The ice covering Kuskokwim River officially broke this morning just before 9am. This is exciting news for most of the Y-K Delta as it means the beginning of subsistence fishing and summer recreation. For me, it means getting to experience another side of the surprisingly complex world that is Bethel and her people.
This year's "Breakup" has been fairly anti-climatic as we had an unusually cold winter, but precipitation totals were significantly lower than in previous years. About a week ago, a large area of open water was visible on the far bank of the river, but the ice on the city side (and the tripod marking the official break-up for the "Ice Classic") remained relatively intact.
It was interesting to visit the river in the days leading up to the break up. It seemed everyone was waiting in eager anticipation of the break. People were lining up trailers loaded with watercraft for the first chance to get out on the water and even at midnight, there were people walking and cars driving along the riverbank to check on the river's status.
Last night Bethel celebrated the river's break with the big Breakup Bash! A free BBQ was provided (Kid1 treated us beforehand to Subway with her Talent Show winnings!) and some decent live music was performed. It seemed like nearly everyone I knew in town was there! The kids were running around with their friends and J and I were able to socialize with ours. Unfortunately, the ice wasn't cooperating as the tripod was still sitting downriver about 200 yards and little, if any, ice could be seen moving. We all had a great time and we're looking forward to exploring more of our new home!
1 comment:
I'm so bummed...I missed the breakup party.
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