2019 Alaska Vacation Journal (71)

07/21/2019 No Travel Day - Water Too Warm for Salmon

Start Location:

• Alaskan Adventure Charter RV Park
• 30950 Arc Loop Rd, Soldotna, AK 99669-9204
• (907) 398.1492

Start Time: N/A

Mileage:  54,374.5

Cost Per Night: $31.50 USD
Weather: 57 - 72  F Overcast

While the fishing is not that good; the weather here in Alaska has been spectacular. The high temperatures smashed all-time records in early July. June was the second warmest on record for Alaska. Biologist have noted that the Kuskokwim River’s high temps likely sent salmon into cardiac arrest!

We checked out a couple of fishing spots. Just too many folks for us. We opted to get ready for our departure in a couple of days. Tomorrow Paul will be Halibut fishing most of the day with Captain Mike. Tuesday we will be driving back to the lower 48 – Texas to be exact. We hope to spend a week with Moses (son).

We washed everything in the motorhome at the Wash & Dry. Paul organized the back of the Tow Vehicle.

We learned from yesterday – at 11:50 a.m., we were first in line waiting for the Kenai River Brewing Company to open. Their food was mediocre – nothing special. I had the Poutine – okay but not up to Canada’s standards.

Of course, I ordered a sampling of beer. I chose the Moonshot IPA, Grateful Red, Skilak Scottish, and Gummi Bear Beer. The Gummi Bear Beer was crafted with over 7,200 Gummi Bears – however, that did not improve the taste – yucky.

Nevertheless, the Grateful Red, an Irish Ale was malty and nice. It was a fun way to spend an hour. The serve was friendly and prompt.

Wildlife Spotted: Birds and Mosquitos

Kenai River Brewing Co is Always Very Busy

Poutine and Beer – Description of Comfort Food!!!

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal

1. Alaska Berries in Soldotna, Alaska (70)
2. Centennial Park (69)
3. Combat Fishing / Swiftwater Park (68)
4. RV Trip Wizard / New Battery (67)
5. Alaskan Adventure Charter RV Park (66)
6. Social Security and Medicare (65)
7. Rainy Day in Soldotna (64)

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal (70)

07/20/2019 No Travel Day - Alaska Berries in Soldotna, Alaska

Start Location:

• Alaskan Adventure Charter RV Park
• 30950 Arc Loop Rd, Soldotna, AK 99669-9204
• (907) 398.1492

Start Time: N/A

Mileage:  54,374.5

Cost Per Night: $31.50 USD
Weather: 50 - 60 F Overcast

We went out at a decent time and the weather had cooled quite a bit. However, everyone else in Alaska had the same notion. All the fishing spots were packed. We checked out Rotary Park and the Centennial Campground and Boat Launch – just too many people for us.

I convinced Paul into going wine tasting at the Alaska Berries Winery. They grow the fruit and berries used in the production of handcrafted wines and jams. "From the bush to the bottle" is their motto. It is not a big place; family owned and operated.

We were greeted by owner Laurie Olson. After a complimentary wine tasting lovingly served by Hannah, I brought home a Raspberry Hard Cider (6.5% Alcohol). Paul picked up a bottle of Apple & Haskap juice and two jars of jam.

On the way out (they keep the gate closed for moose); Brian Olson opened the gate for us. Paul and he had an informative talk about local building requirements . . . or more accurately the lack there of.

We stopped by the Kenai Brewing Company. We had hoped to lunch at the microbrewery. Regrettably, just as the fishing, this spot was packed. Lunch at the RV was more amiable.

Time just flies here in Alaska – Before we knew it, the day had passed.

Wildlife Spotted: Ducks and Roosters at the Alaska Berries Farm.

Hard to Find Parking at Rotary Park - Soldotna, Alaska

Berry Fields - Alaska Berry Winery

Winery Ducks have an Easy Life - Alaska Berries Winery

Cheers – Of Course Paul is Tasting Plain Fruit Juice

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal

1. Centennial Park (69)
2. Combat Fishing / Swiftwater Park (68)
3. RV Trip Wizard / New Battery (67)
4. Alaskan Adventure Charter RV Park (66)
5. Social Security and Medicare (65)
6. Rainy Day in Soldotna (64)
7. Lone Moose RV Park, Soldotna, Alaska (63)

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal (69)

07/19/2019 No Travel Day - Centennial Park

Start Location:

• Alaskan Adventure Charter RV Park
• 30950 Arc Loop Rd, Soldotna, AK 99669-9204
• (907) 398.1492

Start Time: N/A

Mileage:  54,374.5

Cost Per Night: $31.50 USD
Weather: 52 - 76 F Sunny

We actually got out at a decent a.m. time. We drove by Rotary Park, but never got any farther than the parking lot. The place was packed. We were downtrodden. Nevertheless, we tried Centennial Campground and Boat Launch.

