Starting tomorrow, Nov. 5th and running through Sun. the 8th, the First City Player's will be performing the "Wizard of Oz" on the stage of Ketchikan High School. The performance will start at 7:30PM each night and will end Sunday with a matinee at 2:30PM. This sure to be a great time to get the family together and enjoy a performance by the thespians of K-town and their dog too. Hope to see you there on opening night. K-townking
PS: Sorry for the short notice, to many projects, need to FOCUS,FOCUS again.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Friday, October 23, 2009
The Biker In Me
I was on one of my favorite Biker sites the other day and ran across this little article I'd like to share with you. It pretty much sums the way I feel when I leave K-town and the rock we call home. It's called..
THE BIKER
When you see us moving past you quickly:
Don't take offense or think we're trying to "show off". Ninety five percent of the time, we're trying to get out of your blind spot or taking ourselves out of a potential dangerous situation that has evolved around us. Distancing ourselves from you does not mean we want to race, but that we're giving ourselves the edge we need at the moment.
When you hear our horn:
Don't take offense or think we're trying to aggravate you. All we're doing is letting you know where we are in relation to you on the road, and we're more than likely aware of your inattentiveness to us while you're talking on a cell phone, eating, reading or involved in some other distracting aspect to your driving. It's important to us, and you, that you know we're there.
When you hear our loud pipes:
Don't become angry and hostile toward us. Yes, some are quite loud, but for some, there's a purpose behind being loud. It's about letting you know we're close by and we're constantly hoping that our investment in this accessory will help save our lives. Our pipes are really not about our ego...it's a pride and personalization to our form of transportation.
When you see us in our clothes:
Don't become fearful of us or think us weird. Our leather jackets, chaps, gloves and boots are the barriers between loosing massive amounts of flesh should something cause us to go down...nothing more, nothing less. Safety gear is paramount to our riding. We wear patches on our jackets, and pins on our vests. These are symbols of pride and honor within our group(s), individuals giving back to those who gave. These things bond us as a brotherhood and sisterhood among bikers. Not that we're better than anyone else, but that we have the same kind of nobility and pride in our accomplishments as you may have in the various aspects of your life. I guess one could say; our patches and pins are the decals and the bumper stickers of our involvement with society and the general public, of which we are very pleased to be a part of in our own little way.
When you see us in a restaurant:
You don't have to shield your child or feel intimidated. We have family, wives, husbands, children and loved ones too, just like you. We smile; we laugh and enjoy the moments we have. We are approachable, and would befriend you, if given the opportunity.
When you see us in a parking lot:
Don't convince yourself that we're there to "get you". More than likely, we just finished a long ride and are taking a break. Or, we may be meeting up with other riders for a charity run for young children, or another very worthy cause. We may just be admiring one another's bikes, sharing our pride with other brothers and sisters, just like you do with your personal vehicle. It's what we do...it's a part of our lives, and we'd be more than welcome to share with you what riding a bike is all about...if you'd only ask.
When you see aggressive riding bikers:
Don't put us all in the same stereotypical category as those whose behavior and actions would cause you to react in disgust and intolerance. Many of us do not agree with this style of riding either, and we know and understand that human nature tends to blend us all together as the "same group". Most of us don't want that title...and don't deserve it.
When you see a group of bikers on the roadways:
Give us the courtesy of sharing the road with you. Please don't "move in" between several bikers in formation. This gets us very excited and nervous, especially when it's done with no due regard for our safety. Provide us with your awareness of the fact that we are much more vulnerable than you. We don't want to challenge you, for all of us are wise enough to know...we'd lose that battle.
When you are turning left or entering a roadway/highway:
Look, then look again...and then one more time. For we can be easily hidden, and appear to be invisible by such things as a telephone pole, another vehicle, bright lights or the glare of the sun...or possibly, the beads hanging from your rearview mirror, among numerous other items that are displayed there. If you see us flashing our lights at you or blowing our horn, we're only trying to ensure that you will see us before tragedy changes both our lives.
When you are behind us:
Please give us the room we need and don't tailgate us. If you hit us, we're going down...HARD! We don't want to play games with you, we just want to enjoy the ride and the fresh air, and experience that which many of you have never lived for. If we accelerate away from you, don't interpret this action as though we want to drag race you. We're only trying to take ourselves out of a bad situation if you insist on being too close.
