#and making confused noises to seward

[just-an-enby-lemon]

Everytime I see Seward being an actual good general praticioner that could've actually cured Lucy if she had anything other than vampirism and a great surgeon specially for victorian times I get genuinally even more confused about what the fuck he is doing being an asylum director. He has no clue what he is doing and is only making his life AND the life of his patients (that he activaly hates and sees as less than people) worse and FOR WHAT? He doesn't even like Carfax.

Goddamit man go be a surgeon. People would gladly hire you. You have a success rate that would make a lot of your pears jealous, why are you doing medical ableism daily instead?

[slowtravelingcat]

An inanimate beast and a day at home

Monday, July 12th, 2021

CAL - Life continued as expected in beautiful Anchorage, Alaska this weekend. The large, bald one even managed to come home each evening over the weekend. In fact, she was home so much that she did the most unexpected thing. A thing I have not seen her do since we left our long-term home in Marina Del Rey. It made me feel both afraid and at ease, a very disorienting experience. 

It all started when she arrived home on Wednesday evening, carrying one of the largest machines I have ever seen her maneuver on her own accord. Upon lugging the inanimate beast through the door, it fell to the ground and then glided across the floor, seemingly placing itself against the wall. 

I eyed the beast all night long, but it lay dormant. Eventually, I drifted to sleep. 

The next day Michele sat down for a full day of work. By the time dinner rolled around, I had forgotten about the foreign beast completely. This is when it happened. 

Suddenly, out of nowhere, Michele grabbed the beast by the neck and it roared to life, emitting a high-pitched, persistent hum that pierced the air and greatly disturbed my delicate sensibilities.

She guided the machine across the carpet, making sure that beast touched every inch of our floor at least once. At first, I was confused, but as I watched the terrible scene from underneath the bed, I started to understand what was really happening. The beast was eating the deposits of cat fur that I had been strategically placing around the room for weeks now. I had finally covered the room in my fur and scent and now the large, loud beast was erasing my efforts in one failed swoop. 

As soon as the noise subsided, I emerged. I surveyed the damage and concluded that I had a lot of work to do. I began willing myself to emit as much cat hair as possible as I methodically rubbed across each piece of furniture multiple times.    

MICHELE - I am finally starting to realize that 2 months to explore Alaska is not nearly enough. After attempting to go everywhere possible for the past 6 weeks, I finally decided to explore our home base of Anchorage this weekend. 

Saturday morning started with lazy coffee as I watched majestic mountains guard the city. Around 11am, I headed to Pablo’s Bike Shop to rent a bike and take on that first portion of the Coastal Trail. The stunning bike trail meanders along the coastline and through a beautiful forest, which is rife with moose sightings. A small climb at the end landed me at Earthquake Park. A small sports complex where a lively game of soccer was being played and hot dog trucks fought for my attention. 

Half a liter of water and zero hotdogs later, I headed back to the bike shop. The entire route, 20 miles in total, took nearly 3 hours to complete. The bike was in good condition and the cool Alaskan breeze made the trip comfortable, despite rising temperatures. 

After the bike ride, I enjoyed a long, late lunch in downtown Anchorage at 49th Street Brewery. The rooftop seating provides one of the best views of the Cook Inlet. 

Sunday consisted of a day trip to Girdwood and the Wildlife Refuge Center. The hour-long drive from Anchorage to Girdwood is one of the most widely renowned drives in Alaska. The Seward highway follows the coastline, passing several lookout points and skirting past Beluga Point, where the beluga whales like to hang out. 

Girdwood is an adorable mountain town, best known for skiing in the winter. In the summer a quick 30-60 minute fly-by will give you a good feel for the charming community. I recommend stopping at the Crow Creek Mercantile to grab picnic supplies for later. 

From Girdwood, the Alaskan Wildlife Conservation Center is approximately a 20-minute drive down the highway. A charming refuge, predominantly for caribou, bison, bears, porcupines, and wolves, the property is enclosed in scenic mountains and filled with animals that seem to pose for pictures. There are also several picnic areas, which made it easy to enjoy my afternoon snack.

On the way back I stopped at McHuge Creek for a short hike. Additionally, I did a quick walkthrough of Potter’s March, which is just off the highway a few miles from town. Potter’s Marsh boasts some of the rarest birds in this part of the world as well as frequent moose sightings. 

All in all, I was pleasantly surprised at the beauty and variety in my own backyard. It’s definitely going to be hard to leave this place. 

