Friday, June 21, 2019

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal (41)

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal (41)

06/21/2019 / Travel Day – Klondike RV Park, Soldotna


Start Location:
  • Harbor Side
  • 1118 4th Ave, Seward, AK 99664
  • 907.224.4055
Start Time: 10:00 a.m.
Mileage:  54,185.3
Weather: 51 - 62 F Sunny with Clouds

End Location:
End Time: 2:30 p.m.
Mileage:  54,282.3
Cost Per Night: $45.26 USD
Weather: 45 - 59 F Sunny
Route:
  • 9 North
  • 1 North

We had to make a stop at the Dump Station at the Marathon Campground to lighten our load for travel. The place was packed; but everyone was friendly, helpful and patient.

There was “smoke activity” on the 1 North which made the trip a bit unpleasant. We found out later that all the smoke was due to the Swan Fire.

At that time, the Swan Lake Fire had already burned over 22,000 acres. However, the fire managers largely kept their hands off it. That's because the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge is a congressionally designated wilderness area--that means no private property is at risk. Additionally, they believe that there is valuable ecological succession that occurs during and after a fire.

We made it to the RV Park okay and we were pleased with our host, Al. He is going to help Paul set up our fishing gear tomorrow.

Wildlife Spotted: Just lots of birds . . . . gulls mostly

Map of Seward to Soldotna, Alaska
Map of Seward to Soldotna, Alaska

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal

Thursday, June 20, 2019

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal (40)

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal (40)

06/20/2019 / No-Travel Day – Alaska SeaLife Center


Start Location:
  • Harbor Side
  • 1118 4th Ave, Seward, AK 99664
  • 907.224.4055
End Time: N/A
Mileage:  54,185.3
Cost Per Night: $20.00 USD
Weather: 51 - 63 F 50% Sunny with Clouds

We walked into Seward today . . . . 1.1 miles to the Alaska SeaLife Center. It was really pricey - $65.09 for the two of us. Nevertheless, we really enjoyed the museum. I took a ton of photos. The Alaska SeaLife Center educates the public re: the conditions of the oceans, rescues stranded animals and researches the problems associated with the influences of man on earth.

After lunch in the RV, we went into the other part of Seward. I stopped at the Ranger Station to get a stamp for my National Park Passport. Before returning to the RV, we watched fisherman attempting to snag salmon – interesting way to fish.

After dinner a bald eagle flew low around the bay to entertain us. Then a smaller black bird chased him away. We love nature.

Wildlife Spotted: lots of species at the Alaska SeaLife Center – fish; Steller Sea Lions; Seals; Ducks; Seagulls; Puffins; King Eider; Jelly Fish; Octopus; also a Red Salmon that Landon snagged.

Panoramic Shot of Resurrection Bay
Panoramic Shot of Resurrection Bay
Mermaid House on the way to Alaska SeaLife Center
Mermaid House on the way to Alaska SeaLife Center

My Sentiments Exactly
My Sentiments Exactly

Alaska SeaLife Center
Alaska SeaLife Center

Lots of Fish at the Center
Lots of Fish at the Center

Kuliak, the Steller Sea Lion was Born at the Center
Kuliak, the Steller Sea Lion was Born at the Center

Sea Pens Are Colonial Marine Cnidarians
Sea Pens Are Colonial Marine Cnidarians

Low Clouds Today

The Tufted Puffin is Also Known as the Crested Puffin
The Tufted Puffin is Also Known as the Crested Puffinn

The Harlequin Duck Mates for Life
The Harlequin Duck Mates for Life

Interesting Blue House, Seward, Alaska
Interesting Blue House, Seward, Alaska

Frontier Trading Post Offers Certified Organic and Non-GMO Products
Frontier Trading Post Offers Certified Organic and Non-GMO Products

Creek Next To Our Campground – Runs Into the Resurrection Bay
Creek Next To Our Campground – Runs Into the Resurrection Bay

Landon Snagged a Good-Sized Red Salmon
Landon Snagged a Good-Sized Red Salmon

Lots of Murals in Seward, Alaska
Lots of Murals in Seward, Alaska

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal

Wednesday, June 19, 2019

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal (39)

