Corky and the Alaskan Gold Digger

By Bill Richardson

Alaskan gold can occur in many ways: as a shiny nugget, a reward for helping others, or by doing a worthwhile project!

Corky finds gold by flying emergency gear to the tsunami damaged City of Kodiak while dealing with an oncoming Pacific storm!

Mark attempts to fly two nurses to devastated Seward in marginal visibility that is created from the same turbulent weather system!

Corky and Marian want to rescue four people from hypothermia because a new pilot did not follow any of the cardinal rules of flying. He crashes his airplane in a remote part of Alaska during sub-zero weather that risked the lives of his family.

How did Carver find his gold?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Bill Richardson
• Release date: Dec 13, 2015
• ISBN: 9780996986427

Bill Richardson

BILL RICHARDSON, winner of Canada’s Stephen Leacock Memorial Medal for Humour, and former radio host, has written several highly acclaimed books for children. They include The Aunts Come Marching, illustrated by Cynthia Nugent, winner of the Time to Read Award; After Hamelin, winner of the Ontario Library Association’s Silver Birch Award; and The Alphabet Thief, illustrated by Roxanna Bikadoroff, named among New York Library's Best Books for Kids. Bill lives in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Book preview

Corky

and the

Alaskan

Gold

Digger

The fourth book of the

Alaskan Adventure Series

The Alaskan Adventure Series books can be read in any order.

There isn't any sex, cussing or violence in the books!

Other books by Bill Richardson

First book:

"Corky’s Courage

An Alaskan Adventure"

(An airplane crash survival story now being used as a guide.)

Second book:

Corky and the Alaskan Oldtimer

An Alaskan Adventure Mystery

(Who is Nels the gold miner?)

Third book:

Corky and the Alaskan Quake

A Suspense Novel

(Some happenings just before and during the Big Earthquake.)

My many thanks go to Rene', Noralee, Vicki, Jean, and to the many others for their ongoing contributions and support to get this fourth book in the Alaskan Adventure Series completed.

The books are based on my Alaskan experiences and adventures as a former pilot, survival instructor, search and rescue navigator, teacher, outdoorsman, sailor, and so on and on!

The characters are composites of people I personally was involved with or knew about. The events are also composites of activities I actually was involved in, or heard about.

The Alaska information is accurate.

This is a work of fiction and therefore the names and any resemblances to persons, living or dead, or to any business, or aircraft numbers are entirely coincidental.

I'm solely responsible for the contents in this novel.

Copyright 2015 by William C. Bill Richardson

Second Edition: July, 2016

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form without permission.

Smashwords ebook ISBN: 978-0-9969864-2-7

Smashwords Edition, License Notes This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Table of Contents

See an unfamiliar word? Check the Glossary

Prologue

Chapter 1 The Papers

Chapter 2 Sleep

Chapter 3 Ninilchik

Chapter 4 Kodiak

Chapter 5 Island Hopping

Chapter 6 Special Flight Rules

Chapter 7 Bumpy Seldovia

Chapter 8 Judy

Chapter 9 Hospital

Chapter 10 The Proposal

Chapter 11 The Plans

Chapter 12 The Survey

Chapter 13 Carver's Change

Chapter 14 Cessna Search

Chapter 15 The Rescue

Chapter 16 A Detour

Chapter 17 Lime Village

Chapter 18 The Return

Chapter 19 The Lessons

Chapter 20 Congratulations

Chapter 21 Gold Maps

Chapter 22 Round Lake

Chapter 23 The Digger

Chapter 24 Gold!

Prologue

The Big Quake of Alaska literally shook the world and affected people in a variety of ways.

Not surprisingly, the tragic event brought out the basic kindness of most people towards others as their responses became an immediate part of daily living in Alaska.

Whether people gathered in a remote off-the-road area, which is known as Bush Alaska, such as Seldovia, Kodiak, Ketchikan, Chenega, or at any on-the-road spot like Homer, Valdez, Seward, Hope, and Anchorage they were quick to offer any support they could.

Everything imaginable was shared or given by individuals, families and groups to ease the pain and the process of recovery.

Amateur radio (HAM) operators kept their systems operating on the air twenty-four hours a day for several days; airplane pilots volunteered flying time and planes to do aerial surveys and to transport goods like cloth diapers that had been put in gift boxes.

The volunteers also needed support, but that didn't stop them from helping others.

