Last night I kept waking up with different muscles in my body starting to cramp. Thankfully none of them continued to full cramps, but having Red Salmon beat the hell out of my body yesterday had some effects. Not as much, though, as my finding the perfect camping spot. Most of the campgrounds here in Alaska, with the Forest Service, are reservation only. All reservation camp sites within 30 miles of the Russian River are full on Friday and Saturday nights for the next month.
Cooper Creek North campsites have about 8 spots and they are first come – first serve. I found a campsite Thursday night in a reservation area that was available for one night. I planned on leaving it at noon on Friday to see if one of the 8 campsites in Cooper Creek North had people leaving Friday morning. That was a sad ‘NO’. Just for giggles, I drove through the campsite at 4:00 and one of the areas was free. I grabbed it for 3 nights, leaving Monday morning.
So, how good is this site? When I went on my guided float trip, I left my folding chair and a bucket in the campsite road to let people know that it was occupied, in addition to the receipt on a post at the front of the site. When I got back after my trip, my chair and bucket had been taken. It was deliberate because the previous occupants left some firewood by the fire circle, and that had been taken as well. Shit. At least I have to go to Anchorage on Tuesday so I can get another folding chair.
This morning I slept in, and kept hearing car doors opening and closing. The neighboring campsites are far away, and these sounded close. When I got up I was surprised to see a car parked next to my van. I walked to a nearby fishing spot and found an elderly couple fishing. Yes, it was their car. They were just going to be there an hour. The husband was rushing to move the car to the “parking spot” right by the fishing access. I told him, no problem. I’m leaving for brunch, so no big deal.
I left for brunch, and upon returning, the car was gone. However, a motorhome was backed into my spot and two guys were having lunch at the picnic table. I told them no problem, as I was going fishing, but I need the spot later in the day.
I scoped out the Russian River and found that the elevated trail structures went all the way to the confluence of the Russian and Kenai rivers. I walked about 2 miles in total, AND MY KNEE WAS FINE. Phew. I was tired (exhausted) from my hike, and returned to my campsite. However, there was a tackle box, two rods, and a half quart of whiskey sitting on the picnic table. What the hell?????? A guy backed up his truck into my campsite a little later, and stated that he didn’t know it was taken. Look at the receipt on the site post IDIOT. He left telling me that he wasn’t planning on spending the night here. Oh, Really???
I have reservations at campsites throughout this area for the next two weeks, with the exceptions of Friday and Saturday night. I can easily boondock in my van, but if all these people come into a paid campsite, I’m afraid of who may park beside me while boondocking.
Good News. Fish are starting to move up the Russian River. My knee is repaired / fine. I have time to check out roadside locations to fish the Kenai River when the Silver Salmon start running. I’m still mostly clueless, but there are fish here, and more are coming in daily. Not a bad place to be.
Tight Lines!