Loony Island, Charlie Hamilton’s Place
Big Lake, Alaska
Saturday – Sunday – July 28 – 29, 2018
Clear, 75°
“A journey is best measured in friends rather than miles.”
I have anticipated my return to Alaska for a long time. One of the reasons I was excited to go back was to see Charlie Hamilton and his wife, Holly, whom I have missed during my time away. When I was putting this trek together I contacted Charlie and gave him the tentative dates I would be in the area. He said he would probably be out at the cabin and to plan on staying there.
Charlie and I on Big Lake
For over ten years, I went to “Saturday Breakfast” at the Village Inn in Anchorage. It started out as a way to prepare for the next weeks building schedule when I was working on the UAA Consortium Library. We were busy during the week so I would meet with my foreman on Saturday morning to line out the next week’s work schedule, goals to meet, and prepare the materials order for Monday morning. Over the years after that project was completed, I still had breakfast there and more and more friends joined me. AJ, Michael, and the staff took care of us and welcomed us warmly each week. It became a social gathering each week to drink coffee, tell stories, and enjoy good fellowship with one another. At one time, there were about fifteen of us who met and took up several tables. It was contractors, inspectors, and tradesman stopping by and over the years, as people came and went there were usually about four or five core people who came each week, if we were in town. Charlie was one who came, he was a vender representative and we met many years ago as business contacts. He grew to be one of my best friends over the years.
I would visit Charlie and Holly at their place called “Loony Island.”
Loony Island – Hamilton’s Place
They owned a small island, on Big Lake, with two cabins on it.
Newer Cabin on Loony Island, the other an Old Alaskan cabin with character
“Hamilton’s Place,” as it was also called, became a great getaway place with hospitality, flowing drinks, a nice campfire, and great stories to be shared with everyone.
Island Life on Loony Island (Charlie, Holly, & Sabrina)
Charlie spends much of the year there when not working only pausing during the shoulder seasons when the ice hasn’t formed thick enough to drive on or the spring thaw before you can use the boat once again.
Denali sunset from lake cabin
He enjoys the winter months as well as summer when the lake is more crowded. There are several loons around the island and one can hear their haunting calls around the island both day and night.
Loon around the island
We both have a thing for Flamingos as his island is inhabited by a large flock or two.
Loony Island Flamingos
Placido Flamingo had a chance to visit old friends on the island too for a drink and lively conversation.
Placido Flamingo with friends
Leaving Big Lake I was able to contact one of the people I had previously worked with, Kelly, who met up for a cup of coffee.
Kelly and I together again for a few laughs
We spent some time laughing and catching up on things, including our old boss and his antics. We were only in Anchorage a brief time but I was able to go by Village Inn to see Michael to catch up and see one of the guys I worked with, Clifford, who is a helicopter pilot for the Alaska State Troopers. It was too brief but we keep in touch here and there. I tried to contact my son and granddaughter while there but did not hear from them, so sadly I missed seeing them.
It was great being back for a visit after spending so many years living there. Oddly, it took on a new perspective this time since I am not working there anymore - a lighter, enjoyable time in such a great place.