What do you call a fish with no eyes?

A fsh.

AHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!! My favorite joke ever!

A-hem. Okay, please excuse that. On to the post.

On Monday, some friends of mine went to Chitina to go dip-netting in the Copper River. Dan declined to go along because he couldn't take the time off work, and I noticed how carefully and politely they did NOT invite me! Hrrmph. I concluded that it was intended to be a male bonding trip, so I didn't invite myself. I'm sure I don't want to be part of any male bonding rituals!

Anyway, among the four of them, they caught one. fish. Bummer! But said fish was brought to my home yesterday, and I baked it in the oven with lemon, garlic, and olive oil. Delicious! I'm sorry I forgot to take photos until it was nearly all consumed. It was such a lovely fish.

Fish with potatoes:


Dawgs:


Would-be fishermen:


A wild iris I photographed this morning on the banks of the Tanana:


In other news, a classmate of mine apparently had a polar bear encounter while on a research expedition in Svalbard. He shot it as it charged him. I hope if something like that ever happens to me, I have the presence of mind he showed. I do not think there is a more frightening animal on earth than the polar bear. They are pure carnivores, and huge, with paws the size of my head. And they have nasty, big, pointy teeth. I used to want to take one of those polar bear tours in Canada, but ever since seeing that stuffed one at the airport and how hugemongous he is, I think, you know, maybe not.