When, and if, you experience road rage:
Don't take it out on us just because we're smaller than you and more vulnerable. Think about what you're doing and the end result that may become a reality. The consequences of your actions and choices could be very detrimental to our well being, our families, our children and our loved ones. Yes, there are those that can tend to piss you off, however, rage towards them will not solve the issues, but accentuate them. Nine out of ten bikers will do everything they can to take themselves out of that situation without causing you or them harm.
When you have an opportunity to talk to us:
You'll discover, outside any influenced or stereotypical mindset you may have, that we are just as human as you are, just with different interests and toys. Many of us would give you the shirt off our back if it would tend to brighten your day or console you in some way. We're really no different... and we drive cars, trucks and vans too. So, meet us and greet us...I think you'll be pleasantly surprised that you'll be met with open arms.
Thank You for attempting to understand!
So, what do ya think? Now you know a little more about who and what I am.
Till next time: K-townking
THE BIKER
When you see us moving past you quickly:
Don't take offense or think we're trying to "show off". Ninety five percent of the time, we're trying to get out of your blind spot or taking ourselves out of a potential dangerous situation that has evolved around us. Distancing ourselves from you does not mean we want to race, but that we're giving ourselves the edge we need at the moment.
When you hear our horn:
Don't take offense or think we're trying to aggravate you. All we're doing is letting you know where we are in relation to you on the road, and we're more than likely aware of your inattentiveness to us while you're talking on a cell phone, eating, reading or involved in some other distracting aspect to your driving. It's important to us, and you, that you know we're there.
When you hear our loud pipes:
Don't become angry and hostile toward us. Yes, some are quite loud, but for some, there's a purpose behind being loud. It's about letting you know we're close by and we're constantly hoping that our investment in this accessory will help save our lives. Our pipes are really not about our ego...it's a pride and personalization to our form of transportation.
When you see us in our clothes:
Don't become fearful of us or think us weird. Our leather jackets, chaps, gloves and boots are the barriers between loosing massive amounts of flesh should something cause us to go down...nothing more, nothing less. Safety gear is paramount to our riding. We wear patches on our jackets, and pins on our vests. These are symbols of pride and honor within our group(s), individuals giving back to those who gave. These things bond us as a brotherhood and sisterhood among bikers. Not that we're better than anyone else, but that we have the same kind of nobility and pride in our accomplishments as you may have in the various aspects of your life. I guess one could say; our patches and pins are the decals and the bumper stickers of our involvement with society and the general public, of which we are very pleased to be a part of in our own little way.
When you see us in a restaurant:
You don't have to shield your child or feel intimidated. We have family, wives, husbands, children and loved ones too, just like you. We smile; we laugh and enjoy the moments we have. We are approachable, and would befriend you, if given the opportunity.
When you see us in a parking lot:
Don't convince yourself that we're there to "get you". More than likely, we just finished a long ride and are taking a break. Or, we may be meeting up with other riders for a charity run for young children, or another very worthy cause. We may just be admiring one another's bikes, sharing our pride with other brothers and sisters, just like you do with your personal vehicle. It's what we do...it's a part of our lives, and we'd be more than welcome to share with you what riding a bike is all about...if you'd only ask.
When you see aggressive riding bikers:
Don't put us all in the same stereotypical category as those whose behavior and actions would cause you to react in disgust and intolerance. Many of us do not agree with this style of riding either, and we know and understand that human nature tends to blend us all together as the "same group". Most of us don't want that title...and don't deserve it.
When you see a group of bikers on the roadways:
Give us the courtesy of sharing the road with you. Please don't "move in" between several bikers in formation. This gets us very excited and nervous, especially when it's done with no due regard for our safety. Provide us with your awareness of the fact that we are much more vulnerable than you. We don't want to challenge you, for all of us are wise enough to know...we'd lose that battle.
When you are turning left or entering a roadway/highway:
Look, then look again...and then one more time. For we can be easily hidden, and appear to be invisible by such things as a telephone pole, another vehicle, bright lights or the glare of the sun...or possibly, the beads hanging from your rearview mirror, among numerous other items that are displayed there. If you see us flashing our lights at you or blowing our horn, we're only trying to ensure that you will see us before tragedy changes both our lives.
