2019 Alaska Vacation Journal (53)

07/03/2019  No Travel Day - Cook Inlet Low Tide

Start Location:

• Volcano View RV Resort
• 16867 Sterling Hwy, Ninilchik, Alaska 99639
• 907.567-3220

Start Time: N/A

Mileage:  54,324

Cost Per Night: $37.50 USD
Weather: 56 - 68 F Sunny

The sky is very clear this morning; the fire smoke had dissolved nicely. It was super nice have that unobstructed view of Mount Redoubt again. Redoubt is an active stratovolcano in the largely volcanic Aleutian Range.

Low tide was at 10:00 a.m. this morning. In a nutshell, tides are the rising and falling of water levels in relation to the land around it. Tides are the result of the moon’s gravitational pull on the Earth.

We took a walk on the beach (Cook Inlet). The beach was calm because the inlet was closed to charter guides. There really were not any tide pools; however, we did see some sea life – Star Fish, Mussels, Crabs . . . We also found a ton of squawking Seagulls and Bald Eagles searching for fish carcasses.

Today was RV ‘dump day’ again. It takes less than a half hour, so it is not too bad. We spent the rest of the day just relaxing and enjoying the quiet. (The two Asian families with the three noisy nosey boys left earlier in the morning).

Wildlife Spotted: Eagles; Sea Gulls; Dead Fish

Photos from Today’s Walk: 

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal

1. Recuperating / Groceries (52)
2. Halibut Fishing Trip (51)
3. Windy Day in Ninilchik, Alaska (50)
4. Relaxing in Ninilchik, Alaska (49)
5. Travel Day - Soldotna to Ninilchik, Alaska (48)
6. The Hike that Wasn’t (47)
7. RV Parks & Kenai National Wildlife Refuge (46)

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal (52)

07/02/2019  No Travel Day - Recuperating / Groceries

Start Location:

• Volcano View RV Resort
• 16867 Sterling Hwy, Ninilchik, Alaska 99639
• 907.567-3220

Start Time: N/A

Mileage:  54,324

Cost Per Night: $37.50 USD
Weather: 54 - 65 F Sunny

Paul and I are both tired and sore from Halibut Fishing. We drove into Homer to go shopping at the Safeway. It was ‘Senior Day so the place was packed. We were supposed to get a 10% discount; unfortunately, they did not tell us until after we paid. It would have saved us about $6.60 – oh well. (Safeway is super expensive! Missing our Fred Meyer.)

We had lunch at the Keen Kow in Ninilchik.

“Keen Kow Thai Food is a restaurant in Ninilchik, AK. We serve the most authentic and least expensive Thai food on the Kenai Peninsula.” I loved it – sadly it upset Paul’s tummy.

The eagles were gone all morning – it was 4:30 p.m. before two of them flew by. Not sure why they are scarce today.

The ‘Beast’ smelled of beans all day as we observed Taco Tuesday.

We did some planning today – salmon fishing on Friday and a Rainbow Wildlife Cruise to Seldovia next week.

Wildlife Spotted: A big eagle in the water in Homer.

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal

1. Halibut Fishing Trip (51)
2. Windy Day in Ninilchik, Alaska (50)
3. Relaxing in Ninilchik, Alaska (49)
4. Travel Day - Soldotna to Ninilchik, Alaska (48)
5. The Hike that Wasn’t (47)
6. RV Parks & Kenai National Wildlife Refuge (46)
7. Soldotna Chores (45)

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal (51)

07/01/2019  No Travel Day - Halibut Fishing Trip

Start Location:

• Volcano View RV Resort
• 16867 Sterling Hwy, Ninilchik, Alaska 99639
• 907.567-3220

Start Time: N/A

Mileage:  54,324

Cost Per Night: $37.50 USD
Weather: 54 - 65 F Sunny

Got up early to prepare for our Halibut Fishing Trip with Captain Mike Hopley, owner and operator of Alaskan Adventure Charters. Glen was our deck hand. Mike was recommended to us by our friends, Sandy and Dave French.

Mike uses his 48 years of fishing experience, knowledge of the local area, and attention to fine detail to make your Alaskan fishing vacation a dream come true. 

He and Glen lived up to their hype.

Our boat was pushed into the Cook Inlet at 9:00 a.m. We were fishing with Wally and son Anthony; and friends David and Phil. The first area we dropped anchor did not have any fish biting. Therefore, we took the boat about a half an hour west.

We fished there a bit. Then suddenly, the guys were bringing up halibut, left and right. I felt a couple of nibbles but did not catch anything. Before too long, Captain Mike informed the group that we were just one halibut from our limit.

Only Paul and I had our poles in the ocean. Then Paul had ‘fish on.’ I was happily watching Paul fight his fish; when I felt a huge tug on my pole . . . . I waited just a second then reeled in a tad. That did the trick because that halibut was good and hooked.

Captain Mike observed me struggling to wind in the line. He quickly hooked the harness on me so I could use my back as well to reel. We were down about a 180 feet. It was super hard for me to get that twenty-pound fish to the boat but I did it.

I literally waited until the very last moment to hook my halibut – what a fun fishing trip. Mike and Glenn were wonderful. After Captain Mike filleted our three fish, we harvested 27.6 pounds of halibut.

Paul barbecued a piece of halibut for my dinner – it was delicious.

Wildlife Spotted: Sea Gulls; Dog Fish; Halibut; a Dall's porpoise feeding, Chicken with her chicks at the fillet station.

Beautiful Sunny Day

Paul has been looking forward to this trip for awhile

Rack witnesses a successful excursion

Red Arrows indicate our big fish

Paul helped Captain Mike fillet our catch

Black Chicken with her babies

A little brown sugar, garlic and soy – Yummy Halibut

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal

1. Windy Day in Ninilchik, Alaska (50)
2. Relaxing in Ninilchik, Alaska (49)
3. Travel Day - Soldotna to Ninilchik, Alaska (48)
4. The Hike that Wasn’t (47)
5. RV Parks & Kenai National Wildlife Refuge (46)
6. Soldotna Chores (45)
7. Talon Air Bear Viewing / Fishing (44)

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal (50)

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

Start Location:

• Volcano View RV Resort
• 16867 Sterling Hwy, Ninilchik, Alaska 99639
• 907.567-3220

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'

The Beast on Top Off the Bluff

Majestic Bald Eagle

Beach Area Closed to Protect Vegetation

Secluded Pond Proved to be a Breeding Ground for Mosquitoes

View from Oil Well Road

Paul Made Chocolate Chip Cookies

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal

1. Relaxing in Ninilchik, Alaska (49)
2. Travel Day - Soldotna to Ninilchik, Alaska (48)
3. The Hike that Wasn’t (47)
4. RV Parks & Kenai National Wildlife Refuge (46)
5. Soldotna Chores (45)
6. Talon Air Bear Viewing / Fishing (44)
7. Day Trip to Ninilchik, Alaska (43)

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal (49)

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

Start Location:

• Volcano View RV Resort
• 16867 Sterling Hwy, Ninilchik, Alaska 99639
• 907.567-3220

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

Blue Boat - Ninilchik, Alaska

Love Our Clean Windshield

Juvenile Bald Eagle

Tractor Used to Put the Boats in the Water

More Eagle Photos - Cooks Inlet

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal

1. Travel Day - Soldotna to Ninilchik, Alaska (48)
2. The Hike that Wasn’t (47)
3. RV Parks & Kenai National Wildlife Refuge (46)
4. Soldotna Chores (45)
5. Talon Air Bear Viewing / Fishing (44)
6. Day Trip to Ninilchik, Alaska (43)
7. Shopping & Kenai Visitor & Cultural Center (42)
8. Travel Day – Klondike RV Park, Soldotna (41)

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal (48)

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

Start Location:

• Klondike RV Park
• 48665 Funny River Road, Soldotna, Alaska 99669
• 907.262.6035

Start Time: 9:53 a.m.

Mileage:  54,283.8

Weather: 54 - 80 F Sunny

End Location:

• Volcano View RV Resort
• 16867 Sterling Hwy, Ninilchik, Alaska 99639
• 907.567-3220

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

Momma Moose

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

Eagles Enjoying the Wetlands Infront of our RV

Bald Eagle with Eaglet

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

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal

1. The Hike that Wasn’t (47)
2. RV Parks & Kenai National Wildlife Refuge (46)
3. Soldotna Chores (45)
4. Talon Air Bear Viewing / Fishing (44)
5. Day Trip to Ninilchik, Alaska (43)
6. Shopping & Kenai Visitor & Cultural Center (42)
7. Travel Day – Klondike RV Park, Soldotna (41)

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal (47)

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

Start Location:

• Klondike RV Park
• 48665 Funny River Road, Soldotna, Alaska 99669
• 907.262.6035

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

Dandelion – There Are So Many Flowers on The Trail

Start of the Keen-Eye Nature Trail

Momma Grouse is well Hidden in this Tree

Iron Dog from the Bucket Sports Grill

Organic Mac and Cheese

Spot 35 Klondike RV Park

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal

1. RV Parks & Kenai National Wildlife Refuge (46)
2. Soldotna Chores (45)
3. Talon Air Bear Viewing / Fishing (44)
4. Day Trip to Ninilchik, Alaska (43)
5. Shopping & Kenai Visitor & Cultural Center (42)
6. Travel Day – Klondike RV Park, Soldotna (41)
7. Alaska SeaLife Center (40)