Hi Barney, Heidi and Caleb! I am currently in Valdez, AK with my family. We've been camping for about a week now and have seen lots of smoke and fires. The forest ranger told us that a fire not too far from St. Elias was 27,000 acres and it is not the only one. Where are you going to first? I hope you guys have good weather, no smoke, minimal bears and lots of good data!! I'll be following you.

Mike Rhinard

Remember Barney . . . the safest place is in the black. :)
Good luck with that too.  Hope it doesn't affect your expedition.

Barney Peterson

Thanks for the info Betsy.  We are following the fires on the news and this summer is sounding like some of those Curt and I spent on the rivers in central Idaho.  (Mike will know which ones I mean!)  I am hopeful that the fires will be far from where we go.  Our first destination is out of Dillingham and that is on the coast west of Anchorage quite a ways so that should be fine.  Glad to hear you got back to Alaska for vacation. 
Barney

Barney Peterson

Oh Mike, you know us river rats have figured those fires out!  I just hope the issue does not arise on this expedition!  How are you doing with pickled herring and lutefisk?  I hope your trip is all you dreamed of.  I am heading out tomorrow and yes, I will happily take your greetings to Heidi!  Cheers.