Delicious Alaskan Salmon Dip Recipe

Here's a great dip idea to be used with the Salmon you just caught in the Kenai River (or anywhere else)! You can use this with sockeye (red) salmon, silver, or king. You can even used canned if you'd rather; it tastes terrific with any salmon. Take it to your next party or serve as an appetizer at your own!



Salmon Dip

From: Diamond M Ranch, B&B, Cabins & RV Park

2 c. Salmon (drained, if from jar)
1 8oz cream cheese
1 T lemon juice
2 t. grated onion
1 t. prepared horse radish
¼ t. liquid smoke, optional*

Chill after mixing with mixer. Jalapeños are a good addition for some.


*If you use smoked salmon, omit this ingredient.

2010 (Updated) List of Free Guided Hikes - We Love Our Alaska Mountain Splendour!

Love hiking Alaska and planning to be in the area this summer?  You are welcome to join us as we take other Alaskan visitors on some wonderful guided mountain hiking experiences.  Please visit www.DiamondMRanch.com or call 907-283-9424 for more details. 

Monday, June 7, 11:45 a.m. Hike Skyline Trail - If it is a beautiful day, this mountain climb provides excellent views of the area. It is a 1 hour drive, 3 hour hike, 1 hour return drive home, the first to sign-up get vehicle transportation ($5). Pack a lunch and water.

Tuesday, June 15, 11:45 a.m. Hike Mt. Marathon - This is the famous July 4th race annually in Seward. We go halfway up this steep mountain climb. 2 hour drive, 2-3 hour hike, 2 hour drive return home; first to sign-up get vehicle transportation ($5). Pack lunch, water, snacks.

Monday, June 21, 11:45 a.m. Hike Mt. Marathon - This is the famous July 4th race annually in Seward. We go halfway up this steep mountain climb. 2 hour drive, 2-3 hour hike, 2 hour drive return home; first to sign-up get vehicle transportation ($5). Pack lunch, water, snacks.

Monday, June 28, 11:45 a.m. Hike Mt. Marathon - This is the famous July 4th race annually in Seward. We go halfway up this steep mountain climb. 2 hour drive, 2-3 hour hike, 2 hour drive return home; first to sign-up get vehicle transportation ($5). Pack lunch, water, snacks.

Monday, July 5, 11:45 a.m. Hike Hideout Lookout – Skilak Lake Road - One hour drive, one hour hike, one hour drive home. This is gradual/easy climb with beautiful views; the first to sign-up get vehicle transportation ($5). Bring snacks and water.

Friday, July 9, 9:30 a.m. Hike Russian River Falls - 1 hour drive, 1-2 hour hike, 1 hour drive return home. This 4 mile roundtrip hike takes you to watch the salmon jump the falls. (Easy stroll) First to sign-up get vehicle transportation.($5) Bring water, snacks.

Monday, August 2, 10 a.m. Hike Skilak Lake Lookout - This beautiful, scenic hike is 4 miles roundtrip. We will depart by vehicle to trailhead. 1 hour drive, 2 hour hike, one hour drive return home; first to sign-up get vehicle transportation ($5). Pack a lunch and water.

Monday, August 9, 10:00 a.m. Hike to Juneau Falls - This beautiful, scenic hike is 8 miles roundtrip. We will depart by vehicle to trailhead. It is a 1 hour drive, 4 hour hike, 1 hour drive return home; the first to sign-up get vehicle transportation. ($5) Pack a lunch and water.

The Alaska HOG Rally is Coming to the Diamond M Ranch Resort!

Motorcyclists in Alaska are a special group.  Not able to ride for much of the snow-covered winter, as soon as the white stuff thaws, everybody with a bike gets on their bike.  One of my children's greatest joys is to be the first to spot a motorcycle zooming down the highway.  We have our fair share of tough looking leather-clad  motorcyclists, but the cool thing about Alaska is that they'll always be sure to give your kids a big smile and a friendly wave, when parked next to you at a stoplight.   

The Diamond M Ranch Resort is happy to be hosting this year's state HOG Rally, June 10-12, 2010.  We are bursting at the seams during the days of the Rally, and looking forward to helping our guests have a wonderful time! 

Cow Chip Triathalon - Matti's Farm Fundraiser at the Diamond M Ranch

Matti’s Farm Fest Solstice Music Festival-------Cowchip Triathlon June 19th!

I would like to introduce you to a unique competition, Matti’s Cowchip Triathlon. This three phase event will be held on June 19 (Solstice) at the Martin Ranch on KBeach Road in Kenai.

It is named in memory of Matti Martin who was tragically killed last year at the Ninilchik Fair. Matti participated in the Triathlon in 2009, posting the fastest time. True to Matti’s farm-boy toughness, he ran the entire race barefoot.

This year’s Triathlon will be held in conjunction with the Solstice Music Festival held each year at the Martin’s Diamond M Ranch. The three segments of the Triathlon will all be held within the Ranch boundaries and will not be using any paved surface. There is a Children Triathlon, Triathlon for Youth and Adult Triathlon. Triathlons for the entire family - come join the fun!

Swimming/Water Leg:

Course will be on an above ground pool, measuring 40’ by 80’

Contestants will use inner tubes in a seated or prone position while completing this leg of the race. Some tubes will be provided, though, it is recommended to bring your own. Size of the tubes need to be appropriate to the athlete’s weight and height.

Length of the course will vary depending on age: 10 and under: four lengths Start time: 1pm

11 to 16: six lengths Start time: Approx. 2pm

17 and up: eight lengths Start time: to follow

Biking Leg:
The course will be marked around the inside of the Martin’s cow pasture.
Each lap will be approximately ½ mile.
10 and under: 3 laps
11 to 16: 5 laps
17 and up: 7 laps

Running Leg:
The same course will be marked around the cow pasture.
10 and under: 2 laps
11 to 16: 4 laps
17 and up: 6 laps

The pool will hold several tubers for a group start. Depending upon number of entries, heats will be seated before each race. Transition areas will be clearly marked. Parent assistance during transition is allowable for the younger age group.

Entry Fee: Cost for having too much fun at this Triathlon will be $20 per entry. Family teams will receive a discount of $5 dollars off for each entry in the “under 10” event, provided another “member” competes in an older age group.
Relays: Groups of individuals can enter as a relay, with each doing one leg of the Triathlon. Cost of a relay team will be $45 per team.
Proceeds for this event and the entire Solstice Festival will be split between the Kenai Peninsula Bed And Breakfast Association, Matti’s Farm fund, and 4H.

Information: Contact John Steckel 398-4398 283-0836

Just Another Day at the Diamond M Ranch Resort (Baby Llama's and Step Mama's)

I was sitting at the computer in the Main Office, typing away, when what do you think walked in?  A newborn llama, that's who.  It's mother didn't make it through the birth, a uterine artery sliced in such a way that there was nothing that could be done to save her.  So, now, the Ranch owners are mothering a little male llama who, might I add, is unbelievably cute.  He padded around the wood floor of the Ranch Office while we were step-mothering him, taking a few moments here and there to perform sprightly little kicks and twists, and then drank his bottle with gusto.

  Here I am, with the llama and a young man who was in the Office as well.  Let me just say that it may be many things, here at the Diamond M Ranch Resort, but the one thing that can never be said is that it's boring. 

Our Two Bald Eagle Mascots for the Year

Sitting in the field.  Guest Michael Scott, hailing from New Mexico, snapped these pictures for us.  Everyone is enjoying the wonderful nest-building show that this pair of eagles is putting on for us, and when the eggs hatch, it's only going to get better.