[flutteringphalanges]

                                     Caught in a Riptide

Summary: After the infamous Count Dracula is discovered and taken into custody by the Jonathan Harker Foundation, former nun and now guardian to her young niece, Zoe, Agatha Van Helsing is tasked with keeping tabs on the vampire after a mishap leads to his release into modern day society. Can Agatha remain levelheaded, or will fate turn her onto a new path?

Pairing: Dracula/Agatha Van Helsing

Rated: M

Read on FFN and AO3

A/N: Hooray! Another update this week! Thanks for all of the support! I hope you guys enjoy! Feedback is greatly loved and appreciated! It fuels my writing fingers! Here we go! -Jen

                                                Chapter Five

Agatha stood at the entrance of her bedroom, the length of her nightgown falling just below her knees. There was an unnatural chill in the air so cold that the woman could see puffs of white mist every time she exhaled. Had the thermostat somehow broke? Hugging her arms to her chest, she made her way down the dark hall.

The wooden floorboards creaked with each step as she walked as quietly as she could. Zoe was sure to be asleep at this hour. Whatever time it actually was. Darkness trailed behind her as her eyes struggled to adjust to the lack of light. Right as she made it to the device, she heard an odd noise. A scurrying sound.

"Zoe?"

The woman turned to look behind her just in time to catch a glimpse of a pair of legs disappearing around the corner. Agatha frowned and abandoned her current mission to follow what she assumed to be her niece.

"Zoe, this isn't funny."

Her voice was stern as she called out to the girl. When she stepped forward, something wet and warm made contact with her foot. Agatha glanced down at what appeared to be some dark liquid. Her stomach knotted. Blood? Was it blood? Was Zoe injured?

"Zoe?!"

Now there was panic in her tone as she moved at a much faster pace towards the girl's room. The door was already ajar. Something sat hunched over, a strange gurgling noise escaping from its throat. Against her better judgement, Agatha stepped forward, an arm extended.

"Zoe…"

The figure suddenly whipped around and to her horror, Agatha was met by the dead body of her brother. His throat ripped to near shreds. The creature rose and stared at the former nun with such ferocity. Such hunger. Feral. Zoe. Or what had once been Zoe. Her fangs dripped with crimson as her unrecognizable stare locked with Agatha's eyes. With a howl, the vampire girl lunged towards Agatha knocking her against the wall. Sharp fingers dug into her flesh and the former nun could only watch in terror as the child reared up and…

Agatha sat up with a start in her bed. Panting, she looked around her, hands immediately flying to her neck. She scanned the room, heart pounding so hard it almost hurt. It was a dream. Nothing more than a nightmare. Only a night terror. Sighing, she settled back down and gazed up at the empty ceiling. She now knew what she had to do.

                                                         XXX

"If you see anything you like, I'd be happy to take it out so you can have a closer look!"

The jeweler smiled brightly as Agatha stared intently through the glass case and at the necklaces within. Hearts. Dolphins. Tiny charms. It wasn't until her eyes landed on a tiny, silver cross with a single turquoise gem in the middle that she paused. It was perfect-even having Zoe's birthstone at that.

"How much for the cross?" She inquired, finally looking up to meet the salesman's eyes.

"Fifty quid," he replied simply. "But for you, forty five."

The way he was watching her made Agatha feel uncomfortable, but she pushed the thought aside. She just needed to get the necklace and be on her way. It was for Zoe's own good, of course. Besides, the little girl had a thing for trinkets. Even if she didn't understand the true purpose of it, she'd like it.

"I'll take it," Agatha said as she reached for her wallet. "It's just what I was looking for."

"Good choice." The jeweler exclaimed as he went to wrap it up. "Gift?"

"It's for my niece." Agatha replied. And that was as much information as he needed to know. "It doesn't need to be fancy."

"Never too early to start them on the path to Christ." The man chuckled, shaking his head. And Agatha hummed in response, taking the bag before handing over the money. "Thanks for your business! I hope she loves it!"

Loves it. No, Agatha hoped it'd keep her safe. As she made her way back to her car, her mind kept assaulting her with the visions of her previous nightmare. Undead Zoe. The innocent, sweet little girl turned into a grotesque monster surviving on the blood of the living. And the body of her late brother. It had been awhile since he'd haunted her dreams. Shaking her head, Agatha went to sit in the driver's side when her phone buzzed in her pocket.

