Over a half century ago, John Swiss acquired a remote property on the far shore of Cook Inlet 100 air miles southwest of Anchorage. Polly Creek is a place of dreams. With a backdrop of snow-draped peaks, razor clam beds stretch out from the cabin's front door, salmon race through nearby seas and fresh brown bear tracks pockmark the sand at his doorstep. Moose and bear, beaver, eagles and whales are his neighbors. Over the years, he has trapped, fished,...