Following are thoughts from Sandy and Mark Lang concerning the Carter’s visit.

Sandy:

“It was an honor to have President and Mrs. Carter at our lodge. At first I was nervous knowing I was going to cook for a former President and his wife. Then I realized, after they arrived, that they were no different than any of our previous guests. When the Carters arrived I went to shake hands with President Carter and he said, “Just call me Jimmy” and gave me a hug. I knew then that I could just relax and enjoy the time we had together with them and their eight Secret Service agents. We enjoyed many long conversations with the Carters about family and our mutual Christian background. We were pleased to find them so “down to earth” and easy to talk to.

The Secret Service agents that accompanied the Carters were also a delight to have at the lodge. We expected them to be stiff and not talkative, but they surprised us. They were fun and charming men that kept us laughing for the entire visit-trading their dark suits and sunglasses for flannel shirts and hip boots!

In a letter that came weeks after the Carter’s visit, the President and his wife Rosalyn expressed their deep appreciation for the kind hospitality and wonderful company they found at our lodge. They also expressed their desire to come back again to enjoy more wonderful food, warm hospitality and great Alaska fishing. It was a joy to know that our little Alaskan “Bush” lodge was more than enough to satisfy a President and First Lady of the United States-Jimmy and Rosalyn Carter.

Mark:

After months of being in denial that we should ever enjoy a Presidential visit, the time finally arrived. I wasn’t nervous until the twin engine Otter aircraft came to a stop on our little “bush” airstrip and the door of the plane opened. As the cameras flashed I walked up to the plane and greeted Jimmy and Rosalyn Carter with a handshake and a hug. I found the Carters to be very warm, caring folks who had a love for fishing and the great Alaska outdoors. It was plain from the start that they were here to enjoy some great Alaska fishing. Getting to know the eight Secret Service agents was an unexpected treat. They were steadfast to do their jobs, but at the same time were very friendly, fun, and full of awe for this beautiful part of Alaska. It was obvious from the start that “off duty” time would include wetting a fishing line in the waters nearby.

After lunch the first day Sandy chuckled as I told her I would be flying my “Air Force One” Cessna to a few lakes and streams for some fly-fishing action. The Carters are both accomplished fly fishers and came well equipped for the job. The fishing was great and the company was a delight. As I piloted our float equipped Cessna 206 aircraft through the mountains I glanced over at my co-pilot Jimmy, then back at Rosalyn and one Secret Service agent in the back seats. It was then I realized what a privilege it was to be a pilot and fishing guide for a couple that once held the most prominent political office in the world!

During their stay the Carters continued to amaze me with their fishing skills, physical abilities and yes, their love of the sport. All fish that were caught were quickly and proficiently returned to the beautiful Alaska waters. It was fun to dine with the Carters in the evening and learn about their “humanitarian” works, family and other world adventures. They are an active couple that cares about their fellow man, the environment, and love to fish in Alaska. On their departure day I watched as Jimmy and Rosalyn’s plane faded out of sight-we would miss the Carters. It was then I felt a sense of satisfaction knowing that Sandy and I had successfully shared this “Great Land” with two great people.