Barbecue Bethel Style

  Got a call from Jan that said, "Come on down!" and we all hopped into the big rig to head upriver. It was a beautiful day and a local group of people were gathering at their fishcamp to roast hotdogs.

 We drove onto the ice road, which is the plowed Kuskokwim River. It can go upriver 50 to 150 miles depending on all kinds of things.

 

 After a while we found the place and managed to drive right on up. Some others weren't so fortunate. The guys had to go tow out two other vehicles that got stuck in the snow.

 The fuel for the fire became this 400 pound bundle of cardboard. When they rolled it out of the truck, it broke the sled....



When the bundle arrived we set up an assembly line to get it to the fire pit.

Two old friends enjoying the sun.

 The cardboard burned great, but the big problem was the flying ash. We got covered and fortunately only burned a hole in one chair and  small blanket.

Willow thicket and shadows

 There was plenty of food and drink for all.

 The fire got plenty big and very hot. People began to shed coats and when it came to roasting dogs, we couldn't get too close.

 

Great shelter in place for all year camping!

    This was a first for me...

 Some kids were cutting in snow caves in the hillside, others were on their sleds, and others were out chasing each other around on snowmobiles.

 It was great to get out and be included. This is a wonderful group of people who like to have a lot of fun. Many were staying the night having set up tents in other locations.

 The green sled is loaded with wood from upriver. This fellow had been out hunting fox along the way.

 Time for us to head home. What a great day!

Sunset that night.