Good morning. I recognize it's your day off, but I need you to come in. -Bloxham

Agatha felt the familiar feeling of anger begin to bubble in her chest. That was a sensation she was starting to associate with the scientist. First it was the lack of security that could've ultimately endangered her niece's life. Then, of course, being tasked with keeping watch on Count Dracula himself. What more could the woman squeeze out of her.

Is it important? I have plans. -Agatha

It was a lie and her boss was quick to pick up on it.

I rang your house first and spoke to Zoe's sitter. Unless it is an emergency, I need you to come in now. Thank you. -Bloxham.

Muttering a slur of curse words to herself, Agatha thrust the bag a little too aggressively into the seat next to her and pulled out into the parking lot. At least if Jack was there, she could return his phone. But if Bloxham was dragging her all the way back to the Foundation, there would be more of a discussion on her part.

Had the scientist been aware of how close Dracula's living quarters were to residence? Was it the plan all along? Agatha chewed on the inside of her cheek, tasting the salty, copper blood as she sped down the road. She detested not being in control of situations.

"Agatha!"

There was the sound of relief in Jack's voice as he hurried over to her the moment she skidded into a parking space. She got out, now regretting injuring the sensitive skin inside of her mouth. Before even greeting him, she dug out his phone from her purse. He looked at her first in confusion and then in gratitude.

"He had it." Those were the first words out of her mouth. "Dracula."

"What…" Jack stumbled, his brow knitting in disbelief. "But how? I had it…" Quickly, he unlocked his device, scanning and flipping through his contacts and texts. When nothing seemed amiss, he sighed. "Thank you," the doctor breathed. "How'd you get…"

"The Count decided to pay a surprise visit to my house." Agatha said through her teeth as they began to walk towards the entrance of the institution. "Zoe was kind enough to invite him inside. Did you know only the person who lets him in can make him leave?! I sure didn't!" The former nun let out a sharp, humorless laugh. "How was your night, Jack? Uneventful, I hope?"

"Well, I...went to a club." Jack stated, scratching the back of his neck nervously. "Saw Lucy and some friends there."

"Oh?" Agatha looked over at him with interest. She had heard of the name before. Lucy. Even caught a quick glimpse of her on Jack's phone. A gorgeous girl to say the least. "And how did that go?" Had he finally found the courage to ask her on a proper date? Jack was shy, but he was a good lad. Any woman would be lucky to have him. "Did you get to talk to her?"

The lack of an immediate reply said it all. "She's...she's actually getting married." The doctor replied quietly. "To some block named Quincey. It's only been a few months. He's from Texas. But she seems happy. That's what's important right?" Jack smiled as he spoke, but Agatha could see the pain in his eyes. "It's all I'd ever want for her anyway."

Agatha considered a few things. Telling Jack that he could do better, that Lucy wasn't worth it. That she'd realize soon enough that she made a mistake. Perhaps it wasn't too late and she'd run back into the doctor's arms. But she decided against all of them and instead placed a comforting hand on his back. Their eyes met and she shared a sympathetic look. After that, they walked in silence the rest of the way.

"You arrived sooner than I expected."

Bloxham eyed the former nun with an expression that lacked enthusiasm as she and Jack entered into the woman's office. A large, burly man stood off to the side. Agatha didn't recognize him right off the bat. Perhaps he was new. A security guard of some sort?

"Dr. Seward, Agatha Van Helsing, I'd like to introduce you to Commander Irving, he'll be joining our team." The man stepped forward and held out a hand. Agatha took it and her joints nearly cracked at his tight grip. "Since Count Dracula's unfortunate release, we've called upon another means of...surveillance. Someone to have an upperhand in case a situation goes awry."

"Another as in…" Jack ventured, sounding uncertain as he met Bloxham's cool gaze. "Someone outside of the Harker Foundation?"

"I don't like the use of the word violence nor to suggest its use. But if something were to happen, Commander Irving and his men will provide that extra assistance we need." She gave a small smile, but it was far from friendly. "But if all proves well with Agatha, there should be no problems."

"Actually, on that subject. I have a question myself if I'm allowed to speak." Agatha finally cut in, her tone edging on fury. "Was anyone aware that Count Dracula was to be placed near my house? Where I live with my young niece?"

"Life is unpredictable, Agatha," Bloxham responded simply. "It just happened to work out that way between our agreement and that bloody lawyer of his. I'm sorry if it is an inconvenience to you."

"An inconvenience?!" Now she was getting defensive. "He was in my house last night!"

