Seward daily gateway., 1923-08-25
RENAL, THE BEAUTIFUL,
 A TOURISTS PARADISE

A trip down beautiful Lake Kenai, made this week by a representative of the Gateway, revealed wonder land of inconceivable beauty, right at Stewards doorway. AS is often the case, the greenest fields are the far thest away, and few Sewardites real ize the scenic grandeur awaiting the traveller taking boat at Roosevelt for the foot of the lake, 231a miles dis tant. The lake is narrow, but very deep, and the little gatboat Kenai bears the traveller between lofty hills rising sheer from the waters edge to a height of thousands of feet. The pelucid waters of the lake blend har- moniously with the blues, grays and browns of the mountains, topped with glaciers and snow clad peaks, and at each turn new vista is revealed.
 Some of the most wonderful fishing in Alaska is to be found here, rain bow trout, lake trout and whitefsh being caught in unlimited numbers, while bears and sheep are to be seen from the deck of vessel at frequent intervals.
 The writer took passage on the gas boat Kenai, Capt Louis Bell. and was conveyed to the residence of the boat owner, commodious and pretty log structure on point overlooking Snug Harbor, at the point where the Kenai river begins. MT. Bell is an old-time western Texas cowpuncher who rode for the KIT and other brands in Texas, and becoming tired of the Southland came to Alaska. He has lived in the vicinity of lower Ke- mai for the past ten years, and is a splendid boatman, hospitable to fault, and we'll acquainted with the big game of the district He carries freight and passengers from RoOse- welt to points on Kenai Lake and the upper river, and also furnishes guides and information for hunting parties. MT. Bell has fine garden and neat home, his latchsring being always out tor the travelling public. MT. Bell built the first cabin on the lake in 1910. He was formerly connected WiJh the Forestry Service at Roose- welt, and lived at one time at the mouth of Russian river, but removed to Kenai lake to engage in boating. He has entertained more notable people than any man on the lake. his busi- ness bringing him into contact with men of all ranks and degrees, includ- ing the nobility of Europe.
 Henry Lucas, another old timer and we'll known guide, lives at Skilak lake where he was engaged in fox farming, until recently. He has lived in this vicinity for many years.
 Stephen Melchoir, a veteran of the Franco-Prussian war, also lives on Skilak lake. He is engaged in mining and ranching. MT. Melchoir has three tanned moose, one of which, Tommy, is broke to harness. MT. Melchoir is a great lover of wild life and collects these animals whenever possible
 Robert Seifort, an old timer, has a ranch and homestead near Schooner bend.
 John J. Jackson is operating the old Dad" Youngs property near Skilak He has an auto which is used to car ry freight from Cooper's Landing to his place. At the present time, his brother-in-law, Dr. Quinn, a physician and surgeon of note, is visiting with him.
 MT. and Mrs. Bishop are engaged in fox farming on Skilak lake, near Rus sian river They report an increase of nineteen pups to their silvers and black foxes.
 Harry Brown has a homestead at the head of the rapids on kenai riv- CT, and is erecting a new building. He traps. ranches and has nice place
 MT. Brown Js q Philippine war and World war veteran.
 ,Luncan Little, a we'll known pio- neer and guide, is located at cooper Landing. He has one of the finest | gardens ih the district, growing ev- cry known vegetable in profusion
 Charles Lane, Tom Donohoe and | Frank Towles also live at the landing and have neat homes and fine gar ieas Mrs. Lane is a fine cook and |