Alaskan Dinosaur Expedition

Amazing Sights

July 31:

We packed up camp and headed back to Poverty Bar to bring us in closer to Nuiqsut. It was interesting to see how the river was different from our trip upriver; for one, the water was deeper, so navigation was easier. We made camp and had a leisurely time of it.

All but Roland headed to the Byer’s bed. Once there, Dave and I set the net for one more fishing trip with the hopes of getting a char. Unfortunately, no char, but we did get several whitefish, of which we kept the biggest for dinner.

This last night on the river is full of contemplation. How strange it seems to be here again and feel so seasoned compared with how inexperienced I felt on the way upriver. Apparently I’m not alone in my contemplative mood, as Roland, Linda and Mary are also up, and each appears to be deep in their own thoughts out on the bar.

We are rewarded for our late night with a light shower and beautiful double rainbow against a steel-gray sky. The inner rainbow is a complete half-circle. As the rainbow dissolves, the sun sets the sky on fire. The shades of blue, gray, red and orange are hypnotic, the way the flames of a campfire are. Each time that I could not imagine the sky being any more brilliant, it would force me to change that opinion.

The hours passed and none of us seemed to get bored by the show. What a gift, and what a farewell.

The Colville has now fed me and entertained me. I’ve been beaten by the wind and the rain. I’ve seen the river change on an hourly basis, and have grown to be thankful for it all. I have never experienced such a river, as so many of those down in the 48 are altered from their wild condition.

I prepare myself mentally to leave this wild beauty.