When you are behind us:
Please give us the room we need and don't tailgate us. If you hit us, we're going down...HARD! We don't want to play games with you, we just want to enjoy the ride and the fresh air, and experience that which many of you have never lived for. If we accelerate away from you, don't interpret this action as though we want to drag race you. We're only trying to take ourselves out of a bad situation if you insist on being too close.
When, and if, you experience road rage:
Don't take it out on us just because we're smaller than you and more vulnerable. Think about what you're doing and the end result that may become a reality. The consequences of your actions and choices could be very detrimental to our well being, our families, our children and our loved ones. Yes, there are those that can tend to piss you off, however, rage towards them will not solve the issues, but accentuate them. Nine out of ten bikers will do everything they can to take themselves out of that situation without causing you or them harm.
When you have an opportunity to talk to us:
You'll discover, outside any influenced or stereotypical mindset you may have, that we are just as human as you are, just with different interests and toys. Many of us would give you the shirt off our back if it would tend to brighten your day or console you in some way. We're really no different... and we drive cars, trucks and vans too. So, meet us and greet us...I think you'll be pleasantly surprised that you'll be met with open arms.
Thank You for attempting to understand!
So, what do ya think? Now you know a little more about who and what I am.
Till next time: K-townking
Friday, October 9, 2009
Tourist Gone-Culture Returns
Not that K-town doesn't have culture during the tourist season, we just have more time to really enjoy it when their GONE!! I like music, almost any type of music, yes even some rap. So, when I heard that the Ketchikan Arts and Humanities Council were bringing Alvin Youngblood Hart to K-town. I ran down to get my tickets for the show. I try not to pass up live music from out of town, it happens so rarely. Now not knowing who Alvin was, or what type of music he put out, so I went and Googled him. I had heard the name but couldn't place him. I must say that I was impressed, 71,000 site dealing with him and his career. Bios about who influenced him musical and the folks that inspired, from his guitar strumin' uncle to his piano playing grandma, Taj Mahal to Charley Patton. Now, I really enjoy old time Mississippi Delta type blues and I couldn't wait for Saturday to get here. Well, I will tell you this, if you have the opportunity to catch a show by Alvin and you don't go, you'll have missed one of the best Blues Guys on the planet. He was incredible. He played an all acoustic set and played for about an hour and a half. For as big as Alvin is, he moves up and down that neck like greased lighting. And pickin', his hands are BIG and he picks that box like nobodies business. It only took a couple of songs to see why and how he's made such a name for himself. He was GREAT!!!!! Folks in K-town don't get entertainment If you can't tell I became a fan last night and will want to see him again. So do yourself a favor and when you have a change go and see Alvin Youngblood Hart, even if you have to travel 100 miles, GO!!, you'll be glad you did. KEEP ON ROCKIN'; Ktownking
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
The Last Trip of Summer
It's always a sad part of the summer when the "Northern Dream" has made her last trip and must prepare for the long winter away from the water.This picture of her at anchor in Thorn Arm was on her last trip of the season.I have never had a bad trip on the "Dream", she has always been true to her name. There have been a few where the conditions have been unfavorable, but that was not of her doing. She has always come through the storm and brought us safely back home. Her skipper has barely made it back to N.Y. and if I know him, he can't wait till next summer. Here's hopping your winter is full of FUN!!! See Ya then you ol' Salt!!! K-townking
PS. Thanks for the Shrimp, they were deeeliciuos
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
"Fisherman Blues"
We passed these guys on the way up Thorn Arm for a little gold mine exploring. Their part of the purse seine fleet that fish around the K-town area. When we passed by there were about a dozen boats working the shore at the mouth of the inlet. While were out exploring, they told us that they had just returned to fishing after off loading the morning catch of around 50,000 lbs and were hoping to double that on the in coming tide. Fishermen work in unsatisfactory conditions most of the time, these guys were glad that the weather was good. If you've ever worn rain gear, then you know how hot one can get while working in it. These guys wear it, even on the hottest days, to help protect them from the jelly fish that come falling from the net, as they load the fish on the boat. So, when you're enjoying that salmon on the bar-b-que, remember to give a little thanks to the FISHERMEN who made it possible. See Ya; K-townking
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