Chapter 1 The Papers

The big quake caused the end of the Homer Spit to sink six feet damaging buildings, vehicles, equipment, and destroyed the small boat harbor. The high tides of the Spring season would be the next danger as the Spit would be flooded time and again causing even more damage.

Some of the folks who lived on the other side of Kachemak Bay and were in Homer visiting or to conduct business were now stranded. They didn't know for sure what damage had occurred on the end of the Spit because the road was washed out.

Several visitors were able to get to the familiar Runway Cafe' to wait for their friends or family who were going to pick them up and provide a place for them to stay.

Not far down the road at the base of the Spit a crew was trying to build a passable road from the mainland out to the end of the Spit.

When word reached the Runway Café that the road workers needed something to eat everyone volunteered to help prepare two dozen lunches.

Corky, who had just flown her airplane in from Anchorage, volunteered with her boyfriend Mark, also a pilot, to wash and dry the dishes, pots and pans. Marilyn, the waitress directed all the helpers to get the food ready as soon as possible.

It was dark before an old dust-covered panel truck pulled up to get the meals and take them to the road crew. Slowly, a white haired pot-bellied driver who was just one of hundreds of Alaskans who tirelessly worked during the quake's aftermath got out of the truck. The man went to the back end where he opened the two rear doors.

When the food boxes were brought out a few at a time he carefully placed them on the floor and on top of each other. When the task was finished he flipped both doors shut with a loud bang.

The weary man thanked everyone and slowly moved to the driver's side. Finally, he got in and slammed the door closed, causing the fenders to rattle, but they didn't fall off.

The old engine started and the pale headlights blinked on, but they barely lit the ground in front of the truck. Soon the grinding of gears filled the air, and the dusty vehicle growled its way to the rough road and drove off.

At the Cafe' Corky finished drying the last pot Mark had washed and placed it in a cupboard with the other metal ware. As she was carrying a stack of plates to put away a tired Marilyn stopped Corky with a few mumbled words.

I'm not sure what you said Marilyn. Was it something about 'in the morning'? Corky asked.

"Yeah it was. Sorry, I'm getting so tired I didn't realize I was talking out loud. I think we might take a few more minutes of this exciting day and keep ourselves from more grief in the morning. Instead of putting the dishes back on the shelves where they can fall off during one of these aftershocks, let's put them into some boxes on the floor.

Bubba, would you pull down the spices and anything else you see that could fall? The last thing we need is to discover we have another spilled mess like we had a few hours ago when the big one hit!

There are empty boxes in the storage area. I'll get them, Mark offered as he scurried away.

Thanks Mark. The rest of us can start pulling things off those shelves. Corky, I'm a tad bit taller than you are so how about I start handing things to you and you put them on the counter?

The four worked as quickly as their tired minds and bodies would allow. After a few minutes all the items from the open shelves were sorted and put into the cardboard boxes. The containers with the breakfast items were sat by the preparation area and stove for easy access in the morning. Most of the boxes of dishes and kitchen items were placed under the two tables by the counter.

A woman at the front door called out, Marilyn! Our ride's here and we're going to go now, but we will be in touch with you. Thanks again for being so quick to feed all of us and the road crew. You are an absolute angel and we won't forget you.

The two women hugged each other and she called back from the door, And thanks to you Corky, Mark and Bubba.

Thanks to ya'll for helping out, Marilyn called out into the dark night. Sure ya'll got friends and family to set you up for a day or two?

Yep! Take care! the lady answered as she helped her friends get into a big four-door Buick. Its white headlights sent a short and comforting beam onto the road.

Marilyn closed the door and locked it. While turning around to face her friends she stated with a very tired voice, "That's Bessie Tilton and family. They live on the other side of the Bay. Their boat got washed from the harbor and stranded them.

Well folks, looks like we're done for the day, and it's getting pretty late. Thanks for your work. Bubba, you're a real champ! Corky and Mark, you come tomorrow and have a free lunch.

Thank you, but no thanks, Corky said as Mark nodded in agreement. "We're just glad we could help and I'm sure tomorrow and in the near future we all will be busy. No doubt there will be more emergency flying for Mark and me.

I feel the ground's still shaking once in a while so sleep may be impossible, but we all need to try and get some. Does either of you need a ride?

Bubba shook his head as he put on his coat and a fur cap, and then he helped Marilyn get into a winter coat before she responded, "I'm fine.

You young folks take off. As soon as this great cook walks out the door I'm outta' here!

Immediately, Corky and Mark grabbed their coats and headed out the rear door into the black night. Without a word they grabbed the other's hand and carefully walked over to their airplanes. In a few minutes they had inspected the tie downs to be sure they were secure.

Just as another tremor shook the area Corky excitedly announced, "Omigosh! I forgot that I'm supposed to sign papers at Trooper Isaac's office. Lucinda Miranda's son, Tyson, needs to learn his stealing has to stop, especially stealing his aunt's valuable Alaska art work. It will be a tough lesson for him to learn. I better get over there now and get them signed.

Then I'm going home and check my cabin. If my telephone isn't working in the morning shall we meet at daybreak at your place Mister Mark?

Sounds like a plan to me Miss Corky. Do you need moral support at the Trooper's?

"No thanks. I'll be fine and mighty glad to get that art thief stuck behind bars.

Oh, if either one us has a working telephone we should call Cora and Marian, Corky added as she unlocked her pickup door.

The ground was still shaking slightly as the two hugged and kissed goodbye.

As Corky started her truck she recalled that the Isaac, the Trooper had his office in a room at the back of his house.

Isaac is probably not there and is out dealing with earthquake issues, but his wife might know where those papers are. I know she answers the office phone sometimes, Corky thought.

"The snowy ground is just scattered with leafs and twigs. One might think they were driving over a long unused back road in a horror movie!

"Even the jumbled ice, what there is left of it on Beluga Lake, looks dirty and messy. There are a few spots with electric lights so more places are getting their power restored.

"The lights at Bobby's garage are lit and his truck is out front. He's usually closed at this late hour so no doubt he's busy. I won't stop and visit.

"Oh no! There goes someone's scared dog. I wonder how many cats are frazzled and how many dogs are spooked?

And what about the birds? I remember Mom telling us kids that birds feel earthquakes before a person does. One time she said she heard a flock of chickens making weird cackling sounds as they ran out of their coop into an open spot. A quake hit the area and when it stopped they didn't move for a few minutes then ran back into the coop.

Corky traveled on Lake Street to the four-way stop of East End Road and Pioneer Avenue. The Highway Department lot was on the uphill side of the intersection.

"Uh oh! I don't see the old road grader, any of the trucks, or road equipment. Lights are shining in the garage and every shed, in the office, and even from those tall yard lights. These folks are working late and I bet they don't realize so many lights are on, although it'll be a welcome sight for them when they get back. They're good hardworking guys.

"George's Food-town is lit up on the inside, but the parking lot is dark.

"Wow! The street lights just flickered on, well some of them did. No doubt those light poles got whipped back and forth.

And the service station is open! I better fill up the tank right now.

Corky ran across the black rubber hose that always stretched from the building and across the gravel pad to the concrete island where the gas pumps were located. As the hose got pinched, the change in air pressure activated a clanger arm in the garage that hit a round bronze bell. The result was a loud clunk that could be easily heard, but not the ringing peal like that of a church bell.

Every tire caused a clunk so at times there were more than four clunks alerting the attendant.

Jerry rushed out to the driver's side of Corky's truck and arrived just as she came to a complete stop while rolling her window down to talk to him.

Hi, Corky! How you doing? Need a fill up? Oil checked? I'll clean the windshield as I'm pumping the gas, Jerry said in his quick and polite way.

Fill'er up Jerry. The oil is fine and don't worry about cleaning the windshield. It'll be dirty before I go two more miles. How are you and your family? Any damages?

"Nope, but the wife's family out on East End Road lost their house. It was a real old place and crumbled to the ground. Maybe now we can build them a better one.

"George Herringen's old mom suffered a heart attack during the quake. She's now in the hospital. Isaac, the Trooper, happened to be driving by their house so George flagged him down. Because the ambulance was on an emergency call elsewhere, Isaac brought her into the hospital. I heard she's doing fine. I'll bet they're busy up there.

"Fortunately, my underground fuel tanks were filled a few days ago. So far no leaks! I've plenty of fuel for my customers as long as I have electricity.

How have you been Miss Corcoran?

Mark and I are busy as always. The Runway Café provided lots of free box lunches for the crew working at the base of the Spit Road. Any news on what's happening out at the end of the Spit?

No, Jerry replied. "I can only speculate what it must be like out there. I heard that many of the buildings got damaged and cars were flooded. It's good there's no Spring storm right now or what a greater mess it could be out there. The phone's on the fritz most of the time so I don't get a lot of calls.

"I can get an Anchorage radio station most of the time. They got hit really hard. The announcers are sending out messages about who