Occasionally, we must unplug from the noisome dictates of our heavily scheduled lives and seek a quiet, unhurried retreat. For me, Alaska; especially the complex jumble of islands, inlets, bays and majestic mountains comprising the Alaska panhandle, handily provides such a place. Here, one can pause and allow nature's regenerative powers to work its magic.

I planned to dive headlong into Alaska and drink deep from its boundless well. My soul demanded it, and who am I to deny my inner-man it just desserts? Having spent the last few months with my nose in books preparing to pass rigorous exams administered by the ICMA (passed them all!), I felt a two-week working-vacation to Pelican, Alaska was a perfectly delicious departure from my otherwise acutely disciplined and humdrum lifestyle.

I wasn't disappointed. My host, Captain Dennis Hay, who I addressed simply as 'cap', met me at Glacier Bay's Bartlett Cove. He was midway delivering a 'world-class' Alaska sport fishing trip to a couple of gents from Seattle and Minnesota. They were itching to get underway, as quickly as possible, since they had experienced some 'hot' early-morning halibut fishing action. They were grinning ear-to-ear as they described the morning bite. "I thought the rod was going to break!", Ron, a strong, compact professional upholsterer from Minnesota exclaimed.

I quickly surveyed my new acquaintance and could imagine him breaking a stout halibut rod, or anything else for that matter, since he was sporting an impressive set of popeye-like forearms. I answered his boisterous exclamation with "You'll have to show me your catch. Sounds like you are having the time of your lives!" They flashed tandem smiles and lead me to the "Destination", their productive fishing platform, and 'caps' pride and joy. "She's looking good!", I remarked as we approached. Captain Hay puffed up proud as a peacock and smiled "She's a knock-out!" "She is", I agreed, as my eyes took in the thirty-one foot 'fishing machine'.

I asked Dennis to pose boat-side while I snapped a couple quick pics. He happily obliged my tourist tendency and then the three of us gingerly boarded while Dennis cast off the ropes binding us to the dock and then quickly jumped on the moving craft like a teenager. Dennis is quite a specimen having maintained his health, vigor, and youthful energy.

The 'boys' eagerly directed my attention to the hard-rubber totes full of fish. "See! We caught these beauties first thing this morning!" I peered into the ice-packed totes and after admiring their prized fish; patted my new-found buddies on their backs and exchanged a couple of 'high fives'. Funny how quickly one bonds with virtual strangers when sharing time fishing and boating in Alaska. A camaraderie born from a mutual love of the outdoors. (Use the fish buttons below to navigate to the next of the eleven pages. Enjoy!)