the gathering

So we were up bright and early and by 8 am we were out having breakfast and then it was time for a wander to "check the levels" as Tom would say.  For non paddlers this means going to look at the water.  It was big, green and fast.

The next stop was to pick up our extra padding for our bottoms aka gel seats - yes we do need them.  We then wandered towards Kanoe People to look at our new boat 2005/5 - really does need a better name.  We will send pictures of it tomorrow.

Down by the riverside we saw the trolley bus and then wandered to the supermarket for supplies.  The vegetables are massive - onions as big as your head and whole chickens are 50% dearer than cooked ones.

Esther has plans for tomorrow - Sarah will be wandering the streets looking for a Mountie (only joking Dan).

After a spot of lunch we hijacked the hostels dog, Bertha, and went on a walk to the longest wooden fish ladder in the world!  There was a nice 5km circuit up the river, over a bridge and back again through town which suited us.

Esther thought the water felt a bit chilly but in this sunshine that was very welcome.

This is only half of the river around one side of an island just to give you a bit of perspective.

the fish ladder with Dam in the background

Esther went for a look around the fish ladder (mainly as the man outside was almost begging for visitors. Sarah held the dog.

Unfortunately it was the wrong time of the year for fish and she saw a solitary grayling.

We then wandered to the top of the dam and looked out over Lake Schwatka where there is a float plane base.

As we wandered back towards town there was serious evidence of beaver damage on trees.  At first it seemed quite special to see this and then you realise just how significant the damage they do is as whole swathes of trees had been affected.

It's currently 9pm and before bed tonight we will be getting everything ready for tomorrows paddle but it is incredibly light - like the light you get at midday on the brightest summer days, instead of what you would expect for the time of day.