Sitka Vacation.com MySitka.com: Helpful info for those planning to visit or move to Sitka, Alaska. 2005 Sitka Herring Fishery 2006 Sitka Herring Fishery 2005 Sitka Polar Dip Whale Watching Tours Sharon's Cabin, Florida Sharon's Cabin, Sitka Sharon's Family Page 2005 Drachman Family Sitka, Vacation Rentals 2005 Klejka Family Photo Gallery Bits 2005 Sitka Herring Fishery 2006 Herring Fishery The Sitka Herring Fishery is a very cool event that happens in March. It just happens to happen right in front of the cabin! Go to the events to learn more about it. Chocolate Lilly Sitka has beautiful wildflowers Raven fussing at me! My Hubby catching shrimp Buckets and Buckets! We didn't have much of a summer, but May sure was pretty. Michael and Jody loved the beach. They stayed there most of their stay. If Michael wasn't fishing, Jody was dragging him to Sandy Beach to swim and play in the water. It's so beautiful here with rain and mist gathering around. No matter the weather, the kids love the beach.

Sharon's Sitka Blog: This isn't a very organized page, just a collection of thoughts and photos as I have time to share them. For helpful links to Sitka related stuff, you should go to www.mysitka.com and www.sitka.com. For vacation, of course you should go to SitkaVacation.com. A Note from Sharon: I am an Alaska Vacation Coordinator, helping folks with lodging and tours in Alaska. If you're interested in visiting Alaska, I can help you with lodging, fishing and more! Click here! April 20th, 2007; Spring has sprung in all it's glory! Here are photos of the emergency flowers in my garden, results of last October's work by my grandkids, daughter-in-law, Gabi and myself. Took them today so my grandbabies, who are now down south can see them. Beautiful! click here to see more or click on images to see enlargements! Cecil and Ash-Love you guys and miss you so so much! Granny! March 21st, 2007, the first day of spring... yes, well, maybe in other places, but not in Sitka! I have to say, I love Sitka in the spring, winter and fall, but this year, it seems like it's been mostly winter all year. Snow since Thanksgiving and since we rarely get any, it's beginning to get old. Even the eagles look grumpy. I've quit looking at my gardening books it's so depressing. Today we have gale force winds with rain and I'm not even complaining as it might... just might mean spring is coming! But, of course, we do still have those days when we say, wow, are we lucky or what? Above is a photo with a link (click on it) if you'd like to have a look. And, below is my, "you thought I was joking," snow link! Click on them to see page. Meanwhile, the eagles swear the herring are coming. I'm just not so sure I believe them. The one on the branch above seems to be having his doubts, too. Lousy pics, sorry. Having problems with my digital 35. click on images for enlargements. Eagle sits waiting for the herring. Some are more impatient. And more wait. And one lone tree promises that, "yes", spring is really coming. Click here for Tree Picture 2 and Tree Picture 3 February 27th, 2007: 16 degrees.. brrrr. And to believe just last week I was walking through a soft drizzling rain in 45 degree weather, studying my emerging tulip and daffodil bulbs. I love Sitka in the winter most anyway it comes, rainy or cold, but I do wish it would make up it's mind, you know. One week 40 degrees, next down to 16, hello! Of course, March would most-likely have to be called my favorite month since the herring come in followed by whales, sea lions and more. And the eagles are so excited this month. As they scream outside my window, I could swear they are saying, "The herring are coming, the herring are coming!" I feel like doing the same! I love the briny smell of the water in March and April as it fills with the herring eggs turning turquoise blue. I love the excitement that fills downtown as the streets fill with fishermen, both local, coming out of hibernation and foreign, coming in to take their share of the bounty. Sitka in March is like an awakening of Sitka from it's long winter slumber.. January 5th, 2007: A Hummingbird visits amid wind and snow flurries: January 5th and it’s already so busy. I thought the new year would bring peace, tranquility and time to catch my breath. But, it’s not to be. Spent today working to find housing for folks coming to Sitka for the winter to work and coming for the big Native Conference. I sit nice and warm in my office, looking out on Sitka Sound and what should be a view of Mount Edgecumbe Volcano, but it’s not to be seen due to snow flurries. Now that I think about it, it’s been a while since I have seen it. A humming bird came to check out my Christmas tree that sits forlorn on a patch of snow behind my office. As tiny wrens and titmouses flittered around right outside my office window, digging at the seeds I put there each day, snow flurries gathered force. Then, like a breath of spring, a tiny humming bird moved in to check out my tree. Seconds passed as I sat in shock and then started reaching for my camera, digging it out of my purse. It wasn't’t to be, as he zipped away, leaving only snow flurries in its wake.   May 30, 2006: My two grandchildren that live in Texas came to visit. What a wonderful gift they were for the summer. They couldn't get over the water and islands and spent every sunny day at Sandy Beach. It was so wonderful, not only seeing them, but also seeing them with all their cousins. This was the first time I had them all together. Here's the 7 of them all goofing around on their first day! The three girls, Jody, Maraelia and Ashley, had great fun together! Made me think of my summers at my grandma's with all my cousins. What a blessing.

