walls. According to Superin- sub-contractor to do a process closed for the winter, and many tendent Rick Obernesser, interi- called “soil nailing.” Twenty foot seasonal folks are starting their or columns and trusses will also long soil “anchor rods” are in- treks to warmer climes, there be repaired as part of this con- stalled into the hillside to keep remains a lot of activity in tract within these levels along the soil from slipping down into downtown Kennecott. The center with the removal of ore from the the building. According to Har- of attention is the historic Mill upper ore bin. ris, 225 rods have been drilled Building. The construction crew ar- on the exterior portion, and In 1998 the National Park rived in the area in early July work will now begin on the inte- Service (NPS) acquired many of with mobilization work begin- rior—through the timber crib- the significant buildings and ning July 6th. Daily Mill tours by bing to lock the building to the lands of the Kennecott Mines a local concessionaire, St. Elias hillside. National Historic Landmark and Alpine Guides, were suspended The process involves drilling began their effort to stabilize soon after the July 4th festivities. a 4-inch diameter hole, inserting and restore the buildings. Nearly 20 employees are still a 1 ½-inch diameter anchor, Through a lengthy public plan- on hand, working 6 days a week then filling the space with grout- ning process, the future of each and making the most of their ed cement. On top of this proce- building was determined. Some daylight hours. Truck drivers, dure geotech fabric is placed, buildings were found to be in carpenters, equipment opera- then a metal mesh similar to ruin— too far degraded to be tors, engineers, laborers and su- chain-link fencing. All is buried stabilized or restored. Others, pervisors all make up the work and unseen. such as the Mill Building, is re- force. A good portion of the crew The work crew is hoping to ceiving a variety of foundational are local McCarthy area resi- continue their stabilization work and structural stability work. dents. According to Bradley Har- through October and well into The NPS contracted Twin ris, Construction Manager, for November—weather permitting. Peaks Construction— for a bid the NPS, “I believe that approxi- of $3,619,300— to do the drill- mately 80% of the employees ing and anchoring of the crib- Wrangell-St. Elias Visitor Center Moves to Winter Hours Copper Center, Alaska – rooms are available inside the ahead to make purchases before rangell-St. Elias visitor center. If you need assis- or after these dates. National Park & tance when the visitor center is Preserve Headquar- not staffed, please go to the park The Chitina Ranger Station, W Kennecott Visitor Center, and ters’ Visitor Center has moved to administration building located winter hours, October 1 through behind the visitor center and a the Slana Ranger Station are May 24, and is open Monday-Fri- staff member will be happy to closed for the winter. For ques- day from 9am to 4pm (as staff- assist you. tions about the park and winter ing permits) and closed on all The Alaska Geographic book- cabin rentals, please contact Federal holidays. The exhibit store will be closed October 22 park headquarters at (907) 822- hall and theater are closed for through January 7, 2013 due to 5234. the winter. Limited public rest- a staffing shortage. Please plan WRANGELL ST. ELIAS NEWS NOVEMBER & DECEMBER 2012 PAGE 7 Alaska Grown— wicks were hard to trim without not have horses and buggies but hat first winter in our sharp scissors and often burned we were happy and didn’t have a new cabin proved to be irregular and smoked up the care in the world.) Ta long one. Since we glass globes. Washing those The long winter days al- had spent so much time and en- globes became another chore to lowed for more time to spend ergy building it, there wasn’t daily bush living! indoors with each other. We much time to gather the amount (Authors Note: I marvel spent many an evening playing of firewood needed to heat it when recalling those days of few Scrabble or some board game. adequately. Along with getting modern conveniences. No run- Sometimes Mom would read a water every day from book out loud the winter creek, that the State harvesting firewood Library sent in for the large wood the mail. A cup stove was another of our favorite daily chore. Every- hot tea and one pitched in and home-made cook- walked in the woods ies were a sure around the cabin in thing for that hunt for dead trees. evening’s “party” Sam was a big help (as we called it). as we would hook his Visiting harness up to a plas- neighbors and tic sled and he would friends were pull a load of fire- more common wood back to the during those win- cabin. Dad built a ter months. ‘saw horse’ that we Someone would laid the logs on and occasionally drop sawed with chainsaw by for a cup of or bow-saw. I was too hot tea and catch young to use the up on the local chainsaw but the residents and bow-saw was perfect news. If you ran for smaller logs. WSEN staff photo out of yeast for Since there Rick Jr. and dog Sam at the Hegland’s in McCarthy. We often walked bread you might was no electricity, we to McCarthy (10 mile round-trip) several times a week in those days. borrow some used a little Honda from your neigh- 500 watt generator bor until the next for electricity. It wasn’t run ning water, no indoor plumbing, food box arrived on the mail much except to run a small pow- no oil heat, no electricity, no plane. Sharing a case of eggs or er-tool or charge batteries. Light telephones, no computers or in- quarter of moose meat was not was given by kerosene lamps. ternet, no grocery stores or gas uncommon and strengthened How dim those were! Fortunate- stations and no cell phones! the bonds of neighbors and ly, the large windows compensat- When the “Little House on the friends alike. Folks were more ed during the daytime and Prairie” comes on, I can relate a neighborly and depended on allowed plenty of light to do lot to their lifestyle that was por- each other for survival in the school work and to see. After trayed on that TV series. The harsh Alaskan wilderness. dark, the lamps were lit. The main difference was that we did PAGE 8 WRANGELL ST. ELIAS NEWS NOVEMBER & DECEMBER 2012

The mail plane coming home was a flew in from Glennallen different story! once a week and that We weren’t the day was the highlight of only ones who used the the week. “Mail day,” as snow machine trail to we called it, consisted walk. Moose occasion- of going to the airstrip ally traveled on it, espe- in McCarthy to meet cially when the snow the airplane that flew was deep. I disliked the bags of mail in and holes they punched in took outgoing mail out. the trail as it messed it Les and Flo Hegland up for walking. As the lived next to the air- daylight was short in strip and were long- those winter months, it time residents of McCa- was dark by 3:30 to rthy. They graciously 4:00pm. If the sky was opened their home to clear, the moon might the community for this be out and give enough weekly activity. Locals light to see the trail on would enjoy mugs of the walk home from hot coffee and tea while mail. Dad took a few visiting and sorting the tin cans, cut a hole in mail in the front porch one side and a long of their home. The candle was inserted. Hegland’s also manned WSEN staff photo The open end of the the weather station for Rick Sr. and Sam. Since we had limited gas that winter, we can allowed dim light to the Weather Service experimented with “dog power” for personal transportation come out and it was use- and hauling firewood and mail. Sam was not impressed! and their hourly re- able on dark evenings. ports gave pilots valu- (Batteries for flashlights able information needed to fly was narrow but wide enough to were premium and scarce so into our area. The mail pilot walk in single file. When the were used sparingly.) relied heavily on this information trail was “hard” then all was well Thanksgiving came then as Alaska is notorious for ex- but when it was “soft” it would Christmas was soon to follow. treme weather conditions. take longer to walk and more We picked out a nice spruce tree When we came to the tiring on the legs! There was a nearby our cabin for the Christ- area, there was still a state- large spruce tree at the half-way mas tree. It wasn’t perfect but it owned vehicle bridge across the mark to town that had a twin- was just right for our needs. Kennecott River. We often trunk and was a good landmark. Soon it was decorated and cause walked from our cabin to McCa- Sam would often pull the small for celebration. Mom popped rthy on mail day and back. It was plastic sled willingly going over pop-corn and I mixed up some a good five miles one way and to mail as he was interested in Koolaid. A game of Scrabble was took several hours to make the seeing the other dogs in town; the finishing touches for our journey. The snow machine trail “party.”

