"One calm summer day my family, Ray, Fred, Charlotte, Ray Jr., Darlene Fitka and I decided to go on a boat ride across to Owl Slough. The weather was great, and it was so warm along the way we stopped at a sandbar and had some snacks. While in Owl Slough we did a little rodding. The water was calm until we got towards the mouth of Owl Slough when we hit a gust of wind. We stopped near the mouth thinking the gust of wind would soon pass. But after a little while it seemed to be getting worse, so Ray thought we should head home before a storm came up.

When we got to the mouth of Owl Slough we were shocked to see how rough it was on the Yukon. Since we had a small wooden boat we were too scared to head directly across the wider part of the river, so we ran along the edge of the Yukon until we got to a narrower part to cross. We were all scared, and I don't remember if we all had life jackets on. At that time I had the kids sit on the floor of the boat with me. Every time we hit a wave I could hear the kids scream. I was pretty scared but tried to remain calm. I also tried to calm the kids.

We finally made it to Goose Island. The trip that was only several hundred yards across felt like it took a whole day to do. As soon as we landed, the kids and I jumped out of the boat to dry out. While we were on the island we had a little snack and the kids played in the sand. I was wondering when it would ever calm down. Ray suggested we head up towards Willow and then go home by that slough.

When we got up around Willow the waters were really calm and we made it home in one piece. From that day on I always thought it wise to take life jackets for everyone in the boat and be prepared for any sudden weather change.

By: Ellen Alstrom

Interviewed by: Fred Alstrom