"Oh, so you are already becoming well acquainted?" The scientist inquired, looking rather pleased by this new information. "Well, this is good news seeing as I had a word with Mr. Frank Renfield and Count Dracula is more than happy to meet with you tonight at his flat." She held up a hand before Agatha could protest. "Your safety is of our utmost concern and I can assure you that the vampire has already been well fed and has vocalized his intentions are not to harm you."

"You can't seriously be okay with this!" Jack spoke up, Agatha impressed by the mere fact he was defending her. "Putting her life at risk! Be reasonable, Dr. Bloxham!"

"Agatha agreed to this when she joined the Jonathan Harker Foundation," the woman replied firmly.

"But-" The doctor tried to counter before the former nun cut in.

"It's okay, Jack. I can handle myself against Count Dracula just fine." Her expression was dark, threatening as she locked eyes with Bloxham. "I'm looking forward to our visit. I'll let you know how it goes."

"Splendid," the other woman smiled. "I look forward to your report, Agatha. Have a lovely evening, won't you?" 

                                                         XXX

"Wow! It's so pretty! And it's mine?!"

Zoe beamed up at her aunt from where she sat on her bed as Agatha undid the clasp and hooked the necklace around the girl's neck. The seven year old studied the cross between her fingers, running her thumb across the small stone. The former nun watched her with a small smile.

"Yes." She said as Zoe laid back underneath her covers. "And I want you to wear it always. Never take it off, okay?"

"Why?" The young girl questioned as she fiddled with the symbol. "Is it special?"

"That's one way to put it, I suppose." Agatha chuckled, leaning forward to press a kiss to the girl's forehead. "Look, I have to go out tonight. Mrs. Avery will be staying with you, okay? You won't even notice I'm gone. When you wake up in the morning for school, I'll be there making breakfast."

"Where are you going?" Agatha had never met anyone who asked so many questions. "Can't I come too?"

"No." And Zoe frowned at this. "I have something to do with work. You have to be up early tomorrow and besides, it's boring." She booped Zoe's nose and the girl scrunched her features. "Get some rest and be good for Mrs. Avery. No sneaking out for cookies or for cartoons. I'll know."

"How?" The little girl whispered in awe.

"Because a Van Helsing always knows." She smiled as she kissed her niece once more. "Goodnight, Zoe. Sweet dreams. I love you."

"I love you too, Aunt Aggie," Zoe yawned, cuddling up under her sheets. "Nighty night."

As she crept out of the room, Agatha glanced one last time at her niece. Her smile slowly gave way into a frown as she closed the door behind her. Last night her nightmare had merely been a dream, but now she was about to enter into one in the real world. Taking a deep breath, Agatha made her way towards the front door.

                                                    XXX

If she were to be quite honest, Agatha Van Helsing wasn't sure what she expected. A castle. A cave that spewed a cauldron of bats when she drew close. But instead stood a simple, but tasteful building. Nothing menacing about it. At least from the outside. Gripping onto her purse, she made her way up the flights of stairs and to the door.

"It's unlocked."

The voice surprised her and she twisted around expecting to see someone standing from behind. Yet she was alone. Confused, she grabbed the doorknob and twisted it. What met her eyes first was a large room, dark in color-really no surprise there. In the center lay a long, wooden table. Something one might see at a large banquet or feast.

"I was beginning to worry you wouldn't come."

Dracula strode into view from the shadows nearly startling Agatha. He smiled at her, his hands gripping what appeared to be a wine bottle. At least she hoped that's what it was. She eyed the single glass on the table, the corners of her lips twitching into a small frown.

"You seemed like a red to me, but if you prefer white, I suppose I have a bottle lying around here somewhere." Dracula popped the cork and began to pour the liquid seemingly unfazed by his guest's reluctance. "Well, sit down will you? Have a drink? That's what humans do right?"

"I don't drink wine," she said quietly.

"Interesting," Dracula grinned. "Nor do I. I guess we are similar in that way." He set the bottle down and exhaled. "Well, at least let me welcome you to my humble abode. Shall we go on a grand tour? You were kind enough to let me see your house. Well, the kitchen at least."

For someone who had only lived in the place for a few days, Dracula's home had more decor than Agatha's bedroom alone. Following the vampire down the hall, the Count momentarily stopped in front of a painting. The depiction was unsettling. It appeared to be a courtroom filled with men and women looking positively frightened. Standing to the right was a woman draped in white, her arms outstretched towards a window shooting out bolts of orange light.