Centennial Park is a bit of “wilderness in the city”. It is a very large wooded park with over a mile of frontage on the Kenai River, and is separated from the adjacent Regional Sports Complex by a steep wooded slope. The very first day parking lot was empty. We went down to check it out and found a great secluded spot (CS1). We quickly donned our waders and went fishing.

Fishing off the Kenai River was iconic. The sky was blue and the sun was up. Seagulls were squawking at us – telling us to catch something so they could scavenge the scrapes.

The foliage lining the banks were colorful and lush. In typical, Alaskan fashion, small private planes were crossing overhead on their way to new adventures. Two trout jumped out of the water very close to me in their pursuit of flies.

Although the salmon count is on the rise, we only witnessed one silvery prize reeled in. Although we were again fishless – it was a perfect day.

By noon we were starving. We lunched at Froso’s Family Dining again. This time our experience was not so pleasant.

Paul ordered the Cheese Enchiladas with French Fries because he is vegetarian. The waitress came back with the Enchiladas covered in Cheese Sauce chocked full of beef.

Very irritating. I had to eat my Captain’s Plate so it would not get cold while Paul waited for his Enchiladas to be redone.  Incredibly, the inside of his enchiladas were cold - ☹

Wildlife Spotted: Trout jumping out of the Kenai River.

Our Beautiful Fishing Spot (CS1) - Centennial Park

This Squirrel followed us as we returned to the Truck

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal

1. Combat Fishing / Swiftwater Park (68)
2. RV Trip Wizard / New Battery (67)
3. Alaskan Adventure Charter RV Park (66)
4. Social Security and Medicare (65)
5. Rainy Day in Soldotna (64)
6. Lone Moose RV Park, Soldotna, Alaska (63)
7. Travel Day - Back to Soldotna, Alaska (62)

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal (68)

07/18/2019 No Travel Day - Combat Fishing / Swiftwater Park

Start Location:

• Alaskan Adventure Charter RV Park
• 30950 Arc Loop Rd, Soldotna, AK 99669-9204
• (907) 398.1492

Start Time: N/A

Mileage:  54,374.5

Cost Per Night: $31.50 USD
Weather: 52 - 76 F Sunny

We got going in the morning with the attention of heading out to go bank fishing for salmon. I checked the computer to see the progress of our amazon delivery for our new Garmin RV 770. It was scheduled for delivery tomorrow. We were shocked to learn that it had arrived at the Soldotna Post Office, but they were sending it back as un-deliverable.

I called the only number listed for the Soldotna Post Office. After answering a bunch of electronic questions, the machine placed me on hold. One hour and fifteen minutes later, representative Cheryl came on the line. She asked a bunch of questions, then instructed me to call the local post office. She placed me on hold for ten minutes while she searched for that phone number.

Meanwhile, the ‘Beast’ was experiencing difficulties with the toilet. Paul and I both worked on it most the morning. I finally got to speak to Matthew from the Soldotna Post Office. He explained that if your name is not registered at the post office as belonging to an address, they will not deliver. However, he did find the package and placed it in ‘General Delivery’ for us to pick. It took another half an hour before we had the toilet cleaned up and flushing correctly.

Needless to say, by this time, our morning fishing had escaped us. We picked up the Garmin with no further issues. In fact, the Post Office staff were very well-organized.

Even though it was now the afternoon, we had to get out on the Kenai to try our hand at bank fishing for salmon. Swiftwater Park snakes through the forest that borders the banks of the Kenai River. It was not too crowded. However, the water conditions continue to be high and turbid with woody debris floating down river.

Paul got real brave quickly and was fishing with the river chest high. I was much more conservative – the water was only thigh high on me. I believe we both did well picking up this fishing style’s technique. However, no one was catching anything – us included. Nevertheless, it was a beautiful tranquil day by the swift Kenai river.

Wildlife Spotted: Beautiful Soaring Bald Eagle; I swear a salmon stuck his head out of the water to sneer at me. 

Fish On - However, It Got Away - Boat Launch at Swiftwater Park

Our Spot Fishing by the Boat Launch at Swiftwater Park, Soldotna, Alaska

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal

1. RV Trip Wizard / New Battery (67)
2. Alaskan Adventure Charter RV Park (66)
3. Social Security and Medicare (65)
4. Rainy Day in Soldotna (64)
5. Lone Moose RV Park, Soldotna, Alaska (63)
6. Travel Day - Back to Soldotna, Alaska (62)
7. Relaxing in Ninilchik (61)

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal (67)

07/17/2019 No Travel Day - RV Trip Wizard / New Battery

Start Location:

• Alaskan Adventure Charter RV Park
• 30950 Arc Loop Rd, Soldotna, AK 99669-9204
• (907) 398.1492

Start Time: N/A

Mileage:  54,374.5

Cost Per Night: $31.50 USD
Weather: 49 - 72 F Sunny

Spent most of the day figuring out the last half of our adventure. We hope to get to Moses’ place by the middle of August. We plan on staying for a week.

