On our way to the Kennecott Mine in the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Peggy and I stopped at the ranger's station in Chitina, AK to get our bearings. Chitina (pronounced chitnah) is on the banks of the Copper River near where the Chitina River flows in from the east. We got oriented and got an invitation to the town's Cabbage Festival that first weekend in September. The fixings included a pork roast and smoked salmon tasting. The Copper River is noted for its delicious salmon.

The winning cabbage weighed in at 39 pounds and was grown by Marvin VanBuskirk. When asked about his secret methods - Marvin demured to disclose them. One helpful scalliwag suggested that they were surely based on his manure spreading abilities.

Carla Gendorf's entry was quite handsome with its fresh green colors and weighed in at 24 pounds.

Alan Robertson's staggering entry was the subject of much speculation and discussion and scrutiny.

The judges were quite perplexed by Mr. Robertson's entry. There were some uncharitable rumors that the entry had been brought in on the back a giant leaping frog from Calaveras County - Calaveras as in California. This would have brought immediate disqualification, since it was "outside" produce. Also, some animal right protesters were already getting their signs together to protest the inhuman treatment of frogs, when cooler heads prevailed.

The entry was not disqualified, rather it was not accepted by the committee. Since Mr. Robertson was unable to lift the cabbage onto the scales all the other cabbages were weighed on, it was deemed that it would not have been fair to the other entrants.

We had a wonderful time - enjoying the local hospitality, yummy food and meeting new folks. Thank you!

Click below for details of trip:
Introduction
Itinerary
Chitina Cabbage Festival
Northern Lights
Portfolio
Wildlife