In May we had family visiting from our home town of Lake City, Florida. What a wonderful time we had, the three brothers; my husband and his older and younger brother, all together. And, the three sister-in-laws. BJ, the youngest one would probably move here, given half a chance, but Sandra missed her grand babies. I can understand that. Anyway-it gave me a chance to share our love of Sitka, so that was good. Had lots of visitors to the lodge. Each year I count my blessings over the wonderful folks that come to stay. I hear all these horror stories from other lodge owners, but my visitors are so wonderful. Some come for fishing, some just for the love of Alaska and some come for weddings and family events. They're all so much fun. Got a kick out of the kids, too. They have a blast fishing and sometimes get a little closer than what they expected as seen here with one young lady receiving a kiss from a very big fish.

And, they just can't get over the beauty that surrounds us on a daily basis. One elderly gentleman walked out my deck and after a while, him out there all by himself, I got worried about him, so stepped out. As if coming out of a trance, he turns to me, waves his hand sweeping across the beauty of Sitka Sound and says, "Isn't this the most beautiful place on earth!" "Yes, Sir, it is," I said in response. "And you get to live here," he says in awe... July 10, 2006: In July they had the Sitka Trout Derby, which is a contest held every year for Sitka kids. They stock Swan Lake, a small lake right down town with trout early in the season, then families come out and compete to catch the biggest, the smallest, the longest and such. This year, Michael and Jody, my two grandchildren visiting from Texas, got to join since they were here. What fun! Prizes were won by all, as is the usual here. And, the kids got to see the fish and other water related creatures that were on display.

January 19, 2006: Well, today I officially felt like it was winter. Ice, so thin it looked like moisture on the gravel were my downfall, literally, my downfall. I was walking from the car, not looking where I was going, instead, looking out on our absolutely beautiful sunny, but cold day and thinking to myself, wow... are lucky to live here, or what! Briefly, I thought about all the visitors that were they to see days like this would decide to move here.

Then, wam! Down I went! My first thought, was, oh no, my MP3 player is in my pocket, then it was, Ow, that hurt! Anyway-mostly my pride was hurt, especially, since my son had to come help me up.

What a day, though. Brilliant sun, eagles, ravens and seagulls flying, sea lions coming in to visit. Alaska. Are we lucky or what!

Tuesday, Dec 20, 2006: Wow, I've been gone a long time. Sorry, just been busy living the Sitka life. Winter darkness provides more time of solitude and time to write. What a busy summer. So many visitors and so many wonderful wonderful days. Lots of rain, but that's okay, that's what keeps Sitka so beautiful and green. Had our first snow a couple weeks ago, beautiful... our best kept secret is Sitka's winters. So so beautiful. Of course, we certainly did have a few bad wind storms, but always followed by an unbelievable pink horizon. Always, always I'm reminded of Kincades photos here in the winter. Is there any place as lovely?

Eagles have been swarming and shrieking outside this morning. Mating? Perhaps, or maybe just overjoyed at the beautiful sky. What looked like an otter came up to the rocks in front, all alone. Saw me reaching for my binoculars and quickly left. Sneaky little critters.