"A depiction of The Salem Witch Trials in 1692," he expressed proudly. "A replica of course. It's hard to find the real thing nowadays." Dracula turned to Agatha with a coy smile. "You are a woman of God? You at least devoted your life to him for a while?"

"For research purposes," Agatha admitted. "To learn more about Christianity. About you."

"I wonder then," Dracula sighed thoughtfully. "If in a past life, if you believe in that sort of thing, would you have been considered a witch? Burned at the stake or drowned tied to stone." He took a step closer, his dark eyes sparkling. "Would you willingly dance with the Devil, Agatha Van Helsing?"

The way he said it. The way the words left his tongue. He was testing her. Seeing where he could weasel his way into the cracks of her mind. Agatha swallowed hard, holding strong against his toying nature.

"I have crossed paths with the unholy," she spoke coldly. "Have you seen God or do you quiver in the darkness with the lesser demons?" Dracula's grin widened. "Why do you fear the cross?"

"Why does anyone fear anything?" He replied. "Guess, Agatha."

"I don't know." The former nun replied trying to hold back her frustration. "That's why I've asked you."

Dracula didn't say anything for the longest time. "Hm." He hummed, eyeing her intently. "I think it would've been a shame really if they burned you at the stake. Your mind is too tempting to waste," and his gaze flickered up and down her body. "Among other things."

"You didn't answer my question." Agatha frowned. "Why do you fear the cross?!"

Ignoring her, the vampire continued onward. Agatha trailed from behind, starting to grow furious by how everything was turning out. As they approached a large, curtained window, the former nun was so preoccupied with her pent up rage, she didn't notice a snag in the carpet. It happened so fast that not even Dracula had time to react. She fell. Hard. And when her hands connected with the ground, she inadvertently bit down on her lower lip.

A single drop of blood began to trickle down her chin. The vampire grew rigid. Dracula's once calm and collected face began to change. Fangs replacing teeth. Eyes dilating black and bloodshot. And Agatha could only watch, just like in her nightmare with Zoe, as the vampire bounded towards her.

Death of a Van Helsing by a vampire.

So toll the bells of sweet, sweet irony.

[ronjonjo365]

Joe - Raindrops are tappin' the tarp. It's 9:30 in the morning and I'm kicked back in my recliner enjoying my second cup o' coffee. I slept well, this same drizzle was a lullaby on my tent last night to accompany the sound of glacial melt rushing down the Matanuska waterway 100 yards from camp. It's shaping up to be a day best spent under shelter close to supplies and reading material and I'm nodding off lost in those thoughts. Me and the dog detect the sound simultaneously. He bounces out of my lap as I strain to visually confirm my suspicions. An old Chevy truck pulls up to the bridge. I know that sound. I know that guy. I hope I'm wrong about knowin' what he wants to do. I'm not. Wayne rounds the corner onto the camp trail grinnin' like a goofus. He gives me one of the beers he's carrying, pops the top on his and sits in the dog's chair (yeah, the dog has a chair, it's a recliner...not bad for a homeless guy eh?) and announces his intention to drag me off to some bay on the coast of Alaska and help me catch salmon. "Right now?" is my initial query. Can't I finish my nap and wait for the weather to clear are my immediate thoughts... "Pack yer shit, here's some dry bags. Ya got a fishin' pole?" FUCK! It takes half an hour and we're heading south. I packed for cold and wet. Wayne says we're snaggin' 'em. I don't know what that means, I don't know what to expect. "People are trying to come with us, a woman with kids," he explains, "I ain't no babysitter, we gotta get outta town before she can find us." We stop at the govt game office for a proxy permit. They say no. We go to a coffee shack for some biscuits and gravy. I read the fine print and point out a flaw in their reasoning. We go back to argue with the govt. they say no. Wayne's head is gonna pop. We gotta get outta dodge. We're waiting on traffic trying to exit the parking lot and make good our escape when the woman with kids appears out of the line of vehicles. She pulls up and rolls down her window. Apparently she wants to make some plans. Wayne is turning red, "OK," he rolls up his window and we're on our way. There's a friend in Anchorage. We stop for a packet of powder guaranteed to enhance our expedition experience and increase our salmon harvest. Travelling the Turnagain Arm road the truck starts acting up, starvin' for gas is the prognosis. We stop at a pullout and pop the hood. I gotta pee. I retreat to the trees. In the process it occurs to me what are the odds that woman and those kids will find us here. I zip up and turn around in time to see her truck pull up. I have yet to meet any of these people. Wayne's been cussin' 'em out the whole way so I don't expect much. Through the side I can see eyes and hair in the back seat and skinny limbs hanging out the windows. Much noise emanates from the area. She wants to make more plans. "OK," Wayne says and we close the hood and leave. The weather clears but the mood is stormy She trails us all the way into Seward. We find a place to park and access the water. Poles are set up with inch long treble hooks with a 10 ounce weight in the middle. The woman has poles and hooks for all in her party. Wayne takes notice. The tide's coming in so we have a long walk to where people are fishing. They cast the hook halfway across a 30 foot channel then jerk the rod. Pull in the slack like a fly rod then jerk again, pull the assembly out of the water and toss it to the middle again...over and over in hopes a passing salmon will get impaled on one of the treble hooks. If the surroundings weren't so beautiful this repetitive slinging and jerking would get monotonous. Then some guy 15 feet downstream pulls 5 pounds of fighting salmon out of the slough and you redouble your efforts. It's a maddening way to spend an evening. Thank dog for beer. Wayne is warming up to the woman and her kids when she shows they can take care of themselves and we don't have to babysit. Hell, even her 7 year old daughter is standing in the water slinging and jerking. We all get skunked. The tide is coming in fast and the water's getting deep so we head back to a tent camp we spotted in town. The woman is completely unprepared for camping. She comes across a tent tucked away behind the debris collecting in the back of the truck but nobody thought to bring a sleeping bag or blanket. The powder works its magic and I don't sleep a wink all night which is funny when you think about it. Here I am all rolled up in a kingsized sleeping bag with my eyes bugging out of my head, my brain working overtime and not a chance for zzz's to kick in while the woman and her kids are huddled and cuddled up in a cheap tent trying to spread body warmth. I feel bad now...I didn't then. I did donate a polar fleece shirt . I was tired of watching the 7 year old shiver. I'm 6'3" she's 3' nuthin' I figure she could use the shirt as a sleeping bag. I've yet to get it back. We find better water access for $20 in the morning. We meet some interesting people on the way. One guy named Darrell from Cedar Rapids Iowa."I just like to kill shit and eat it," is his philosophy. Interesting. That was my dads name and that's where he was from though that wasn't my dad's philosophy. Another guy named Rich from Anchorage who grows pot professionally. I get his phone number. Another guy from Ukraine whose story was so convoluted I'm still confused. Wayne catches a couple fish. The woman caught one too. I get skunked again but I'm privy to a heartwarming scene: We are trudging to a new channel 'cause the one we were fishin' wasn't producing. I pick a spot next to an old guy sitting on a bucket holding his head in his hands. Wayne taps the guy on the shoulder and asks if everything is ok. The guy looks up and says, "Yeah, I'm just a little tired. I just want to catch a fish." Wayne says, "Ok but you can't catch anything if yer hook ain't in the water." "I know," the guy sets up to restart the slinging and jerking process. Wayne walks past a couple fisher folk and starts fishing. We're not here five minutes when Wayne hooks into a salmon. He keeps the rod tip up, excuses himself to get around 2 guys with poles and presents the old guy with his rod, "Here's yer fish." The old guy grabs the rod like a pro, passes his to Wayne and reels in the catch. The smile on his face will stay with me for a long time. I'm still skunked but the kids are a joy to be around. They're not stupid and they're not whiners. They smile a lot, stay active and are capable of coherent conversation. The weather includes sunshine and warmth and things are looking up even if I can't catch a damn fish. Eagles are common as crows with all the fish food the anglers leave behind but they're still impressive. The $20 dollar entrance fee includes camping so we find a place in the weeds, away from a flock of screeching sea gulls and pitch tents. The demon dust works its spell and my body rests but my mind wanders through another sleepless night. The morning finds me and Wayne sitting around a campfire talking ourselves into the long walk to the water for a final attempt. The woman and her kids are still snoozin', we don't need no stinkin' food, we pack our nostrils, grab our poles and head out. A mile later we're at waters edge. Not a channel, this is the bay at low tide. We're casting 50 yards into saltwater. My first cast lands a flounder. He gets to swim again. My second cast hooks into a nice sized salmon. Heehee I'm not a vegetarian ('vegetarian' is native for 'bad hunter'). Wayne pulls one in too. The action slows so we go. The woman and her kids are out fishing so we break camp and head out. Highway traffic is at a crawl on this 2 lane main artery. Tourists are gawking, roadwork is halting progress and we need ice for the fish. We have to wait till Anchorage for the frozen cubes but it's a beautiful day and we have food. It's a good trip!