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal (39)

06/19/2019 / Travel Day – Seward, Alaska


Start Location:
Start Time: 7:35 a.m.
Mileage:  54,057.9
Weather: 48 - 61 F 50% Chance of Rain – Rained A Bit

End Location:
  • Harbor Side
  • 1118 4th Ave, Seward, AK 99664
  • 907.224.4055
End Time: 10:30 a.m.
Mileage:  54,185.3
Cost Per Night: $20.00 USD
Weather: 52 - 66 F 50% Sunny
Route:
  • 3 South
  • 9 South

Found a beautiful spot – facing the mountains and harbor. The sites are pretty big. However, there is a lot of foot traffic and they wander right through your campsite. Harbor Side is just two blocks from the town; no hookups though. We were unlucky enough to camp right next to a camper with a barking dog!

On The Kenai Fjord Dinner Cruise
As soon as we set up camp, we booked a Kenai Fjord dinner cruise. It departed at 3:00 and returned at 8:30 p.m. The pick-up site is within walking distance. We picked the evening tour because we figured there would be less children. Of course, I was wrong. We arrived early and were the second couple in line to board.

Sadly, fifteen minutes before boarding time, they marched a group of children onto the Orca Voyager. Naturally, they marked most of the premium window seats with their backpacks and junk; then sat in the upper deck outside seats!

Although, we were the second couple aboard, we had to grab a cramped window seat in the back – and we were lucky to get it. Then these kids (who were from California) ran up and down the decks and being loud. It made it difficult to hear the captain’s instructions and narration.

But enough complaining. The cruise glided through Resurrection Bay past abundant wildlife and deep into the Kenai Fjords National Park. The Captain Chad’s chronicle was very interesting and on point; Paul and I both learned a lot. We even witnessed chunks of the glacier come crashing down into the bay.

My dinner of crab cakes with Sriracha aioli, roasted corn, jalapeno, onions and cilantro, served with a mixed vegetable salad and dinner roll was a tad scarce but tasty. Paul had the vegetarian patty. We ate while stopped in front of Aialik Glacer. All the adults aboard were very polite and friendly. Everyone had their opportunity to take photos.

Wildlife Spotted: Commorant (bird); Goat; Humpback Whale; Moon Jellyfish; Otters; Puffins; (flying); Seagulls; Seals; Steller Sea Lions.


Anchorage to Seward, Alaska
Anchorage to Seward, Alaska
Scenery on the 3 South Anchorage to Seward
Scenery on the 3 South Anchorage to Seward
Friendly and Colorful Locals
Friendly and Colorful Locals
You Can See the Water Evaporation In the Distance
You Can See the Water Evaporation In the Distance
Humpback Whale – The Breach
Humpback Whale – The Breach
Humpback Whale Waved Goodbye
Humpback Whale Waved Goodbye
Bear Glacier - The Longest Glacier in the Park.
Bear Glacier - The Longest Glacier in the Park.
You could See a Mountain Goat Far in the Distance
You could See a Mountain Goat Far in the Distance
Three Hole Point, Aialik Bay, Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska
Three Hole Point, Aialik Bay, Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska
Aialik Glacier is a Little Over 15 Miles from Seward
Aialik Glacier is a Little Over 15 Miles from Seward
Sea Otter is Endangered in Western Alaska
Sea Otter is Endangered in Western Alaska
My Crab Cake Dinner
My Crab Cake Dinner
Harbor Seals Numbers Have Declined Greatly
Harbor Seals Numbers Have Declined Greatly
View of the Aialik Glacier from the Back of the Orca Voyager
View of the Aialik Glacier from the Back of the Orca Voyager
Holding a Chunk of Glacier Ice – Cold & Heavy
Holding a Chunk of Glacier Ice – Cold & Heavy
The Moon Jellyfish is Translucent and Usually About 10–16” In Diameter
The Moon Jellyfish is Translucent and Usually About 10–16” In Diameter
Steller Sea Lions are the Largest Member of the Eared Seal Family
Steller Sea Lions are the Largest Member of the Eared Seal Family
Beautiful Panoramas Everywhere
Beautiful Panoramas Everywhere

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal

Tuesday, June 18, 2019

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal (38)

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal (38)

06/18/2019 / No Travel Day – Fort Richardson/Ship Creek Overlook


 Start Location:
Start Time: N/A.
Mileage:  54,057.9
Cost Per Night: $50.00 USD
Weather: 48 - 61 F 50% Chance of Rain – Rained A Bit

Another lazy day; in fact, we laid around in bed until eight! It was just that kind of a sluggish rainy morning.

