Crevice Creek AK

[scout88305]

Its been exactly 10 years since I returned from my first flight to AK. I wandered without much purpose or direction and happend upon the most beautiful airstrip up the John River 40 miles north of Bettles. A PA-11 piloted by Ron Hanna flew with me from MN. Bill and Lillian Fickus met us with open arms and hosted us for several days. No scolding for just dropping in. They were true homesteaders. Me and Lill made a mail run. Such great times but sadly, short and difficult windows of opportunity to really satisfy the time I wanted to spend there. I recently came across this website from the University of Fairbanks and was delighted to learn that some of their life stories above the Arctic Circle are preserved.
http://www.jukebox.uaf.edu/GatesN/html/H93-15-63.htm

Bill and Lill have both past on. A son Tim still keeps the place going and I hope to return with his permission sometime. I regret not going back to see his parents. Time can be a small thing.

[Iflylower]

Cool trip. Thanks for the pics.

[aktango58]

Their daughter, Linda, and Grandson Blake were in Juneau for quite a few years. Blake played ball with our son.

I have not made it there yet, but hope to see that country. Linda had lots of cool stories of growing up.

Thanks for the pictures and tales.

[85Mike]

The wife & I were very fortunate to have met Bill & Lill at Crevice Ck. in 2003 while touring the Brooks in our 12. As said above, they were very gracious hosts and their stories of raising a family in there were amazing. Son Tim also dropped in the day we were there. Still on the bucket list is a return trip. May make it this year as the 12 is living in AK.
Mike