I enrolled in that RV Trip Wizard app. It cost $39 per year. However, we just love the radius feature which shows us what is available in our 200 – 300 mile per day limit.

Paul finally gave up recharging the Tow Vehicle battery and went down to NAPA to buy another one.

Wildlife Spotted: Lots of little birds 

The Only RV at the Alaskan Adventure Charter RV Park

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal

1. Alaskan Adventure Charter RV Park (66)
2. Social Security and Medicare (65)
3. Rainy Day in Soldotna (64)
4. Lone Moose RV Park, Soldotna, Alaska (63)
5. Travel Day - Back to Soldotna, Alaska (62)
6. Relaxing in Ninilchik (61)
7. Holy Transfiguration of Our Lord Chapel (60)

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal (66)

07/16/2019 No Travel Day - Alaskan Adventure Charter RV Park, Soldotna, Alaska

Start Location:

• Lone Moose Lodge and RV Park
• 47696 Funny River Rd, Soldotna, AK 99669
• (409) 781-3415

Start Time:10:45 a.m.

Mileage:  54,366.4

End Location:

• Alaskan Adventure Charter RV Park
• 30950 Arc Loop Rd, Soldotna, AK 99669-9204
• ((907) 398.1492

End Time: 12:50 p.m.

Mileage:  54,374.5

Cost Per Night: $31.50 USD
Weather: 50 - 66 F Rainy

Today we moved just about five miles from Lone Moose RV Park to Alaskan Adventure Charter RV Park. Mike’s park is more rustic and very much more secluded. Unfortunately, with that solitude came lots of mosquitoes. However, we have learned a lot about mosquitoes and how to avoid injury . . . so I think we will be fine.

In between the move, Paul and I did our laundry at the Wash & Dry in Soldotna. It is a big building with lots of equipment. They also offer showers and pinball machines for entertainment. It supplied a fascinating group of people to watch.

The first thing I noticed about this new RV park location was the birds. There are lots of them foraging for food. Next is the fact that we were the only RV here. The grounds are lined with trees – just a beautiful place to camp. 

Mike came over for Taco Tuesday. Dinner was a success – Good food and great company. It was fun entertaining in the ‘Beast’ again.

Wildlife Spotted: Moose on the side of the road; lots of little birds

Watching the Sons of Anarchy in the Rain

Soldotna Wash & Dry

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal

1. Social Security and Medicare (65)
2. Rainy Day in Soldotna (64)
3. Lone Moose RV Park, Soldotna, Alaska (63)
4. Travel Day - Back to Soldotna, Alaska (62)
5. Relaxing in Ninilchik (61)
6. Holy Transfiguration of Our Lord Chapel (60)
7. Rainbow Tour to Seldovia (59)

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal (65)

07/15/2019 No Travel Day - Social Security and Medicare

Start Location:

• Lone Moose Lodge and RV Park
• 47696 Funny River Rd, Soldotna, AK 99669
• (409) 781-3415

Start Time:N/A

Mileage:  54,366.4

Cost Per Night: $51.50 USD
Weather: 50 - 65 F Overcast

Not so rainy today. This will be our last day at the Lone Moose RV Park. We are going to Mike’s Hopley’s (Owner and Operator of Alaskan Adventure Charters) small RV Park in Soldotna tomorrow.

We pre-ran the move. It is only five miles from where we are. It is very secluded and nice.

Then we spent the rest of the day taking care of my Social Security and Medicare problems.

First, I had to go to the library to print out all the documents from my thumb drive. Then off to the Post Office to mail it off.

After a trip to Fred Meyer for groceries, the day was pretty much done. (Unbelievably, they allowed us to use our $20.00 off coupon one more time – but then confiscated it.) We got gas for the Tow Truck – after applying our Reward Points, it cost $2.98 per gallon.

We did check out Rotary Park – but it was packed again. I guess we are just not made for ‘combat fishing.’

Wildlife Spotted: A Bald Eagle flew closely over the ‘Beast’ with a small rodent in his talons.

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal

1. Rainy Day in Soldotna (64)
2. Lone Moose RV Park, Soldotna, Alaska (63)
3. Travel Day - Back to Soldotna, Alaska (62)
4. Relaxing in Ninilchik (61)
5. Holy Transfiguration of Our Lord Chapel (60)
6. Rainbow Tour to Seldovia (59)
7. Taco Tuesday on Monday (58)