"Unlike Mitt, I loathe Sesame Street. It bears primary responsibility for what the Canadian blogger Binky calls the de-monsterization of childhood -- the idea that there are no evil monsters out there at the edges of the map, just shaggy creatures who look a little funny and can sometimes be a bit grouchy about it be- cause people prejudge them until they learn to celebrate diversity and help Cranky the Friendly Monster go recycling. That is not unrelated to the infantilization of our society. Marinate three generations of Ameri- cans in that pabulum, and it's no surprise you wind up with unprotected diplomats dragged to their deaths from their 'safe house' in Benghazi.” —columnist Mark Steyn WRANGELL ST. ELIAS NEWS NOVEMBER & DECEMBER 2012 PAGE 9

Local explorer returns from Northwest Passage expedition Editor’s note: This article was banks looked forward to receiv- of the 12 he started with, ten originally printed in our first edition ing snow and lichen samples. died. Lonnie lost 3 of his dogs. of the Wrangell St. Elias News in July Lonnie Dupre and Tom One was due to a dog fight. Mal- of 1992. Viren, of Minnesota, and Jon colm lost two. On December 7th Nierenberg and Malcolm of Alas- Tom Viren set out on skis to find hristmas 1991—Paul- ka left Prudhoe Bay October help. They were about 35 miles atuk Northwest Tem- 29,1991, with a total of 3,250 from Paulatuk. By the 8th Viren tories—Malcolm C miles still ahead. By November met the RCMP coming out to Vance, 29 year old resident of 21st the sun had disappeared. search for them as they were McCarthy, Alaska. They faced 63 days of total dark- overdue. The same day several While some were writing ness. hunters out searching for cari- hate letters, McCarthy residents By using maps, compasses, a bou discovered the others. They signed Christmas cards, wrote GPS (Global Position Satellite), must have been a most welcome special notes of encouragement, they made their way over tundra, sight—though they were travel- and even slipped in a little mon- pack ice, portaged over rivers, ing on snowmachines! The res- ey. All to let a young man named having to break their own trails. cued party was taken to Malcolm Vance know we cared At times the terrain would look Paulatuk. where he was on that particular all the same. Nothing but pure, By the time they reached Christmas. white expanse. One’s mind would Paulatuk, the news media had While some dropped their start to think of yesterday’s hap- preceded their arrival. Phone support, Cambridge Bay resi- penings — old conversations, calls to the RCMP from animal dents flew in a cache of dog grandparents, situations you rights people tried to get the food. Paulatuk natives donated hadn’t thought of in years. Canadian government to put an fish, seal, caribou, and whale Somehow, though, at the end of end to the expedition and kick blubber to strengthen the re- the day those thoughts had van- them out. The main sponsors of maining dog teams that would ished. the expedition were receiving carry the 1991 Northwest Pas- Late November trouble set heavy pressure to withdraw their sage Expedition to their final in. Expecting to travel about 20 support. Dupont—the largest destination — Churchill, Manito- miles a day, the 4 men with their financial sponsor—backed out ba. People up North showed dogs were only able to do about after giving about half the compassion because they know 8-10 miles. Three different bliz- amount promised. Natural Life what kind of country Malcolm zards pinned them down for 2-3 Pet Products — the second larg- and his fellow travelers had just days at a time. Weather and ter- est sponsor —though donating come through! These Arctic na- rain conditions slowed down about 8,000 lbs. of specially tives encouraged them to keep their pace considerably and made dog food asked for the re- going. caused them to run short on dog moval of their name. Malcolm Malcolm Vance and three food. Nasty winds bringing a spoke highly of the special mix other adventurers set out to rec- wind chill factor of -85 degrees of dog food they had received reate the trek made in 1923 by sapped the strength of the dogs. and didn’t feel that the product Danish explorer, Knud Rasmus- The average temperature was -35 was at fault. sen. Malcolm’s own dog team of degrees. Provisions would have The expedition members Alaskan Huskies were raised been enough under ordinary agree to some human error. right here in McCarthy. The find- weather conditions. These travel- They do not see themselves as ings of both expeditions will be ers, however, were experiencing uncaring or cruel. Certainly, compared. The changes to the fierce and unrelenting weather. they have learned a lot and felt Arctic since 1923 were seen and Going ten days without dog responsible for their dogs’ well- noted. Scientists in Winnipeg food took a heavy toll—especial- being. Starting a trip like this, in and at the University of Fair- ly on Jon Nierenberg’s dogs. Out mid-January — the first day the PAGE 10 WRANGELL ST. ELIAS NEWS NOVEMBER & DECEMBER 2012 sun appears — instead of in Oc- there is not another living soul “For me to call up Thule, tober, is one change Malcolm within miles. You just look Greenland, and say, ‘Could you would make. Traveling through around and there is nothing. send me 7 Greenland Huskies the polar night is not something Complete silence. And you just from Thule, Greenland?’ would he would want to repeat. go ‘Wow’!” cost me $1500 per dog just for Two of the four men chose to What about Malcolm’s dogs? shipping. This was an unbeliev- leave the expedition at Paulatuk. Because there wasn’t any money able lifetime opportunity. They Malcolm and Lonnie chose to to get home on, he sold them. gave 7 of their best dogs as a finish. They spent a month in Churchill, Baker Lake, Chester- gift.” Paulatuk preparing for the last field, and Eskimo Point have at Mark Air flew them down for part of their trek. The 180 villag- least one thing in common. They free. Now that Malcolm has an- ers welcomed them, kept them each have at least one true Alas- other team of dogs, just what are fed, and helped them get going kan Huskie. A team of dogs that his future plans? This is what he again. certainly saw more than their had to say: “If I can get it all to- Malcolm left Paulatuk with 9 share of adventure. Says Mal- gether, I’m going to stay home dogs, George, his lead dog, tak- colm, “I was real proud of those for awhile. I have that new piece ing the lead all the way. Lonnie dogs. They pulled hard the whole of land to build a cabin on. Then had 8 dogs. The 570 miles be- way.” in March of next year when the tween Paulatuk and Cambridge snow leaves here, if I can work it, Bay was beautiful country — the Perhaps you would think this I’m going to drive back up to longest stretch between commu- story over, but it has an interest- Prudoe Bay again and go west nities. Every 200 miles, a cache ing ending. Upon reaching Cam- and travel all the way down to of dog food awaited them. bridge Bay, Malcolm and Lonnie Kotzebue and do Wainwright, Thanks to the residents of Cam- learned the news that two Inuit Point Lake. . . To have done the bridge Bay! They arrived in Cam- travelers were coming down to whole North American continent bridge Bay in February and do the Northwest Passage—Ono above the Arctic Circle. Across stayed 3 or 4 days before head- F1eisher and Jens Danialson the whole top of the North Amer- ing on to Gjoa Haven. By this were from Thule, Greenland, ican continent. Then, in the long time, the Northwest Passage was from which they had started range plans, Lonnie Dupre and I completed. The date was March their own trek. A lot of the Inuit are working on trying to go do 3, 1992. don’t travel far so this was Baffin Island. Circumnavigate The last leg of their journey unique and daring for them. Ono Baffin Island.” ended at Churchill, Manitoba. A was Knud Rasmussen’s great- When asked if his priorities couple of villages were bypassed nephew. Starting in the end of were any different from 6 shortening it to 3,059 miles. No January, they managed to get to months ago, he answered with: matter how you cut it, that’s a Barrow by May. “A little bit. I don’t think I would long way to trek! Meeting the Greenlanders put a cap on it right now as to Has Malcolm changed? In his was the icing on the cake for really what. I came back to a son own words: ‘That’ll probably be Malcolm. He offered to help that was just crawling when I something that in a lot of ways them with their dogs. Because left. Now, all of a sudden, he is will take time to even notice. It they couldn’t afford to take their calling out words, running gives you a lot of confidence to dogs back to Greenland, Mal- around, jumping on the couch. know you can go 3,000 miles colm received a call from them. Seven months brings a big across the Canadian Arctic. Ono Fleisher and Jens Danialson change in a baby. There’s an old Gives you that feeling you can go presented Malcolm with their 7 saying that things don’t change anywhere overcoming problems. full-blooded Greenland Hus- but we do and so inside—inter- You know, it’s a neat feeling to kies—an opportunity of a life- nally— I’ve learned a lot.” be standing in a place like that. time. They were beautiful, You look around and you think purebred animals! WRANGELL ST. ELIAS NEWS NOVEMBER & DECEMBER 2012 PAGE 11 From Trail Dream to Ribbon Cutting

