Sunday, June 30, 2019

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal (50)

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal (50)

06/30/2019  No Travel Day - Windy Day, Ninilchik, Alaska

Start Location:
Start Time: N/A
Mileage:  54,324
Cost Per Night: $37.50 USD
Weather: 55 - 68 F Sunny (20 MPH Winds Clears Some of the Smoke)

It was very windy today – 20 mph. It shook the ‘Beast’ and creating flamboyant "whoosh" sounds.

Since we do not have a sewer hook-up; we had to ‘dump’ this morning. It is an annoying chore, but well worth it considering the fantastic view this RV Park garnishes.

Then we went for a sightseeing drive. We ended up fourteen miles up a gravel road (Oil Well Drive by Anderson); no wildlife in sight.

We did find a beautiful secluded pond. However, when we got out of the car, we were attacked by mosquitoes!!! Paul received two nasty bites (one on the temple & one on his left arm) as he gallantly protected me from the pesky predators. (Later I found out I was not spared – tip mosquitoes are drawn to urine! I got six bites on my butt!)

Wildlife Spotted: Gulls & Eagles

Paul Dumping The' Beast'
Paul Dumping The' Beast'

The Beast on Top Off the Bluff
The Beast on Top Off the Bluff

Majestic Bald Eagle
Majestic Bald Eagle

Beach Area Closed to Protect Vegetation
Beach Area Closed to Protect Vegetation

Secluded Pond Proved to be a Breeding Ground for Mosquitoes
Secluded Pond Proved to be a Breeding Ground for Mosquitoes

View from Oil Well Road
View from Oil Well Road

Paul Made Chocolate Chip Cookies
Paul Made Chocolate Chip Cookies

Saturday, June 29, 2019

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal (49)

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal (49)

06/29/2019 No Travel Day - Relaxing in Ninilchik, Alaska


Start Location:
Start Time: N/A
Mileage:  54,324
Cost Per Night: $37.50 USD
Weather: 58 - 70 F Sunny (Smokey from Swan Lake Fire)

Saturday and our first full day at our Ninilchik Homestead. We took it easy and enjoyed the peace and quiet.

Might not sound too exciting, but we have learned that it is important to take a day or so to regenerate. That way, you are refreshed and able to enjoy your excursions to the fullest.

Since it would soon be the beginning of July, I took this quiet occasion to pay the monthly bills.I found this task difficult as the Bald Eagles and their youngsters flew in front of us all day.

Paul took his time and gave the ‘Beast’s’ windows a good scrubbing. Now I can take photos from inside the RV.

Mike contacted us today and we are scheduled to go out Halibut fishing on Monday. Fingers crossed we actually get out on Monday.

Wildlife Spotted: Eagles and Seagulls

Spot 23 on the Bluff – Volcano View  RV Park
Spot 23 on the Bluff – Volcano View RV Park

Blue Boat - Ninilchik, Alaska
Blue Boat - Ninilchik, Alaska

Love Our Clean Windshield
Love Our Clean Windshield

Juvenile Bald Eagle
Juvenile Bald Eagle

Tractor Used to Put the Boats in the Water
Tractor Used to Put the Boats in the Water

More Eagle Photos - Cooks Inlet
More Eagle Photos - Cooks Inlet

Friday, June 28, 2019

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal (48)

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal (48)

06/28/2019 Travel Day - Soldotna to Ninilchik, Alaska


Start Location:
Start Time: 9:53 a.m.
Mileage:  54,283.8
Weather: 54 - 80 F Sunny

End Location:
End Time: 10:50 a.m.
Mileage:  54,324
Cost Per Night: $37.50 USD
Weather: 57 - 67 F Sunny (Smokey from Swan Lake Fire)

We had an 8:00 a.m. appointment with Dan’s Automotive for an oil change and lube. They got the ‘Beast’ in and out quickly. We were on the road to Ninilchik by 9:50 a.m. and it cost less than the estimate.

Right out of Soldotna, we spotted a Momma Moose with her three calves. My photo of it is terrible as I snapped it through the window as the we drove by them.

It was just an hour trip to our next campsite in Ninilchik. Aside from two construction delays, the journey was uneventful. Campsite 21 is a beautiful spot on the bluff with a dynamite view. Further, the Bald Eagles frequent the wetland and put on quite a show for us. They have two juveniles with them.

We watched as a guide filleted his party’s catch of salmon and halibut. One of the halibuts had just eaten a dungeness crab and it was still whole in its belly! Paul was offered a piece of salmon; he declined. . . . I could have killed him! All in all, another relaxing day in paradise.

