A Walk in the Rain, Fishing Rods and the Blind Leading the Blind

Rich walked back to Trapper John's Cabin at midnight in the rain. He had spent the evening at the West Rib Pub & Grill using their WiFi to finish the day's blog and had not noticed it had started to pour. Soaked and tired it didn't take long to fall asleep once he dried off. The next morning the guys called Colin from Hudson's Flying Service and he came and picked them up and took them to the airport. Bill and Rich loaded the plane and then did several practice take off's and landings. They finally turned the Last Chance toward Anchorage and climbed into the morning sun and broken clouds. They began discussing their plans for fishing in Wasilla near Anchorage when Bill asked, "Where are the fishing rods?" Both men suddenly realized they hadn't loaded them in the plane or the car! Back in Trapper John's cabin lay the guy's precious rods and tackle boxes. Looking at each other sheepisly they turned the Last Chance back towards Talkeetna. Upon landing Rich ran back to the FBO where he found the place packed with people. Jay Hudson graciously took him back to the cabin and retrieved the rods. Jay, Thanks for not calling Rich a "dummy" even if you were thinking it! With the fishing gear finally loaded the men departed chagrined but glad to have their salmon swords.
Landing at Wasilla, 25 miles north of Anchorage, the guys met Dave Glenn of Grasshopper Aviation who quickly offered the guys one of his tie down spots for the Last Chance. Dave is a Vietnam Vet and is seriously involved in helping all Veterans get their proper benefits from the government. Dave is Community Coordinator and 2nd Vice President of "Never Again" sponsored by the Vietnam Veterans of America Mat-Su chapter 903. Dave flys a Cherokee Six and a Maule in a single pilot 135 scenic flight operation. Way to go Dave!
After Dave helped the guys get a rental car it was off to explore Wasilla and look for somewhere to fish. After much searching and seeking and talking to this one and that one the guys finally got some help from Tom at the Sportsmen's Warehouse. Tom was very knowledgeable and sent the men off to Big lake with a good map. Half way to Big Lake Bill looked at Rich and said, "Where's the fishing rods?" (Seems like we heard that one before!) Neither man could remember loading the rods into the car from the plane so they swung by the airport and there were the rods and tackle boxes laying on the ground by the plane. Nothing was missing and as the men got back into the car with the gear Rich looked at Bill and said, "The blind leading the Blind!"
It's getting scary what these two can't remember!
At Big Lake they discovered there are no boats for rent but did they ever get some great help from Dennis Yap at Burkeshore Marina on Big Lake. Dennis is a former air traffic controller and does he know salmon fishing! Giving the guys advice on where to go and who to see they finally were able to book a half day guided trip on the little Su River with Matt Peterson. Hey Dennis, thanks for sharing some secrets with a couple of fish who were definitely out of their element!
After a light supper Bill and Rich retired early to arise before dawn to pursue the mighty King Salmon! More tomorrow.