What's been happening? So much. Just had the Sitka Polar Dip. December 17th. Click here to see. Briefly, yearly all across Alaska, Alaskan's take an ocean dive to prove their insanity. My granddaughter, Maraelia decided to try it this year with her troop. When her troop was a no show, or perhaps went in earlier, she almost chickened out, but brave Romine that she is, she was finally drug in... Read here.

Monday, May 30, 2005: Okay, so I love nature. And, having a deck right on the water, right across from Mt. Edgecumbe is the great. But, as with roses, there are thorns, with the beauty of Alaska wildlife there also comes trials. I was standing on my deck, on one of those unbelievable days. Sun shining, eagles flying, and Mt. Edgecumbe out in all its glory, when "PLOP", a big slice of salmon drops at my feet.

Looking up, I see 4 eagles in the tree right over my deck. Suddenly a loud screeching, flapping of wings and a salmon head is added to the offerings. Over the next hour or so many bits and pieces are thrown to the deck as the eagles above fought over the huge salmon they'd caught. Bit by bit, my freshly washed deck is scattered with bits of salmon, blood and guts. As I swept and mopped, though, I reminded myself, small price to pay for the beauty of eagles soaring and diving in my front yard...

Wednesday, June 1, 2005: So the derby is going on-the SITKA SALMON DERBY, ONLY the BIGGEST event of the year....! Watched today as a guy hauled a big one up right in front of the house. Amazingly small boat, too. Guess it doesn't take the big fancy digs to get the big fish... I must say though, they seemed to have quiet the struggle getting him on the boat, and I had some concern about the stability of the boat after they did get him on. But, even from the distance to the house I could see grins from ear to ear. They were definitely happy campers. I'm not a fisherman myself, but I tell you, those who are, seem to have a thrill. Had the Callahans at my place this past week and it was very plain that yes, they did love Sitka, and they had a lot of fun catching the fish, 20, 25, 27 lbs, fish that anyone down south would be proud of, but this is Sitka, after all. Home of Alaska Sportsfishing. It takes a lot to impress these guys! Well, they were impressed! Their last day, Rick, the son, came in grinning ear to ear. A HALIBUT! A BIG HALIBUT. "110 lbs!!" Rick says grinning. Click here to see photos! Here he is with Tron, his boat captain!

Wednesday, April 27, 2005: Sitka mist settles over the sound like a fine woven blanket What a tiered couple of days... Woke Sunday morning as the full moon moved close to the horizon, shining across the slight ripples in the sound. Then, before I could get my camera, it was gone, replaced by a thinly woven blanket of fog that eventually thickened to pea soup. Yesterday morn no moon, the sound was smooth as glass, the eagles reflections showing as they soared overhead, again, within moments, the fog had moved in. Today, a light layering of mist hugged the islands across the way, while somewhere behind, the moon or the sun hid creating tiered reflections on the water just around that one small island. Sea gulls flew over, silent. I considered trying to catch it on film, but knew that no camera had the ability to capture the serene beauty of this morning.

Thursday, March 24, 2005: I hate sounding like a broken record, but... Got up this morning, put on the coffee and walked outside. Okay, so the water is like glass, the volcano is crisp and clear and there just happens to be a full moon rising silver in morning light. In housecoat and slippers, I grab my camera and go on the porch and start shooting. 9, 8, 6.5, I keep changing my aperture to see which is working best. Love digital cameras because I can switch back and actually see the photo and make immediate changes. Got to get closer. Looking around to see if anyone is about, I slip off the porch to the rocks and shoot. Wish an eagle would fly by or a sea lion would pop their head up to add interest to the pic, oh well, it's beautiful all by itself. Need to get inside and get ready for my busy day-one more shot, well, maybe two... An eagle does fly by, but I miss it. Digital cameras are slow, that's one draw back. Back inside, I cuddle with a cup of coffee watching the moon as it continues its path behind the clouds. I notice a ripple on the surface a sea lion, no too small, maybe an otter. The camera... nah, think I'll just stay here with my coffee and enjoy the view.... Photos here.... www.mysitka.com/

Wednesday, March 23, 2005: Boats, boats and an occasion whale, So today is pretty. I got up at 5 this morning to the moon sparkling across the water so bright that at first I thought it was a spotlight from a passing boat. Tons of boats coming in now to get set in case they call the herring fishery is called today. So scenic. Everyday they are testing the roe, measuring the fish, getting ready for the next call. Amazing that such tiny fish can be such a big haul money-wise for so many fishermen. Photos here.... go to mysitka.com and see photos! Well, time is short today, so on my way. Have a wonderful day!

Tuesday, March 22, 2005 3/22/05: Boy, life is so busy these days. Amazing that we have all these wonderful tools that are supposed to make things work faster, and they do, but then we find yet another way to fill the void of free time and somewhere along the way what we find becomes critical enough that we no longer have "free" time... Been busy trying to get ready for the season.

So much to do. Got to get hold of owners and see if they are willing to put combo locks on their doors, as opposed to having to chasing keys all summer. Trying to get insurance on my vacation rental in Florida-what a pain. The minute I mention short-term rental, no one wants to talk to me. Don't understand as it has been my experience that the short term renters take better care of places than the long-term. Oh well.

Crazy week with the grandkids being out of school. Somewhere along the line I got committed to helping bus everyone everywhere, not that I mind, but time is short these days. They (the grandkids) are having fun, though. I'm glad. LOVE having Ash stay with me during the day, she's such a sweetie. My last grandbaby is already 4, tears. Got so much to do on My Sitka Lodge. Flowers to plan for yard, want to paint this metal bin-freezer, whatever the heck it is. It is soooo tacky looking. Understand that it is needed for the fishermen to keep fish in, but something has to be done with its appearance. Thinking I will paint it French country blue, then plant Clematis in front and maybe morning glory, they say that is a very fast grower. Thinking about putting garden on top... I'd probably get more done if I wasn't always looking out my window to see whales and sea lions. The herring are in and with them all the wildlife comes to feed. Saw about 30 sea lions yesterday right in front of the house. The coolest thing was, I was out shooting photos when all at once a ton of eagles came up trying to get the tidbits, I guess that the sea lions were leaving in the water. Then... the sea lions put into jumping trying to catch the eagles legs. Got some great pictures, never seen that before.

Was talking to an owner yesterday and suddenly she hollered over the phone, oh my god, look at the whales... She's way up high on a mountain and looks down to the waters in front of My Sitka Lodge and can see whales, even though I cant. But I turned and looked and there right in front of my place is several tales diving down... cool. No photo of course. Okay, well, this is my spouting for the time being. Lots to do. Have a wonderful day!

Thursday, March 03, 2005: This exciting Alaskan life... Okay, so this is my first blog. Bare with me as I muddle through figuring out exactly what I want to do with it. What do I want to do with it... my life is so varied... my interests are so varied... it'll be interesting just seeing how it turns out. I plan to share info about Sitka, Alaska, the MOST beautiful place in the world. I plan to share my vacation rentals, the most WONDERFUL places to stay in Alaska and I plan on sharing my family, the MOST wonderful family in the world. So there. I'll be back.

September 11, 2006: Well, it's been a very busy summer! Sorry that this is the first in a while I've been able to blog, but you know how it is. One of my biggest struggles has been finding a way to not spend quite so much time sitting on my.. well, you know. With that in mind, I tried to get out doors as much as possible this summer, which meant NOT sitting in front of the computer.

It was a very wet summer, that's for sure, but I didn't see that stopping anyone from having a good time. With not enough sunshine to bring the berries out, the bears were scrounging for food. Made me a little hesitate to go hiking. Especially when I'd go to a hiking trail and see the posted notes from the forest service, "Bear have been seen here today, then it would have the date, such as, June 12th, 2006. Normally that's all they'd say, but this year, beside it would be hand written, and 13th, 14th, 15th, 16th and so on. They got tired of doing new signs every day.

One thing of interest; Sitka was listed as "One of 12 Great Places To Live That You Might Not Have Heard Of". Click here to read the Sitka Sentinel article. I thought that was very cool. I've always felt that way. Sitka has natural beauty beyond compare, but it's the people that make it a nice place to live year-round.