Wildlife Spotted: Momma Moose with three calves; birds (Gulls & Crows); Lots of Bald Eagles

Our View for the Next 2 Weeks - Volcano View RV Park
Our View for the Next 2 Weeks

Momma Moose
Momma Moose

The Bald Eagle Is a Bird of Prey Found in North America.
The Bald Eagle Is a Bird of Prey Found in North America.

Eagles Enjoying the Wetlands Infront of our RV
Eagles Enjoying the Wetlands Infront of our RV

Bald Eagle with Eaglet
Bald Eagle with Eaglet

This Halibut Had A Whole Dungeness Crab in His Belly
This Halibut Had A Whole Dungeness Crab in His Belly

Red Sunset at 10:00 p.m. Ninilchik due to Smoke from Swan Lake Fire
Red Sunset at 10:00 p.m. Ninilchik due to Smoke from Swan Lake Fire


Thursday, June 27, 2019

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal (47)

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal (47)

06/27/2019 / No Travel Day - The Hike that Wasn’t


Start Location:
Start Time: N/A
Mileage:  54,282.3
Cost Per Night: $45.26 USD
Weather: 48 - 69 F Sunny (Smoky from the Swan Lake Fire)

We started the day going back to the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. It was our intention to take the two-mile nature hike there. Kenai National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center Hiking Trails consists of several loops, some laid with wood chips, and is under three miles for the largest loop. We started with the short loop which goes around the buildings. We stopped at the Elwell Cabin (an old fishing lodge) and the Andrew Bergs Homestead (used in the 1930’s).

Then we headed down the longer loop, through the Keen-Eye Nature Trail to the Centennial Trail. We did not get more than a couple hundred feet before mosquitoes chased us out. We had lathered in insect repellent, but it did not deter them. What a swarm! It was a shame because the trail was stunning. I suffered a bite on the forehead again.

Since the hiking did not work out; we decided to find Marathon Road. This road leads to industrial sites in what became Alaska’s first modern oil field. The Kenai Airport borders the site to the west. The area is touted to be a great place to view both Caribou and Moose. However, they were not out. We did see a Momma Grouse with her babies. I did not get a good photo, because we scared the birds, and I did not want to perpetuate that fear.

We went to the Bucket Sports Grill for a late lunch. Of course, Paul ordered a Grill Cheese Sandwich. I enjoyed their ‘Iron Dog’ which is Reindeer Sausage smothered in Chili, Cheese, Onions and Jalapeños. They forgot the Jalapeños, but the sandwich was still delightful. I also really appreciated their clam chowder – very thick and meaty.

After stocking up on some groceries at the Fred Myer; I went back to the RV to cook. I made three tins of Organic Quinoa Mac and Cheese; one for dinner and two to freeze. It is always nice to have a quick and easy homemade meal thanks to the leftovers in your freezer.

Wildlife Spotted: Momma Grouse with her young’uns; Momma Duck with her babies; a ton of Seagulls (they are everywhere); two Bald Eagles.

Paul in Front of the Andrew Bergs Homestead
Paul in Front of the Andrew Bergs Homestead

Dandelion – There Are So Many Flowers on The Trail
Dandelion – There Are So Many Flowers on The Trail

Start of the Keen-Eye Nature Trail
Start of the Keen-Eye Nature Trail

Momma Grouse is well Hidden in this Tree
Momma Grouse is well Hidden in this Tree

Iron Dog from the Bucket Sports Grill
Iron Dog from the Bucket Sports Grill

Organic Mac and Cheese
Organic Mac and Cheese

Spot 35 Klondike RV Park
Spot 35 Klondike RV Park

Wednesday, June 26, 2019

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal (46)

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal (46)

06/26/2019 / No Travel Day - RV Parks & Kenai National Wildlife Refuge


Start Location:
Start Time: N/A
Mileage:  54,282.3
Cost Per Night: $45.26 USD
Weather: 48 - 69 F Sunny

We drove around Soldotna today. Our goal was twofold. First, we wanted to check out fishing spots so we would be prepared when the salmon ran and secondly, we wanted to find a campground for when we returned after our two-week stay in Ninilchik.

First, we checked out two city run campgrounds, Swiftwater Park and Centennial Park. Both attendants were very nice and allowed us to drive around to peruse. The parks have access to the Kenai River for fishing. We found sites S2 to S4 at Swiftwater to be a pleasant place to stay. However, both camps have dry sites only and are ‘first come – first serve.’

We ended up booking five days with Lone Moose RV park. Lone Moose is only three years old and very nice. They have access to the Kenai as well. Hopefully, the fish will be plenty when we return.

We started the day at the Soldotna Wednesday Market! JunoSmile greeted us with their wonderful music. The band consists of Jessy Lynn Martens on fiddle, mandolin and electric guitar with husband, Joseph Martens on acoustic guitar, drums and harmonica. They were great.

It was kind of disappointing that the market only had one produce stand and they only carried tomatoes and cucumbers. There were lots of food trucks and other vendors though.

We stopped at the Soldotna dump, because my Alaska App informed that you can sometimes see several hundred eagles at once there. Unfortunately, we only spotted on Bald Eagle amongst the hundreds of squawking sea gulls.

We ended our day with a trip to the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. On the way, I spotted a porcupine crossing the road in front of us. This refuge's purpose is to provide recreational and environmental education opportunities. We hope to return tomorrow for a hike.

Wildlife Spotted: Sea Gulls; Eagle; Porcupine

Us Infront of the Moose Statue at the Kenai National Wildlife Refugee
Us In Front of the Moose Statue at the Kenai National Wildlife Refugee

Jessy Lynn Martens with Husband, Joseph Martens (JunoSmile)
Jessy Lynn Martens with Husband, Joseph Martens (JunoSmile)


Boat Launch at Swiftwater Park
Boat Launch at Swiftwater Park

Barbeque Area at the Lone Moose RV Park
Barbeque Area at the Lone Moose RV Park

Beaver Display at the Kenai National Wildlife Refugee
Beaver Display at the Kenai National Wildlife Refugee

Millions of Sea Gulls only One Eagle (Top Right)
Millions of Sea Gulls only One Eagle (Top Right)

Tuesday, June 25, 2019

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal (45)

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal (45)

06/25/2019 / No Travel Day - Soldotna Chores


Start Location:
Start Time: N/A
Mileage:  54,282.3
Cost Per Night: $45.26 USD
Weather: 48 - 69 F Sunny

Another calm and relaxing day. Our halibut excursion was called off due to fifteen (15) MPH winds (making for rough water).

We were rescheduled for Saturday. That worked out well for us – First because we were sore and tired from the Talon Air Bear Viewing / Fishing trip yesterday and Second, we will be set-up in Ninilchik, where the boat launches.

We did five loads of laundry. Then after lunch, we went to Fred Meyer for groceries.

We also found a perfect little compact barbecue for the RV.

The Nasi Goreng we made for dinner came out nice and we were able to freeze some for a next time.

Wildlife Spotted: None

Gourmet Camping – Nasi Goreng
Gourmet Camping – Nasi Goreng

Cute Sign in the Laundry Room
Cute Sign in the Laundry Room

Washers and Dryers Were Very Expensive Here
Washers and Dryers Were Very Expensive Here


2019 Alaska Vacation Journal

Monday, June 24, 2019

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal (44)

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal (44)

06/24/2019 / No Travel Day Talon Air Bear Viewing / Fishing


Start Location:
Start Time: N/A
Mileage:  54,282.3
Cost Per Night: $45.26 USD
Weather: 51 - 73 F Sunny

We took a thirty (30) minute float plane flight from the Kenai Peninsula to a popular Bear Viewing location, Wolverine Creek with the Talon Air Services. We were paired with one other couple (Amod & Tammy) and our guide. While Paul and I enjoyed this trip. . . . . we were not ecstatic with our guide.

Not sure why, but he did not seem too pleased with me. Snide Remarks, which at first, I thought was just me overreacting. But later Paul stated that he noticed too. The fishing was just okay. Amod hooked four but only brought in one. Ace Fisherwoman, Tammy hooked a few and brought two large salmon aboard. Paul snagged three, but only netted one.

I did not catch anything ☹. Consequently, the guide snagged a salmon and handed me his pole. I was able to reel the fish in. However, I do not consider that a catch for me. Kind of made me feel like he thought that would be the only way for me to catch a fish. The day's fishing was harder for me because I was dead center in the boat and my ability to cast was cramped.

In my novice opinion, our guide moved the boat around, chasing the fish, a bit too frequently. We probably would had done a bit better if we just stayed in one spot longer. Also, our poles were set-up with a single hook. The other group, who caught their limit, were fishing with a “triple dog.”

Paul and I both learned a lot about this type of fishing/snagging, so you could say that we received a fishing lesson as an added bonus.

Regrettably, we really did not do too much bear viewing. We did see two brown bears (in separate locations) on the boat trip to the fishing spots and a big brown bear in the water on the ride back to the float plane. But we did not stick around to watch them very long. 

The bald eagle viewing, however, was incredible! I watched them the entire time I fished. I learned that the baby bald eagles were all brown! I got a photo.

The staff on shore were amazing. Also, the float plane ride was worth the total cost of the event. The view from the air was breathtaking. Paul and I returned to the ‘Beast’ (RV) very tired.

Wildlife Spotted: Bald eagles including a baby; slow bunny; salmon; three brown bears.

We Flew on the Green Trimmed Plane on the Left - Talon Air Services
We Flew on the Green Trimmed Plane on the Left - Talon Air Services

Brown Bear We spotted on the Trip to Wolverine Creek
Brown Bear We spotted on the Trip to Wolverine Creek

Beautiful Bald Eagle Sitting on a Fallen Tree
Beautiful Bald Eagle Sitting on a Fallen Tree

Eaglet Perched on Top of a Tall Pine
Eaglet Perched on Top of a Tall Pine

Paul Reeling in His Salmon
Paul Reeling in His Salmon

Snow Capped Mountains in the Background
Snow Capped Mountains in the Background

Bear We Spotted on Our Boat Ride Back to the Float Plane
Bear We Spotted on Our Boat Ride Back to the Float Plane

Glacier Seen from the Plane
Glacier Seen from the Plane

Alaska Has More Than 12,000 Rivers
Alaska Has More Than 12,000 Rivers

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal

Sunday, June 23, 2019

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal (43)

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal (43)

06/23/2019 / No Travel Day - Day Trip to Ninilchik, Alaska


Start Location:
Start Time: N/A
Mileage:  54,282.3
Cost Per Night: $45.26 USD
Weather: 52 - 77 F Sunny

Since we are leaving our current campsite right before the fourth of July holiday; we decided to book our next sight today. We attempted to call the Ninilchik Volcano View RV Park - the number on the internet was incorrect.

Therefore, we just took a drive out there. Ninilchik’s Volcano View RV Resort is located on the bluff overlooking the volcanoes that line Cook Inlet across from Ninilchik. This location features spectacular views of Illiamna, Redoubt, Spur, Augustine, Deep Creek and the Marine Services Beach Boat Launch.

Lynda, the camp host was very helpful. We were able to book a beautiful Bluff View site for two weeks.

We spotted a Moose leisurely grazing in a meadow just off the Sterling Hwy. Unbelievably, that same Moose was still there on our return trip.

The rest of the day was spent relaxing.

Wildlife Spotted: A Moose (same twice); 

Active Volcano Redoubt - Ninilchik, Alaska
Active Volcano Redoubt
Fish and Clam Cleaning Station - Volcano View RV Resort
Fish and Clam Cleaning Station - Volcano View RV Resort
The Ninilchik River is a 21-mile-long stream on the Kenai Peninsula
The Ninilchik River is a 21-mile-long stream on the Kenai Peninsula


2019 Alaska Vacation Journal

Saturday, June 22, 2019

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal (42)

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal (42)

06/22/2019 / No Travel Day – Shopping & Kenai Visitor & Cultural Center


Start Location:
Start Time: N/A
Mileage:  54,282.3
Cost Per Night: $45.26 USD
Weather: 50 - 70 F Sunny

Paul spent the morning inventorying our fishing gear. In the process, he stripped the bolts out of the back door; so, we needed to fix it. Off to Walmart we went.

As much as I hate shopping at Walmart; they had most of what we needed. I finally found a cell phone necklace holder and only $10.00 to boot. Paul bought a three-tiered bathroom corner caddy. That will triple out bathroom counter space!

On the way back to the RV, we stopped at an outdoor market/ craft fair. They had some nice stuff; only too pricey or too big to carry home. We did buy a nice tomato for tonight’s dinner.

We also stopped by the Kenai Visitor & Cultural Center. As we entered, we encountered the nice couple we talked to at the Marathon Campground Dump Station in Seward.

Then we realized that it was after two and we had not eaten since breakfast. The cashier at Walmart had recommended the Caribou Family Restaurant.

The eatery was deserted; just as we like it. Our service was first-rate, and the food was good. I had breaded fish with sweet potato tater tots. Those tots were the best. The atmosphere of the Caribou reminded us of our favorite café back home (Home Sweet Home).

All in all, just a relaxing day while getting all those pesky small chores done.

Wildlife Spotted: Three bald eagles being chased by a colony of seagulls

Bear (Kenai Visitor Center) - Soldotna, Alaska
Bear (Kenai Visitor Center)

Street Market and Crafts - Soldotna, Alaska
Street Market and Crafts

Loved this Alaska Sea Otter Cape - Soldotna, Alaska
Loved this Alaska Sea Otter Cape

Fish and Chips AKA Sweet Potato Tater Tots - Caribou Family Restaurant, Soldotna, Alaska
Fish and Chips AKA Sweet Potato Tater Tots - Caribou Family Restaurant

New Bathroom Corner Shelf - the 'Beast'
New Bathroom Corner Shelf

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal