...Balance...

Once again, time seems to have gone by so fast. We can’t believe it’s already August and over half the summer is already over with. Wow! The past few weeks have been full of transitions. Amidst the chaos and business at the lodge, we have been learning the importance of balance.

It has been about three weeks since I took on a new position as lodge mama at Jimmie Jack’s Lodge. Wow. What a joy it has been. The first week was a bit overwhelming, trying to figure out the ins and outs of everything the job entails. Learning how to feed 20 people everyday is a challenge! Now that I have a better grocery shopping routine down, it isn’t quite so overwhelming. It has been fun cooking new things for breakfast. Right now the new favorites are the Cowboy Scramble (which includes a little bit of everything-sausage, eggs, hashbrowns and veggies) and the Oatmeal Bar! Early mornings are beginning to wear on me, but Praise God because somehow He gives me the energy everyday to wake up bright and early, ready to begin the day and feed everyone.

One thing I wish I had more of are family recipies! If anyone would like to send a good homemade recipe for dinner (trying to utilize the crock pot more), a breakfast (that would be good to feed 15-20 people), or a baked good, please send them my way! I have enjoyed baking and cooking a little bit (see the picture of my mom’s great banana bread below…didn’t turn out as good as hers), but want to try new things!

It has been so fun meeting new people and families every week. The picture of the family below is of Papa Don, his son, and two grandsons from Georgia. (Shout out to Ashleigh Duckett!) This was such a kind family. Don just recovered from very serious heart complications, which almost put a hault to their trip. Thankfully, a miracle occurred and his left ventricle healed itself, making Don healthy again and able to come to Alaska. Every week we meet incredible people, but this family is definitely one that will always be remembered.

Such a wonderful family with Papa Don. 

God continues to answer prayers, as I now am able to go to church on Sundays and have part of the afternoon off. Which is so wonderful, might I add!! We have a couple new helpers around the lodge, which is very nice, and will be very useful, especially when Cassie, my main lodge assistant leaves in a week to head home to Minnesota. Thankfully, the busy season is over and the rest of the summer won’t be as crazy.

We are also so thankful for the church community we have found and friendships that have evolved from there. It has been fun hanging out with a family we met, and the fun we have had with them. Again, God has answered prayers of friendship and we are so happy!

Cassie Sharp Shooter...my lodge assistant and friend!

FISHING UPDATE: When we posted out last blog the Sockeye salmon run had just begun. This has kept the guides very busy! The limit was six fish per person, and they usually take out four people per boat. If everyone gets their limit, this adds up to about 24 fish to fillet Wow! After about two and a half weeks, it is slowing down and the Silver salmon are in. The residents are beginning to travel home, after catching their year’s worth of fish. Town has been incredibly busy, so we are looking forward to it being a little quieter once again. Jacob is also looking forward to fishing from the boat again, hopefully doing more trout fishing (and fly fishing), and not filleting 24 fish every day.

Jacob with one of the boys we had at the lodge

Look at all those sockeye!

this was a record king for catch and release. 51 inches!

As previously mentioned, we are learning and continue to discover what it means to stay balanced, more specifically, turn “off” work mode and really spend time with each other. It is a challenge to turn off being the lodge mama and fishing guide when we live here, but we have begun to realize how important and necessary it is for both of us. This last week we decided to go on an adventure and spend some time together. After an early day, we decided to make the drive up to Girwood (right outside of Anchorage) and go out to eat at a very well-known restaurant, the Double Musky. It is about a 2 ½ hour drive to Girwood, which would make a long day trip, but we decided it would be worth it. I hadn’t driven the route to or from Anchorage to Kenai, and had only heard how beautiful it was. Wow! It was so beautiful. We were in awe of the powerful mountains, glaciers, and hills that surrounded us. It was a peaceful drive and also so refreshing to just relax and spend time together. We ate dinner at this fun Cajun restaurant, which was a fun atmosphere and the best food we have had yet up here. We highly recommend it!  Overall, it was a fun, well-needed get-away. On our way back we actually stopped at a place called Cooper’s Landing, and I saw my first grizzly bear! This bear was huge! He was fishing across the river, and we were glad that the powerful Kenai was between us J

Out trip to Girwood. So beautiful!

God's creation! MAGNIFICENT, BEAUTIFUL, BREATHTAKING...

Such a beautiful drive from Kenai to Anchorage

The Alaskan Railroad

As we go into August, we really look forward to my family coming up to visit on the 12^th. It will be so wonderful to get to spend time with them for the week. We can’t wait! And congratulations Mom and Dad on your anniversary tomorrow! We continue to pray for God’s guidance throughout the summer and looking into the future, especially on our transition into the Winter and where God wills us to be. There are a lot of decisions and choices to be made, so prayers for that are always appreciated!

We love you all!

At the Double Musky. Such a fun restaurant and date, celebrating our two month anniversary! (It's the little things in life)

~The Hirsts :)