obstacles. It was a real treat for me Interpretive Specialists, a volunteer n 2008, a Naknek fourth to be a part of the ceremony." from the American Society of Land- grader wondered why there “The RTCA program had never scape Architects, Alaska Film Ser- Icouldn’t be a safe walking had an application from an eight- vices, and donations of labor, funds trail to her school. This fall, after year-old, but Isabel knew what she and materials from community her idea spurred interest within wanted and the community rallied businesses, parents and youth. her community and across the around that idea, nurtured it and “What a fantastic project! See- state, her simple idea is a reality saw it grow,” said RTCA Program ing so many people involved in along with many more health and Leader Lisa Holzapfel. She and making something positive happen recreation opportunities. Heather Rice, a RTCA outdoor rec- for our community is inspiring to reation planner, worked with Isa- all of us,” said Katmai Superinten- Isabel Babiak was eight years bel, to map out the project and dent Ralph Moore. In addition to old when she thought about easier help the community find both vol- being headquartered a short dis- access to her school. With encour- tance away in King Salmon, Katmai agement from the Borough and her staff also worked with community parent’s guidance, she contacted youth to give them an opportunity the National Park Service’s Rivers, to see the national park that forms Trails and Conservation Assistance part of their backyard. program in Anchorage seeking “Through generous donations technical assistance and informa- from two professional film makers, tion on how to create a trail. Deborah Schildt and Elizabeth Rog- What ensued was a sometimes ers, and funding from a NPS Chal- lengthy four-year process of gather- lenge Cost Share Grant, the ing ideas, identifying partners, find- students were offered three multi- ing funding and negotiating a mix media video workshops,” Holzapfel of government agencies and rules. said. The students learned to pick a The result was a September 28 rib- theme, write a story board, shoot bon cutting, celebrating not only their footage, manage sound, and the Sockeye Run Fitness Trail and put the pieces together into a final Bike Path, but a new parking lot, video product. The highlight was a filled land that will become a three-day visit to Katmai where the school ball field, a fitness path with youth were able to walk off trail to exercise equipment that loops learn about and identify Native around the school and community house pits, explore bear habitat, health clinic, and the creation and view brown bears, and visit the Val- installation of interpretive signs ley of 10,000 Smokes.” along the trail. Photo courtesy NPS “Appreciation of Alaska’s amaz- Over 150 people participated in Isabel Babiak celebrates the opening ing natural resources starts at the ribbon cutting ceremony. The of the Sockeye Run Fitness Trail and home on something like a trail to high attendance may have been due Bike Path. your school, but as these children to the clear blue sky, but more like- grow they’ll be our next genera- ly it was due to a community-led unteers and funding partners. tions of stewards,” Holzapfel said. and grassroots grown local idea Over time, the list grew to in- “Working with communities on rec- that had full community support clude staff from Katmai National reation opportunities, building from the beginning. Attending the Park and Preserve, funding and par- health and exercise opportunities, ceremony was State Representative ticipation from the Bristol Bay Bor- and connecting youth with the wid- Bryce Edgmon, who said, "the com- ough and school district, the er natural world are all part of the munity spirit behind the whole Alaska Department of Transporta- broad National Park Service mis- project was amazing. It was not an tion and Public Facilities and the sion,” Moore added. easy project but working together Safe Routes To School program, the community overcame all the Alaska State Parks and its Recre- ational Trails grant program and PAGE 12 WRANGELL ST. ELIAS NEWS NOVEMBER & DECEMBER 2012 Copper Valley Telecom tests wind generation turbines themselves can with- and economic benefits of the sys- t Copper Valley Tele- stand the winter weather condi- tems. “The arrays reduce our reli- com, alternative energy tions, particularly ice that can ance on carbon-based fuels which Ais more than just a build up on the blades.” Testing is good for the environment,” good idea; it’s actively being used these systems will continue Mishmash says, “and when you to power facilities throughout the Copper Valley and Prince Wil- liam Sound regions. For a num- ber of years, the company has utilized solar power, but this summer, it amped up efforts by installing new wind generation test equipment at a site near Tangle Lakes on the Denali High- way. “We’re examining the feasi- bility of using wind to supple- ment power at certain locations”, said Chris Mishmash, Copper Val- ley’s wireless & facilities manag- er. At the Tangle Lakes site, a wind turbine has been erected and is currently producing power to charge a battery bank. Addi- tionally, several other sites in Prince William Sound were equipped with wind monitors. through the winter and allow start looking at the bottom line, Data collected by these monitors Copper Valley crews to evaluate it makes good business sense as will help the company determine hardware durability. well.” Mishmash estimates that if the wind speeds and direction Copper Valley is also testing the company’s power costs for could produce enough power to new solar arrangements to make operating solar-powered sites are run communications equipment. its sites more efficient. Currently, about 30% less than they would “One of the most important as- eight of Copper Valley’s remote be if completely powered by pro- pects of successful wind genera- communications sites are pow- pane. tion in our area is whether the ered in part by solar energy. Mishmash praises the durability Wildland Fire Staff successfully burn debris piles near McCarthy will be burned in the spring of Learn how fire staff reduce the rangell-St. Elias Na- 2013. fire risk to NPS structures and tional Park and Pre- The piles resulted from an in- how you can do it too W serve wildland fire teragency effort in 2011 to reduce http://www.nps.gov/akso/nature/ staff burned 1100 piles of debris thick vegetation on the Wrangell- fire/firefuels.cfm. consisting of trees and brush over St. Elias NP boundary to McCa- For additional information, a 19 acre area from Oct. 1 rthy. Fire staff worked hard to de- contact Wrangell-St. Elias Public through October 6. The piles were crease vegetation in order to Affairs at (907) 822-7223 or visit located in the McCarthy and Ken- reduce the fire risk to McCarthy http://www.nps.gov/wrst/index.h nicott vicinity. 650 debris piles and increase public and firefighter tm . remain over a 15 acre area and safety during a wildfire. WRANGELL ST. ELIAS NEWS NOVEMBER & DECEMBER 2012 PAGE 13 Getting into RC airplanes—the basic sailplane If you do manage to snag a age you to check out online ur first story about RC thermal, the fun begins. There is forums such as RC Groups at flying in the Wrangells just something about watching a http://www.rcgroups.com/forums Owas well received. /index.php. You can quickly Several people have indicated separate the winners from the they have enjoyed learning to losers. fly with a UM Champ. Several One more area where I others said they plan to get one have used my Ascent is aerial in the near future. photography. The small “spyca- If you are comfortable with ms” available on Ebay are easi- the little Champ, you might be ly mounted to the airplane ready to move on to something using velcro. Once the motor else. While a 4 channel aileron is shut down, all that is heard plane is the logical next step, a is the sound of the wind rush- lot of fun can be had with just E-flite Ascent ing past the control surfaces. three channels. There is even a “micro” One area that I find relax- sailplane from Horizon Hobby ing is RC sailplanes. There is a that the folks on the RC Group plane rising when the engine is wide range of designs available, forum have been talking a lot stopped. On several occasions, I some of them very high-perfor- about. It should hit the dealer had to take drastic action to bring mance, but my experience is with shelves about the time you are mine down as it was getting so a simple, three-channel model reading this. It uses a bungee type high I could not see it well enough with an electric motor to make launch system and it is designed to tell for sure what it was doing. launches easier, and a folding pro- for smaller flying fields. It is advisable to have your name pellor for efficiency. and phone number affixed to the Like the Champ, these models plane, in case it ends up in who- are controlled with a combination knows-where! of throttle, rudder and elevator. My sailplane is called the As- Wing dihedral takes care of keep- cent, made by E-flite. It has a ing the plane upright. wingspan of 54" and weighs about The drill is to take