We went in search of the Ship Creek Overlook Park. Somehow, we got turned around and ended up driving up the mountainside into Fort Richardson (7 miles East of Anchorage). Fort Richardson is a United States Army installation adjacent to the city of Anchorage. In 2010, it was merged with nearby Elmendorf Air Force Base to form Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson.

We ignored the no trespassing notices and boy am I glad that we did. We were in awe of the mountain exquisiteness. We also experienced black bears sightings. The first one we spotted was eating dandelions on the side of the road. He took no notice of us at all and I was able to take a ton of photos.

We drove all the way to the top; to the Anchorage Ski Club Arctic Valley. This lift has a base elevation of 2500 feet, and a lift rise to almost 4000 feet. On the way down, Paul pointed out a majestic bald eagle perched atop a phone pole. Took a photo of him too.

The Ship Creek Overlook Park is a favorite spot to view hatchery-seeded coho salmon as they begin running in late July through August. The best viewing can be found in the clear water at the spillway and fish ladders at the Ship Creek Overlook Park off East Whitney Road, in the railroad and warehouse basin north of downtown. Unfortunately, the salmon was not running yet.

We also made a quick stop at the Anchorage Railway Depot. The place was practically deserted. The charm of the structure was easy to enjoy and we also stocked up on more tourist booklets.

Paul bought his waders at Bass Pro Shop for just $129.00! Such a deal. They also had $5.00 t-shirts. I bought a cheap but utility pole – it is a shiny green.

Wildlife Spotted: Three bears, bald eagle, lots of bird including a bald eagle & a ton of sea gulls, rabbits, and live salmon at the Bass Pro Shop.

View of Anchorage from Atop of Fort Richardson
View of Anchorage from Atop of Fort Richardson

Spectacular Mountain Settings in the Chugach Mountains
Spectacular Mountain Settings in the Chugach Mountains

This Black Bear is Enjoying His Meal of Dandelions
This Black Bear is Enjoying His Meal of Dandelions

The Black Bear Allowed Us to Follow as He Made His Way Down the Road
The Black Bear Allowed Us to Follow as He Made His Way Down the Road

Alaska Has the Largest Population of Bald Eagles in the United States
Alaska Has the Largest Population of Bald Eagles in the United States

Alaska Railroad Depot – Bummer that the Tickets Were Too Expensive
Alaska Railroad Depot – Bummer that the Tickets Were Too Expensive

Ship Creek Overlook Park – No Salmon in Sight
Ship Creek Overlook Park – No Salmon in Sight

Stuffed Animal Display at the Anchorage Bass Pro Shop
Stuffed Animal Display at the Anchorage Bass Pro Shop

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal

Monday, June 17, 2019

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal (37)

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal (37)

06/17/2019 / Travel Day – Golden Nugget RV Park


 Start Location:
Start Time:  10:30 a.m.
Mileage:  53,986.2

 End Location:
Start Time: 1:30 p.m.
Mileage:  54,057.9
Cost Per Night: $50.00 USD
Weather: 50 - 67 F Overcast with Chance of Rain
Route:
  • 3 South
  • 1 South

Paul and I woke up with new mosquito bites. The little buggers were inside the ‘Beast.’ I am going to starting using my Dr Bronner's Lavender Soap again . . . it seems to help keep those ‘biters’ away.

Only about seventy miles to travel today. Therefore, we had a lazy morning. We did more laundry and Paul fixed an egg scramble breakfast.

A poor bird was stuck in the laundry room. He was so scared – I tried to give him plenty of room.

We stopped at the local Fred Meyer for both gas and groceries. No taxes added here in Anchorage!!! Love It.

