Buying guns

Sunday 5 September 2010


Buying guns

Woke early and hit the road toward Soldotna, no plan. Explored Bird Point en-route. Great place to view the Bore Tide, maybe Tuesday. This the only place in Alaska to have a Bore Tide. Looked around for a lunch spot by the Kenai River, poked down some narrow roads, came across some fishermen well armed, one had a huge handgun strapped across his chest, must have been an 8in barrel 9mm or bigger.

“Land of Living Trees” was closed, that was so disappointing, as that is where we bought out hand carved Bear last time. This was the first sign of the Tourist Season closing, as this was the first Sunday closed in 3 months, new Winter hours. Had a look inside, did the photo thing, some carvers were working in a back shed, had a chat and went into Soldotna, looking for Fred Myer.

Fred Myer, now this is a department store, where you can buy your groceries, undies and a 50 calibre hand gun in one place. Josh and I left the girls to seek out our hit list of food, now that we knew how much storage was left from the last shop, while we checked out the guns. The guy on the counter let Josh handle a Glock 17, my last pistol in the AFP, and a 50 calibre 10inch barrel hand gun, this thing was awesome. He informed us if you’re a local, you can purchase hand guns, but anyone can buy a riffle of any size, “did I want one?” , no paperwork, no licenses, you can have as many guns and ammo as you like. I recalled the fisherman earlier, yes they do wear their guns around here. The sign on the Bank simple says,” no guns inside, please”.

We bought a toy for camping, a BB Gun and 2500 rounds, for $10, though there was a nice BB/Slug gun pump action for $39, but it was keeping Linda in a comfortable space with our choices.

Headed back toward Seward and headed out to where the locals go, as it was a long weekend (Labor Day) here, concerned it would be busy and we weren’t disappointed, as we grabbed the last pull-in by Skilak Lake, some 5 miles off the highway on a very average dirt road. Lots of fishermen, the boat ramp area was full, the soft sided tents area was full as well. Mmmm, soft sided camping in a wild-life protection area, with bears.

Enjoyed sunset at the lake, and then a long long twighlight, shot some photo’s and the BB Gun. At bed time, the quiet old foggies next to us, opened up their pick-up truck doors and at full volume played Country Music, reminded me of “Deliverance”. I was going to ask if they would turn it down, but that gun counter at Fred Meyer replayed in my mind, and I knew I was now only packing a BB Gun. The Ear Plugs helped.

Weather: Showers out of Anchorage, fine and sunny Soldotna.

Low 40’s cool night Mid 60’s

Wildlife: Red Squirrels, Loons and Locals.

O/N : N60 28.257

          W150 28.027