off at full 19 ounces ready to fly. It is what throttle, climb to several hundred is called an “Almost Ready to feet altitude, then shut the motor Fly,” or ARF model. Basically all down. The prop folds back along- of the structures such as wings side the fuselage so that little ad- and tail surfaces are already built ditional drag is created. and covered. All that is needed is Then, gently soar above the to assemble the plane, and add trees, looking for “lift.” If you your own receiver and servos. I have ever watched a raven or an see them still advertised for eagle soaring without flapping its $69.99. wings, you have seen an example They are also available as of a thermal. In fact if there are “Plug-N-Play,” or PNP. In this ver- birds in the area where I am fly- sion all of the electronics are in- ing, I always pay attention to their stalled, with the exception of the flight path. receiver and battery. They run Even if no lift is found, flights quite a bit more money at of several minutes result from the $189.99 but are even quicker and WSEN staff photo short engine run due to the high- easier to get flying. A “spy camera,” or “keychain camera” lift low-drag design of a sailplane. attached to the Ascent captures this There are plenty of other mod- photo of the pilot during takeoff. els on the market, and I encour- PAGE 14 WRANGELL ST. ELIAS NEWS NOVEMBER & DECEMBER 2012 The McCarthy Weekly News 1921 November & December editions OF LOCAL INTEREST ning claims it is the largest bear ever Frank Carroll, Tom Seitsinger and A Russian Pole, a miner named killed in that vicinity. Petroff who are cutting wood in the Julian Fleurnovich who had been em- Chris Pederson has secured a con- hills say that if the weather keeps this ployed at the mines for over four years, tract for further development work on way, their big grubstake will be easy. committed suicide at the Jumbo mine the Green Group property. Frank Farnam, who spent the past last Monday by shooting himself with a Last Saturday a very delightful par- season with the A. R. C. on the Chitina- rifle. There appeared to be no reason ty was held at the Greenwood Inn, Fairbanks trail, returned to McCarthy for the act, as he was in good health, when Mr. Ben Jackson entertained at last week. had five hundred dollars in liberty dinner in honor of his friend Eric Dan- Dad Wakefield, who has been con- bonds, and a good bank account. At an ielson whose birthday it was. There nected with the Kennecott Copper inquest held the same night, by U. S. were also present, Peter Buhl, J. P. Corporation for the past eighteen Coroner Spongberg, a verdict of sui- Hubrick, J. B. O'Neill, Con Miller, Jack months, is taking a well earned vaca- cide was returned. The deceased left Schultz. A splendid dinner was served tion in our city. relatives in Russia. by Host Burns, and a general fine time Mr. and Mrs. Williams arrived in An eight pound son arrived yester- enjoyed. Town Thursday after spending several day to Mrs. Matsukura at Kennecott Miss Jacobs, school mistress at months at the Lower camp of the Hospital. Matsukura is contract cook Kennecott, was a visitor to McCarthy Mother Lode. for the C. R. & N. W. Ry at Chitina. today, the guest of Miss Stuart. Mr. and Mrs. Trim and family who NEWS STARTS ITS FIFTH YEAR OF LOCAL INTEREST have been several months at the Moth- NEXT SATURDAY Pete Johnson will soon have his er Lode Lower Camp came into town day before yesterday and are staying at This is the fifty second number of saw mill running which he purchased present in the Sullivan cabin. the Fourth volume of the McCarthy from George Anderson last summer, Weekly News. Next Saturday starts the and is now installing down on the farm. November 19 fifth year of its publication. We have to Oscar Anderson, an expert in that line CAMP NEWS thank the residents and business peo- of work is chief engineer. The revival of the Kennecott or- ple of this section for their support Quite a number of improvements chestra under the leadership of Mr. during the four years that have past, were noticeable in town this week. A Healy is a matter of general congratu- without which, this sheet would have large tank heater was installed last lation. At the movies last Sunday eve- never weathered the storms. We hope week in the basement of the McCarthy ning the orchestra rendered a splendid to merit their continued support for Garage, which will keep the cars in program which was greatly enjoyed by the year that is coming and that it good shape and ready for use at any the audience. The performers were: brings brighter things for us all. time, no matter how cold it may get. Mrs. Wilson, violin; Mr. Stoklo, clari- November 5 Just enough snow fell Thursday net; Mr. Seymour, drums; and Mr. RED CROSS night to give the streets a wintry ap- Healy, piano. pearance, but the thermometer aver- The editor of the News has re- PERSONAL ages above zero. ceived a letter from Mr. J. Barrett, John Hill and his partner, have chairman of the McCarthy chapter of Victor Johnson, of Kennecott, left completed their logging contract for the Red Cross, asking that a meeting Tuesday morning on his annual sheep the Dan Creek Mining Co. and have be called to appoint a committee to hunt. gone down to Pete Johnson's ranch. make membership drive for 1922. A November 12 November 26 meeting will be held at the Hubrick PERSONAL OF LOCAL INTEREST store at 8 p.m. Monday for this pur- Mrs. V. J. Dwyer of Strelna, has With the thermometer at 60 above pose. This will be the fifth annual been the guest of Mrs. J. B. O'Neill this membership drive of this chapter, and and a heavy rain it was unusually warm week. A number of social events have last evening for this time of year. in each previous one, 100 per cent of been given in her honor, also at Kenne- The freight rates on potatoes from the population answered the roll call. cott. Cordova to McCarthy have been re- PERSONAL Walter Quon Eng who has been duced to $2.77 per cwt. The housewife Martin Radovan killed a silver tip spending a couple of weeks at the gets the benefit. Keep the good work bear last week on Dan Creek. Warren creeks came into town yesterday. going. Nelson, who came into town last eve- WRANGELL ST. ELIAS NEWS NOVEMBER & DECEMBER 2012 PAGE 15

Mrs. Pete Johnson has purchased be prepared by Mesdames Seltenreich, cluding Miss Stuart, Dora McDonnell, a fine calf from Kennecott. It has been Wells, Laaniner, Burns and Cole. Mrs. Mrs. Steen, V. Anderson, Henry Olsen, named Nugget, and we hope it brings Cole and Mrs. Seltenreich have charge Bill Berry and others. Mrs. Underwood lots of gold to the owner. of the staging. entertained her son, Abe Morris, Frank Cap Hubrick is suffering from a FATAL ACCIDENT Douglas, J. Summers. severe attack of stomach trouble, and Gust de Vost, a miner at the Moth- Dinner guests at the Cole's were may have to go to the hospital for er Lode Coalition Mines, was accident- George Nickles, H. H. Mitchell, Oscar treatment. ly killed last Thursday evening through Anderson, Charley Lubbe, Mike While repairing some pipe in the miscalculating the time on a fuse. The Knowles and Wm. Hennigan. Billy Ur- Power Plant this week, Bill Baxter lost funeral took place today. lass and Charley Fogelberg were guests of the Woodmans. his balance and fell about twelve feet, OF LOCAL INTEREST receiving a severe shake up. PIONEERS OF ALASKA Green Group Showing Up Well George Sutherland, who has been The Pioneers of Alaska are pre- Chris Peterson, has completed his almost a year on a trip to Canada and pared to form an Igloo at McCarthy. All fifty foot contract for the Green Group the States, returned to Kennecott last members of the Arctic Brotherhood in Corporation, reports having run into a week. good standing and those who have large body of high grade at the 225 ft. December 3 been in the country since 1905 are depth and uncovered a bed plane twen- eligible for membership. Twenty five OF LOCAL INTEREST ty feet further. This means that the members are necessary to obtain a The McCarthy Athletic Club will tunnel is now running through solid charter, the cost of which is fifty dol- be revived for the winter with a social high grade. This news has been cabled lars. All those who are interested are game this evening. to the owners. requested to communicate with C. F. During last winter the club was a December 17 M. Cole who has been authorized to tremendous success and was the OF LOCAL INTEREST make all necessary arrangements. As means of passing many pleasant hours. The Golden Hotel lunch counter soon as the required number has been It is a great asset to the town and we was opened this week. Doc Brehmer is secured, Grand President Alvah Eames are very glad that it is being reopened. the new chef and from all accounts is will immediately come to McCarthy A business meeting will be held a delivering the goods. and install an Igloo. little later, for the election of a new December 24 Messrs. Eames and Dooley paid a president to replace Bob Williams who OF LOCAL INTEREST visit to Chitina this week and installed has left for the outside. Mike Knowles, an igloo at that place. who was one of the biggest workers last Pete Brenwick and his son Leon- A fatality which cost the life of a year, would make a good president, we ard, were in town for the