The campsite is in town which is always welcome. Sadly, the sites are pretty cramped. Our utility pole had been hit previously. It still worked but looked bad.

We decided to have a dinner out. The Anchorage Hacienda Mexican Restaurant’s food was just okay. Ramona gave us pretty good service, nevertheless.

Wildlife Spotted: Wild domesticated camp rabbits; Robins; Scared Sparrow in Laundry Room.

Beautiful Landscape on 3 South - Going to Anchorage, Alaska
Beautiful Landscape on 3 South - Going to Anchorage, Alaska

Plenty of Parking at the Fred Myer - Shopping & Gas - Anchorage, Alaska
Plenty of Parking at the Fred Myer - Shopping & Gas - Anchorage, Alaska

Our Spot #147 - Golden Nugget RV Park - Anchorage, Alaska
Our Spot #147 - Golden Nugget RV Park - Anchorage, Alaska

Dinner at the Hacienda Mexican Resturant, Anchorage Alaska
Dinner at the Hacienda Mexican Restaurant, Anchorage Alaska

Map - Willow to Anchorage, Alaska
Map - Willow to Anchorage, Alaska

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal

Sunday, June 16, 2019

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal (36)

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal (36)

06/16/2019 / No Travel Day – Willow Creek State Recreation Area


 Start Location:
Start Time: N/A
Mileage:  53,986.2
Cost Per Night: $50.00 USD
Weather: 51 - 60 F Overcast with Chance of Rain

Father’s Day on the road. Today was very relaxing. We drove the truck all over Willow looking for the perfect fishing spot.

We explored the Willow Creek State Recreation Area. The place was almost entirely deserted; just the way we like it. The broad Susitna River Valley, including what is now the recreation area, was scoured by massive glaciers, which once covered it. When the ice retreated some 9,000 years ago, it left a rolling landscape of elongated glacial deposits, called drumlins, dotted with hundreds of lakes and ponds. The recreation area an ideal habitat for many mammals and birds.

After we located a Park Ranger, we learned that the best and only fishing spot is just a walk away from our campsite. The fishing rules here are different for each different fishing spot; very confusing.

Hilariously, the bridge spot we fished at yesterday, was a ‘catch and release.’ However, on the other sided of the bridge, you can keep two rainbows per day!!! Of course, by the time we set up our fishing spot nothing was biting! To add insult to injury – Paul broke the tip off his new pole.

We returned to camp and did chores (Laundry, hook-up the tow vehicle, RV housekeeping, put up our Alaska Map Sticker) in anticipation of our trip to Anchorage tomorrow.

I believe we have about seventy miles to drive – Easy Day. Mayhap, we will try the river one more time before we go. This park has a 1:00 p.m. check out time. Willow Creek RV Resort was pretty packed last night – by noon today it was almost deserted.

This park has a great location. However, the utilities are lacking. Our site, #20 has a sewer connection that is higher than our RV. Also, you are parked on gravel. For the price they could have proved a bit more comfort.

Wildlife Spotted: B&B Bunnies and Birds only – definitely NO Fish.

Lush Landscape of Willow Creek State Recreation Area
Lush Landscape of Willow Creek State Recreation Area

Fishing Regulations are Different for Each Fishing Spot - Confusing
Fishing Regulations are Different for Each Fishing Spot - Confusing

Paul Talks to the Friendly Park Ranger
Paul Talks to the Friendly Park Ranger

Stunning Path to the Shore of Willow Creek
Stunning Path to the Shore of Willow Creek

These Pretty White Spiraea Plants Are Hardy, Deciduous-Leaved Shrubs
These Pretty White Spiraea Plants Are Hardy, Deciduous-Leaved Shrubs

Gorgeous View of Willow Creek, Willow Alaska
Gorgeous View of Willow Creek, Willow Alaska

Lots of Moose Skat About
Lots of Moose Skat About

How Paul Celebrated Father’s Day
How Paul Celebrated Father’s Day

We Learned to Spray Our Hats with Repellent to Keep Skeeters Away
We Learned to Spray Our Hats with Repellent to Keep Skeeters Away

Added Alaska to Our RV Map
Added Alaska to Our RV Map

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal