Need some ideas

Been awhile since I last visited this group but finally getting back to
normal here after last years July 12th flood in our area. I'm a newbie to
fly fishing as some may remember from my previous posts last year but I have
fished some of the great spots in Montana, Oregon, Idaho and Alaska in the
past. Got the bug again last year and got a couple of new outfits - but
then came the flood and never even opened their cases until just recently.

Well - that's changing and I've been out whipping the hell out of the grass
and even took one of those Orvis (abbreviated) classes. For their help,
both physically and being supportive during our little ordeal, I got fly
rods, reels and accessories as gifts for those that helped us. All of us
being fly-fishing newbie's except one - but we're learning quickly thanks to
a nice gentleman at Timber Creek Sports.

So now I want to have a family picnic and hold the first annual "Make a Fool
of Yourself Fly-Casting Contest". I can think of several contests like
distance casting and accuracy but I want to involve couples as well. For
instance, one spouse teaching the other, so there are two hands on the rod
and casting with the teacher blindfolded and the spouse giving verbal
instructions on where to aim, etc. I think you get the idea for the fun
parts that we can dream up but obviously there are fly-casting contest rules
or guidelines out there that are used for contests. But I haven't found
them.

Anyone know where I can get a set of the rules and/or more ideas for fly
casting contests? Surely some of you have been involved in fun contests
and/or for real fly casting events - no?

We'll be having our picnic in an area where we can cast without any
problems - nice big grassy fields right next to two ponds that are known to
have a fish or two that will bend a rod over and get your attention. Any and
all input will be greatly appreciated.

Also, we're planning on a fishing trip for next year to Alaska. I was there
for almost two years down on the Kenai and I think I could still find my way
to some of the fishing holes on the Russian River and paddle a canoe down
the Kenai to No Name Lake #1, No Name Lake #2....etc. We fished just about
everyplace you could reach by road from Kenai and Anchorage back then but my
brother and brother-in-law are thinking maybe a fly-in location would be the
way to go. Back when I was there, you had to have a side-arm and didn't
need a guide as long as you had attended the Alaska hunting course which
taught you how to get the hell out of a bears way.... But as a visitor now I
think a guide is required for areas considered - wild.

Any recommendations for outfits that you've used there? The trip will not
just be about fly-fishing but also taking along my cameras and sight seeing.
I want to go back and visit some of those locations we camped at back then.
Nothing like opening the flaps on your tent in the morning and looking up to
see Mt. McKinley in all it's glory - one more time.

Thanks,

Bob S.