Christmas valued citizen, and cast a terrible believe. celebration. gloom over the whole section occurred OF LOCAL INTEREST Dog team rides have been enjoyed this week when Charles W. Hoyt, chief McCarthy's Community Xmas by many this week, the weather is per- engineer for the Kennecott Copper gathering which will be held next Sat- fect and so are the trails. Corporation was caught in a snow slide urday evening at the A. B. Hall promis- Victor Marshall spent the holidays near the Jumbo Mine and totally bur- es to be a tremendous success, judging with his parents and leaves again to- ied. Continued digging recovered the by the interest which is being shown by morrow to attend high school in Cor- body after 24 hours, but life had long the folks of all ages. A meeting of dova. been extinct. At Kennecott the entire ladies was held last Monday afternoon Bill Lang, the Nizina trapper, was camp is stunned at the casualty, for at which all the mothers of pupils were in town for Christmas. Joe Kaufman Mr. Hoyt had been there since 1915, present. This was a very pleasant social was in town from Nizina for the holi- and everyone in camp was his friend. gathering, and after coffee and cake days. He was 35 years of age, unmarried had been partaken of arrangements Christmas Day itself was the occa- and leaves a mother and brother at were made for the different parts of sion of many dinner parties. Mr. and Chillicothe, Ohio, where the body will the entertainment. Mrs. Wells was del- Mrs. Walter Sommer entertained Mr. be shipped for burial. To his sorrowing egated to secure the all important tree and Mrs. F. A. Iverson. Mr. and Mrs. J. relatives we send our deepest sympa- & be responsible for its decoration. P. Hubrick's guests were Jack Schultz, thy, and remain to grieve with his Shorty Gwin will haul the handsomest Ben Jackson and Eric Danielson. many friends, feeling the ways of the tree he can find on Sourdough Hill, At the O'Neill home, covers were Almighty are past finding out. and deliver it at the hall next week. laid for eight, the guests being: Frank December 31 Mrs. O' Neill is in charge of the Farnan, Chris Peterson, Lou and Carl music. Miss Stuart and Dora McDon- Anderson and Andy Tailor. nell will assemble the decorations. Mr. and Mrs. Snyder were host and Mrs. Laaniner and Mrs. Underwood will hostess to a party of young folks, in- make the stockings. The costumes will PAGE 16 WRANGELL ST. ELIAS NEWS NOVEMBER & DECEMBER 2012 Impressions of a place far away from everywhere Here, you walk alone, but that creek and sip; if I’m not safe from T. MATTHEW ISLAND — wasn’t always the case. An 1874 giardia here, I don’t know where I’m resting on a mattress map of St. Matthew includes this else to try. Sof tundra plants that are note: “Large numbers of polar bears The black sand and gravel growing more than 200 miles from infest this island.” The U.S. Fish and beaches of St. Matthew hold drift- the nearest Alaska village. While I Wildlife Service crew has included wood, kelp, pink float balls and plas- have snuck away here to my own in its gear a shotgun, because you tic bottles with Russian and private ridge top, eight other peo- never know, but we have seen nei- Japanese lettering on their caps. A ple, all scientists, are somewhere on ther track nor skull of polar bear. shipwreck from 1989 rusts in three this 30-mile-long wedge of tundra, And we’ve seen only a few bleached immense hunks just feet offshore of rocky beaches, lakes and bird cliffs antlers of reindeer. A few decades Glory of Russia Cape. Overlooking in the central Bering Sea. We nine ago, the animals roamed the island the orange hull are hundreds of make up the entire human popula- at an unsustainable 66 animals per birds on cliffs that prompted tion of the island. square mile. There are none left. Roosevelt’s decision to protect this On our 25-hour boat ride here Arctic foxes seem to be missing, nesting site of murres, kittiwakes, from St. Paul Island aboard the 120- too, perhaps pushed off the island cormorants and other seabirds. The foot Tiglax, Steve Delehanty, man- by red foxes that wandered here birds renew life on St. Matthew for a ager of the Alaska Maritime Nation- over a few hundred miles of sea ice. few months and spend the rest of al Wildlife Refuge, pointed out that If you don’t count the invasive two- their year at sea. more people climb Mount Everest legged species visiting the island for From my tundra perch, the roar each year than walk on St. Matthew. a week, red foxes are the largest of a jet engine overhead is so unusu- There is one main reason. mammals on St. Matthew. A few al that I look up, wondering if the “It’s hard to get to,” he said. days ago, trip volunteer Rich Klein- people above know they have just Sheer distance has saved this leder pointed out eight tiny orange crossed the international date line. place from fur trapping, mining, oil heads peeking at us from a den in As the noise fades, the bird songs drilling, airstrip building and other the grass. return, carried on the wind with the endeavors that leave a mark. A Tunnels burned into lichen minty scent of wormwood leaves. moist climate good for decomposi- mats, along with a plaintive cry Right now, the most remote tion is also allowing St. Matthew to heard when hiking the tundra, show spot in Alaska feels that way. But it outlast an occupation by the U.S. that the singing vole is in great sup- will be even lonelier in a few military in World War II. ply. The cute mice-like creatures months, when the stained white Thanks to the attention given to known only to St. Matthew peer out cliffs hold no seabirds and the crazy the island during the Harriman Ex- from holes that honeycomb the is- giant bees no longer buzz through pedition in 1899, Teddy Roosevelt land. the cool breeze. included St. Matthew in a group of The cheery calls of Lapland Snow will come. Shortly after, a islands designated as America’s first longspurs lift the mood of the cool skim of ice will creep down from the wildlife refuges in 1909. Biologists misty days, while sleek long-tailed northern ocean and grow thicker by from the Alaska Maritime National jaegers hover above the moist tun- the day. Big winds will bite deeper Wildlife Refuge, also responsible for dra with grace and deadly precision. and the lovely creeks will freeze to the protection of the Aleutians and But the most striking inland bird is the bottom. A platform of sea ice other coastal islands off Alaska, try the snow-white McKay’s bunting, will surround the island, allowing to reach St. Matthew every five years like the vole also endemic to the foxes to venture to distant lands if to see what has changed. island. In their beaks, the buntings they have the luck to navigate hun- Compared to other protected carry winged insects for their nest- dreds of miles along a moving white wilderness areas of Alaska, St. Mat- lings. In one of St. Matthew’s most jigsaw puzzle. thew is of the gentle variety, at least delightful features, none of these With no trees to stop the wind, in summer. The carpet of flowering captured bugs are mosquitoes; they in winter this calm place will some- tundra plants is alive in purples and and other biting flies have not made times match the wind-chill brutality pinks and blues, enhanced by fog- it to the island. of Mount Everest, which makes me filtered sunlight. The hip-high tan- The knee-deep creeks of St. glad I am visiting now, in the time gles of Aleutian grasses are not Matthew, most of them spanned of light and life. In the next few here, nor are the tussocks of the with a long stride, are clear and weeks, I’ll write more about this North Slope; St. Matthew is a nice clean. Some cut through beach special island and the found evi- place to walk. cliffs, tumbling down to salt water dence of humans who toughed it with a soothing roar. When I need a out here, at least for a short while. drink, I dunk my water bottle in a WRANGELL ST. ELIAS NEWS NOVEMBER & DECEMBER 2012 PAGE 17 In the blink of an eye “He couldn't process it. It was so Some stay with another large he last moment Israel quick.” Christian family, the Bucking- Hale felt the ground be- REMOTE LIFE hams. Some of the older ones are Tneath his feet, he was Hale is the sixth child of Rob- married and have started their standing behind his truck and ert Hale, a fundamentalist Chris- own lives. trailer in the westbound lane of tian patriarch known as Papa Israel and Cori were married Dimond Boulevard. six months ago. David is married It was Sunday evening a week to Cori's sister, Heidi. Cori and ago. Hale's trailer held lumber for Heidi are from another religious a house he and his wife are build- family, the Rubios. The women ing in the Butte area. Something dress in long skirts and keep their had gone wrong with it and he had heads covered. stopped in the road near the Sal- Last Sunday afternoon after vation Army store. His wife, Cori, church, Israel and Cori went to was in the cab. He walked around Eklutna Lake, where they explored behind the load and bent down to by kayak, David said. The day was look under it. He stood up. Then a clear and warm. The cottonwoods car piled into his body. And in a were golden. Israel took pictures second, an ordinary errand be- on his iPhone. After that, they came life-altering. drove to Anchorage to pick up That day began for Hale like a lumber they'd found on Craigslist. usual Sunday, with a service at 'I SAW THE SMOKE' Manna Baptist church in Palmer. Around 7 p.m. that evening, Hale attended with Cori and his Ida Brothers, a 32-year-old nurse mother, Rose, his brother David and waitress at Orso, was driving Photo courtesy Hale Family said. After that, he went to a little east on Dimond when she looked Israel Hale home church in Lazy Mountain, over and saw the accident with where he saw some of his 14 Hale's trailer. It was seconds after brothers and sisters, according to Pilgrim, whose story is well known it happened. in Alaska. He raised Israel and his his boss, Dennis Byler. Hale is 25 “I saw the smoke come up on brothers and sisters at a remote and has made a name for himself impact,” she said. around Palmer for shearing sheep family camp outside McCarthy, Her 9-year-old son encouraged and alpacas. He also welds, paints with no books but the Bible. He her to stop and help, she said. She and works construction for Byler. came into the public eye a decade ago because of a high-profile land made a U-turn, parked and ran to He is an outgoing, powerfully the scene. The driver of the car, a built man. He stands over six feet access fight with the National Park Service. Then, in 2005, Hale 17-year-old girl, sat on the curb, tall and weighs more than 200 crying, Brothers said. Police would pounds. His outsized hands leave was indicted for assault, rape and incest, involving one of his daugh- later say she reported being blind- an impression on anyone who ed by the low angle of the sun. It's shakes them. ters. Details of brutal abuse at the camp became public in court unclear if her car slowed at all be- When the car hit, it drove Isra- hearings. Israel was the first mem- fore it made impact. The accident el's legs into the steel lip of his ber of the family to bring his fa- crumpled the front of her dark trailer and then bounced back, his ther to the attention of sedan. Cori appeared to be in brother said. Israel lay in the road. authorities. He was a teenager at shock. Blood pooled around Israel His legs were almost totally sev- the time. Robert Hale was sen- as he lay on the pavement. ered below the knee. tenced to 14 years. He died in “His legs were completely “His wife told me that when he prison in 2008. gone,” Brothers said. fell and landed on the road, he The Hale children now live Brothers, who works night said, 'What happened?'” Byler said. mostly around Palmer. nurse's aide shifts at Providence Alaska Medical Center, said she PAGE 18 WRANGELL ST. ELIAS NEWS NOVEMBER & DECEMBER 2012 felt an odd calm come over her. vard, she said. She could have driv- Israel at throwing 50-pound bales. She had just minutes to help him en by just a minute earlier or a He never seemed to tire, Byler or he would die from blood loss. minute later. She'd just ended 33 said. “My main goal was stop the hours of work at the hospital and “His strength really was a very bleeding.” the restaurant. She was dead real part of him,” he said. “You Other motorists ran to help. tired. couldn't help but notice him if you Brothers asked onlookers for “It blows my mind how it was were around him. Now that's per- scarves. They produced them. One so automatic,” she said. “It was an manently changed.” of them was the kind used for bel- incredible experience, I know that Byler was building the house ly dancing, decorated with gold sounds insane.” on contract for Israel, he said. coins. With the help of another It's not clear whether Israel Now he's donating his services. man, Brothers tied tourniquets knows yet that his legs are gone. He's also organizing suppliers and around Israel's legs. Doctors plan to tell him when he's contractors to donate theirs. In “I tied it really, really tight no longer on the breathing ma- just a few days, he's had tremen- until the bleeding slowed down. I chine, David said. dous response to his requests for put a double knot into it and “I think Israel will handle it. donations. His goal is to finish the pulled it as tight as I could,” she He's a pretty resilient young man. house over the next few months so said. He's dealt with a lot of tragedy in Israel has a handicap-accessible Then she held Israel's head his life. It's going to be hard,” Da- home to return to and less debt to and talked to him while they wait- vid said. pay. Israel has no health insur- ed for paramedics to arrive. Time Israel will rely on his faith, Da- ance. seemed to stretch out then. Every vid said. Israel's legs were a part of “Israel is kind of like me,” he minute seemed like 10. When his strength, his best trait. said. “Israel doesn't really have a paramedics got there, Brothers “Sometimes God asks for our lot of other options but to work.” helped move him into the ambu- best,” David said. He'd love to find a way to hire lance and watched it drive away, A PERMANENT CHANGE him once he recovers, he said. Is- she said. Then she got back to her rael will want to be useful. To get to Israel and Cori car. Hale's half-built house, turn off “Basically, we still live in “I just said, 'God, please, let Bodenburg Loop at a gray Colony- America and there's still a lot of him live,'” she said. “He's so young era barn that's been cleaved in opportunity for someone with the and he has so much to live for.” half by a hundred winters. Photog- right AFTERMATH OF A MIRACLE rapher Marc Lester and I met Isra- attitude and the right work ethic,” Israel lived. He spent hours in el's boss, Byler, there late he said. surgery Sunday night. Police cred- Thursday. The house is just one If Israel could talk about it, ited Brothers and the other man story, with wide window holes that he'd say that God had a hand in at the scene, who hasn't been pub- face a silty plain and a distant arm saving him, Byler said. There was a licly identified, with saving him. of the Matanuska River. plan for him and Cori, he said. The impact of the sedan was so Byler has hired a number of They would touch people, he said. intense, doctors found pieces of the nine Hale boys over the years. The facts of what happened still the plastic from the car embedded Because of their isolated upbring- shock him. in his bones, David said. His legs ing, many had mechanical talents It weighed on his mind that had to be amputated. but lacked basic skills like being day on a long drive in from Soldot- When he returned from the able to read and do math. Israel na. operating room, Israel was uncon- overcame all of that, Byler said. “I've thought a lot about that, scious, on a ventilator. Hours “Whatever he puts his hand to, how that quick,” he said, snapping passed. He opened his eyes a few seems like he does it well,” Byler his fingers. “In a blink of an eye times and gave his family reason said. ...” to believe he recognized them. Byler has eight children and A life can change completely. David considers it a miracle Broth- lives on a farm at Point MacKen- Editor’s note: This story was ers happened to pass the scene. zie. Recently, Israel helped him originally published in the Anchor- Brothers visited Israel after he make hay, he said. His oldest boys, age Daily News on September 15, came out of surgery. She believes in their late teens, are tall and 2012. Used by permission. God put her on Dimond Boule- strong but neither could touch WRANGELL ST. ELIAS NEWS NOVEMBER & DECEMBER 2012 PAGE 19

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Mile 187 Glenn Hwy. 822-3302 Glennallen, AK PAGE 20 WRANGELL ST. ELIAS NEWS NOVEMBER & DECEMBER 2012 McCarthy Road improvements and ditch cleaning between mile Ÿ McCarthy Road, mile 5, laska Department of 3-10 and mile 33-55. The project ditch repaired and slope Transportation and also included replacing two cul- stabilized. Ÿ APublic Facilities had verts at mile 27 on the McCarthy McCarthy Road, mile 14.5 two projects on the McCarthy Road and installing a new culvert (Strelna Creek), removed Road this year. Construction at mile 25.9. existing pipes and re- started in mid-May, the final im- Contractor: Harris Sand & placed with a single pipe pacts from construction were at Gravel, Inc. arch. Construction cost: $3.4 mil- Ÿ the end of October. We send a McCarthy Road, mile 16.5, lion embankment repaired. big thanks to all the residents of McCarthy Rd & Edgerton Hwy Ÿ McCarthy Road, mile 27 McCarthy, the National Park Ser- Flood Permanent Repairs: This (Chokosna Bridge), riprap vice and visitors who travelled project consisted of permanently replaced. the road this summer for their repairing embankment, drainage Ÿ McCarthy Road, mile 57.6 patience as we worked on the and surface areas damaged by past embankment repaired. road, we know the work impact- flooding. Areas that were repaired Contractor: Twin Peaks Con- ed many, but in the end it’s a are: struction, Inc. Ÿ safer and more enjoyable road Edgerton Highway, mile Construction cost: $967,365 for all. 21, ditch repaired, upgrad- Dates: Construction started at Projects completed this sum- ed drainage, slope stabi- the beginning of June, was com- mer were: lized. pleted at the end of August. Ÿ McCarthy Road Upgrade: This Edgerton Highway, mile project consisted of road widen- 28 (5 Mile Creek), re- ing, resurfacing, ditch widening placed riprap.

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Mile 115.5 Richardson Highway (Box 49) Glennallen PAGE 24 WRANGELL ST. ELIAS NEWS NOVEMBER & DECEMBER 2012 Cooking with Peggy last fall here in McCarthy and 1. Dissolve the 1 ½ table- appy Winter and Holi- have been able to adjust their spoons of pickling salt in the days to all you cooks work schedules so that they are water. Put the vegetables into a Hand eaters. I guess able to spend most of their time large non-reactive container and that just about covers everyone in their cabin. Jenny is able to pour the salt water over it. out there doesn't it? Jim and I have a garden and a greenhouse Weight the vegetables with a just drove back to Tucson from and they are busy putting in a plate or other object to make Alaska and as I'm writing this it's foundation for a larger cabin. sure they are fully submerged in the end of September. Here in From her garden comes the first the water. Let stand at room Arizona the temperature is still recipe for kim chi. She tells me temperature for 12 hours. above 100 degrees so maybe we that kim chi is a Korean ferment- 2. Drain the vegetables and didn't stay up north long ed vegetable — perhaps the Asian reserve the salt water. Toss the enough. version of sauerkraut. Jenny remaining ingredients with the I have some really good reci- says it is a really simple process vegetables (including the addi- pes for you from people in McCa- with pretty exciting results. She tional salt). Pack into a glass jar rthy and from my daughter here makes her kim chi with the small- (approx. 1 quart size for 1 pound in Tucson. Since so many of us er, less tough stems of broccoli, of vegetables). Pour the salt wa- are thinking about our weight I tat soi, radishes, etc. She sug- ter over the vegetables until cov- thought I would include at least gests that you not use the leafy ered. Open a plastic bag and put one this month that takes that parts but to use any stouter into the mouth of the jar, into consideration and if you like stem/plant part in the brassica opened. Turn the top of the bag that I'll try to include one each family. (For your information the over the outside of the jar and month. brassica family are a group of fill the bag with some of the re- First, I promised you a recipe plants in the Mustard family maining salt water to seal out air for seasoning that was given to which include Broccoli, Brussel and keep the vegetables sub- me by Paul Barrett. Last issue I Sprouts, Cabbage, Cauliflower, merged. Do not put a lid on the shared Paul's hint about cooking Collards, Kale, Kohlrabi, Mus- jar. the fish and sliced lemons and tard, Rape, Rutabaga and Tur- 3. Set the jar aside in a semi- this recipe can be just as helpful. nip.) Now for her recipe: cool place (approx 65 degrees) His recipe is simple and I just For 1 pound of vegetables for 3-5 days. After 3-5 days you keep some made up in a jar with (cut into pieces 1/2 to 1 inch or can taste the kim chi to see if it his name on it and keep it right so): is fermented enough. The longer by the stove. Paul says he uses it 3 cups water it sits at room temperature the on everything but dessert! Here 1 ½ tablespoons plus 1/2 tea- more fermented it will become. goes...... spoon pickling salt (divided) Jenny likes hers after 4 days usu- All you do is combine: 3 scallions - cut into small pieces ally. 2 parts salt 1 tablespoon minced ginger 4. After the kim chi has fer- 2 parts white pepper ½ tablespoon minced garlic mented you can cap the jar and 2 parts onion powder (you can use more if you like store it in the refrigerator for 1 part garlic powder garlicky flavors — garlic will months. Just make sure to al- add a little more bitterness to ways use a clean spoon to dip the Mix it up, everyone; and try the final product) kim chi out of the jar and keep it it. 1 tablespoon Korean dried pep- in a dark place in storage. The next two recipes have per or 1 teaspoon red pepper Jenny would also like to been shared with us by Jenny flakes plus 1 tablespoon pa- share a recipe she uses for no- Rosenbaum. Jenny and her hus- prika knead bread. Sounds good to me! band, Paul Hanis were married ½ teaspoon sugar I know that kneading bread gives WRANGELL ST. ELIAS NEWS NOVEMBER & DECEMBER 2012 PAGE 25 you all kinds of exercise but you of flour is optional so they can be the flour mixture and stir until all know how I feel about exer- gluten-free, (there is no dairy in well combined. Pour into the cise! So this recipe is great. It the recipe (although you could prepared pan and bake for 30-40 makes 1 large-ish loaf. use butter in place of the coconut minutes, until set and a tooth- Blend together: oil), you can use canned beans pick comes out mostly clean 3 2/3 cups flour (Jenny uses ½ or just cook up some extras (don't overbake!). Allow to cool, whole wheat and ½ white) sometime when black beans are then cut into squares. Store in a 2 teaspoons salt on the menu. She calls for using sealed container in the refrigera- ½ teaspoon yeast equal amounts of honey and ma- tor. These are delicious chilled! ple syrup for the sweetener, but 1 ½ tablespoons sugar Rebekah shares her recipes you can just use one if that's Add: on her blog site and I'm sure this more convenient: the flavor will 1 cup water (it does not have to must be one of the favorites. just stand out a little more. Thank you Jenny and Rebekah be warm) BLACK BEAN BROWNIES 1 cup beer (darker is better) for all your wonderful recipes. 1 ¼ tablespoon vinegar Makes 16-20 Now I'd like to give all you vegetarians a great one for soup. Mix everything together until 2 cups cooked black beans Wait! All you meat eaters, don't fully wet. Then let it set for 18 3 eggs skip this one because I think hours in a covered bowl. After 18 ¼ cup maple syrup you'll really enjoy it. When Sally hours shape it into a loaf, cover ¼ cup honey Yates was in McCarthy this sum- and let it set in a warm place for 2 teaspoons vanilla mer visiting her sister, Barbara 3 hours. Preheat the oven to 425 1/3 cup coconut oil, (could also Rice, she was nice enough to degrees and turn down to 350 use butter gently melted) share a couple of recipes that she degrees when you put the bread ½ cup plus 2 tablespoons cocoa thought you might enjoy. She said into the oven. Bake for approxi- 1/3 cup whole wheat flour, op- their Swiss chard “wintered mately 55 minutes. Enjoy it with tional over,” so she was able to make lots of butter, hot out of the ov- 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon, op- this great soup for dinner. Vege- en! tional tarians just don't have to put the Now, also thanks to Jenny, ½ teaspoon baking powder bacon on the top and either veg- we have a wonderful recipe from ½ teaspoon salt gie broth or water can be used Rebekah Helkenn. Rebekah grew ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate instead of the chicken. Sally up in Kenny Lake and has been chips chopped mushrooms very fine coming out to Kennicott-McCa- ¼ to ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper and used about 1 ½ cups. She rthy for the last five summers, (I do mean cayenne pepper - got the recipe from an internet working for Kennecott Wilderness don't leave it out. You won't site and then added to the Guides. Currently she spends her be sorry) amount of mushrooms used. It winters in Fairbanks. She told me Preheat oven to 350 degrees. tastes great! she loves to be in the kitchen cre- Grease an 8 inch baking pan; SWISS CHARD BISQUE ating things and that she tries to flouring is optional. make her food good for you and Serves 4 In a blender, combine the as tasty as possible. Jenny told 1 bunch (about 1 pound) Swiss beans, eggs, maple syrup, honey, me about Rebekah's Black Bean Chard vanilla, and coconut oil. Blend Brownies and how good they 14 oz. chicken broth, vegetable until everything is smoothly were. Rebekah is the first to ad- broth or water mixed. mit that they may sound “a li'l ¼ cup butter In a medium size bowl, com- odd” but Jenny and I can tell you 1 ½ cup finely chopped mush- bine the flour, cocoa, cinnamon, that they are definitely worth a rooms baking powder, salt and cayenne. try and the people I've served 3 tablespoons flour Mix in the chocolate chips so them to, love them! ¼ teaspoon curry powder that they're coated with flour. The hints Rebekah has passed Pour the wet ingredients into 1 pint half and half (cream) along are that the one third cup salt and pepper to taste PAGE 26 WRANGELL ST. ELIAS NEWS NOVEMBER & DECEMBER 2012

4 slices bacon, crisply fried & This is a great dish for cold 3 tablespoons other cake mix crumbled winter days but would taste good (I picked chocolate the first time Wash the chard well; drain. in the summer when your garden I made it) Cut off and thinly slice the sprouts its plants. Hope to see 2 tablespoons water stems. Slice the leaves separate- you again next year, Sally. 1 minute in microwave and ly. Place the stems in a frying DONE pan or soup pot and add 2 tea- Now let me give you one from Mix the cake mixes up first spoons of broth, cover and cook my daughter Kathie. She just lost in a plastic bag and just keep it until tender, about 5 minutes. a bunch of weight, looks beauti- there for easy use. When you Add the leaves and more broth if ful, and wants to keep the weight want a dessert, just measure ev- needed and cook covered until off. Since I'm in the same situa- erything out and put it in a ra- limp - about 5 minutes longer. tion (except the beautiful part) makin dish (dish that can go in When cool, put the chard in a I'm always eager for new ideas. the microwave that holds about blender with the remaining I'll share one of them with you 5.5 ounces and is about 3.5 inch- broth and blend until smooth. this time that I love and plan to es in diameter). Then stick it in You should have about 3 - 3 1/2 use over the holidays when EV- the microwave for 1 minute and cups. In the pan you had the ERYONE ELSE is eating FAT- you have your dessert or snack. I chard in, melt the butter and TENING DESSERTS! The first is LOVE these! add mushrooms — saute about 5 for a dessert that is quick, easy, That's all I have room for this minutes. Stir in the flour and and only about 100 calories. time but hope you'll try some of curry powder. Cook until bubbly. 3-2-1 DESSERT them and enjoy them. If you Slowly add half & half. Cook, have any requests or comments, stirring until thickened. Add 3 tablespoons angel food just send them to me via the WS- chard puree, salt and pepper. cake mix EN's email address. Have a great Garnish with crumbled bacon. holiday everyone and a Happy A look at the weather New Year. Aug. ‘06, 54.8 in Aug. ‘05 and 56.2 14 on Sept. 29, ‘09, 22 on Sept. 25, ugust 2012 will be re- in Aug. ‘04. ‘08 and 21 on Sept. 30, ‘07). There membered for its The August precipitation at Mc- were 12 days with the high 60 or cloudy and wet days. Carthy was 1.97 inches, compared above and 3 days with the low of 25 A with 2.51 inches in Aug. ‘11, 1.85 or lower. The average monthly tem- The high temperature for the inches in Aug. ‘10, 3.64 inches in perature at McCarthy was 46.7 th month was 78 on the 14 (72 on Aug. ‘09, 4.17 inches in Aug. ‘08, (44.1 in Sept. ‘11, 43.9 in Sept. ‘10, Aug. 12, ‘11, 82 on Aug. 3, ‘10, 83 1.86 inches in Aug. ‘07, 3.24 inches 44.2 in Sept. ‘09, 45.1 in Sept. ‘08, on Aug. 4, ‘09, 73 on Aug. 08, ‘08 in Aug. ‘06, 3.90 inches in Aug. ‘05 44.6 in Sept. ‘07, 45.9 in Sept. ‘06, and 81 on Aug. 17, ‘07.) There were and 0.74 inches in Aug. ‘04. There 47.4 in Sept. ‘05, 40.5 in Sept. ‘04 11 days when the high was 70 or were 21 days with a trace or more of and 42.1 in Sept. ‘03). This was higher. The first freeze was on the rainfall recorded. The average pre- about 12 degrees warmer than the 18th as the temperature fell to 30, cipitation for August (1984-2012) is record low of 34.3 in September this was enough to kill a few of the 2.67 inches. 1992. garden plants. There were 5 days September 2012 will be re- There was no snow recorded at when the low was 32 or below. The membered for the cloudy and warm McCarthy in September (00 in Sept. low temperature for the month was days. ‘11, 4.0 in Sept. ‘10, 00 in Sept. ‘09, 26 on the 29th (28 on Aug. 29, ‘11, The high temperature at McCa- 1.0 in Sept. ‘08, T in Sept. ‘07 and 29 on Aug. 31, ‘10, 32 on Aug.1, Sept, ‘06, 00 in Sept. 05, 8.2 inches rthy was 69 on the 20th (67 on Sept. ‘09, 28 on Aug. 11, ‘08 and 28 on in Sept. ‘04, 1.1 in Sept. ‘03 , 00 in 13, ‘11, 72 on Sept. 16, ‘10, 71 on Aug 29, ‘07). The average monthly Sept. ‘02 and ‘01, and 29.5 in Sept. Sept. 6, ‘09, 67 on Sept.1, ‘08 and temperature at McCarthy was 53.1, ‘00). The total precipitation for the 68 on Sept. 12, ‘07). The low tem- compared to 51.2 in Aug. ‘11, 55.1 month was 1.64 inches. The average th in Aug. ‘10, 52.4 in Aug. ‘09, 51.7 perature was 22 on the 30 (16 on for September (1984-2011) is 2.93 in Aug.‘08, 54.2 in Aug. ‘07, 51.5 in Sept. 27, ‘11, 18 on Sept. 25, ‘10, inches and compares with 1.05 WRANGELL ST. ELIAS NEWS NOVEMBER & DECEMBER 2012 PAGE 27 inches in Sept. ‘11, 1.82 inches in in Sept. ‘09, 16 days in Sept. ‘08, 18 45 in ‘06, 59 in ‘05 and 83 in ‘04) Sept. ‘10, 0.40 inches in Sept. ‘09, days in Sept. ‘07, 15 days in Sept. and 80 or higher (May thru August ) 2.18 inches in Sept. ‘08, 4.76 inches ‘06, 23 days in Sept. ‘05 and 13 days on 5 days (8 in ‘11, 9 in ‘10, 24 in in Sept. ‘07, 2.70 inches in Sept. in Sept. ‘04. ‘09, 2 in ‘08, 9 in ‘07, 2 in ‘06, 9 in ‘06, 2.82 inches in Sept. ‘05, 4.95 A few interesting weather facts ‘05 and 31 in ‘04). The all-time high inches in Sept. ‘04, 0.98 inches in for the summer of 2012. The high- of 88 was recorded on Jul 8, 2009. Sept. ‘03, 1.47 inches in Sept. ‘02, est temperature was 83 on June 23rd Total precipitation May thru August 2.07 inches in Sept. ‘01 and the re- was 9.31 inches (9.14 in ‘11, 8.23 in and 24th. The high temperatures cord 10.82 inches in Sept. ‘00. ‘10, 5.68 in ‘09, 10.26 in ‘08, 6.03 May thru August reached 70 or There were 21 days with measurable in ‘07, 7.06 in ‘06, 12.37 in ‘05 and higher on 33 days (41 in ‘11, 37 in rainfall, compared with 10 days in 4.06 in ‘04). Have a great winter. ‘10, 51 in ‘09, 22 in ‘ 08, 59 in ‘07, Sept. ‘11, 7 days in Sept. ‘10, 9 days FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION “In selecting men for office, let principle be your sions, they cannot alter the state of facts and guide. Regard not the particular sect or denomination evidence.”—John Adams of the candidate — look to his character.”—Noah “Repeal that [welfare] law, and ... industry will in- Webster crease, and with it plenty among the lower people; their “The principle of spending money to be paid by circumstances will mend, and more will be done for posterity, under the name of funding, is but swindling their happiness by inuring them to provide for them- futurity on a large scale.”—Thomas Jefferson selves, than could be done by dividing all your estates “[The President] is the dignified, but accountable among them.”—Benjamin Franklin magistrate of a free and great people.”—James Wilson “If Congress can do whatever in their discretion “Facts are stubborn things; and whatever may be can be done by money, and will promote the General our wishes, our inclination, or the dictates of our pas- Welfare, the Government is no longer a limited one, possessing enumerated powers, but an indefinite one, subject to particular exceptions.”—James Madison “If an election ... can be procured by a party through artifice or corruption, the Government may be the choice of a party for its own ends, not of the nation for the national good.”—John Adams “If a wise man has an argument with a fool, the fool only rages and laughs, and there is no quiet.”—Prov- erbs 29:9

Please Help Former McCarthy resident Israel Hale, age 25, newlywed, victim in tragic accident resulting in loss of both legs. Anchorage, Sept. 9th. Donations to: “Friends of Israel Hale”. Account: 7349099411. Wells Fargo Bank; 3500 C St; Anchorage AK 99503

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w Private cabins for 2 to 6. w Convenient access by automobile. w Historic homestead setting. Enjoy Alaskan bush living. w Quiet, Peaceful location away from the crowds! Private or shared bath Phone (907)554-4454 or Email [email protected] See us on the WEB at http://www.wsen.net/AspenMeadows/ Your hosts Rick & Bonnie Kenyon