2019 Alaska Vacation Journal (74)

07/24/2019 Travel Day – Back to Tok

Start Location:

• Grand View RV Park & Campground
• 22518 West Glenn Highway, Glacier View, Alaska 99674
• (907) 746-4480

Start Time:9:30 a.m.

Mileage:  54,644.1

End Location:

• Sourdough Campground & Cafe
• 1 Prospector Way, Tok, AK 99780
• (907) 883-5543

End Time: 3:00 p.m.

Mileage: 54,863.1

Cost Per Night: $40.00 USD
Weather: 50-75 F Sunny (Rainy Night)
Route:

• 1 East Glenn Highway
• Tok Cutoff Highway (1 East)

We got a good downpour last night. The rain washed all the tree sap (from Alaskan Adventure Charter RV Park Spot) off the motorhome and tow vehicle. Just in time, because we had planned on doing it during our overnight in Tok.

We met two fellow trekkers, Theresa and husband Leonard as we dined at the campground’s little café. The breakfast was just so so, but we thoroughly enjoyed the company. Theresa warned us the road to Tok was rough.

The café hires students from other countries. Our waitress was from a small country in Europe. She spoke English very well.

The path to Tok, Alaska was rough due to several road construction projects. However, it did not compare to the roughness of Top of the World Highway nor Theresa’s caution. Our progress was slow but steady.

Just before reaching Tok, Paul had to bring the ‘Beast’ to a slow stop. A mama moose was determined to follow her calf across the Glen Highway. We were privy to an excellent view of the maternal gesture.

We participated in the Sourdough Campground Pancake Toss. This activity brings many of the campers together – very smart idea. More RV Parks should follow suit. We had lots of fun, but did not ‘bucket a pancake,’ so no free breakfast.

Met the owner of Tok RV Park – nice man also owns the Gas Station where we met him. Next time we will try his nice looking camp.

Wildlife Spotted: Dead baby Moose or Elk (not sure / laying by the side of Glenn Highway); two white swans; Mama Moose with her calf.

Low Clouds Early in the Morning

Oversized Load

Loved this Sign – Paved to Gravel

Alaska has Plenty of Scenic Rest Stops

Black Spruce is a Slow-Growing Evergreen Conifer

Close – Up of the Fireweed

Fireweed Line the Highways

Alaska is Big on Property Rights

Mama Moose Following Calf (right middle of photo)

This Contraption Keeps the Mosquitos at Bay

Paul’s Pancake Toss – We Both Missed

8:30 p.m. at Night at the Sourdough Campground

Grand View to Tok, Alaska

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal

1. Travel Day – Heading Back to the Lower 48 (73)
2. Paul’s Halibut Excursion (72)
3. Water Too Warm for Salmon (71)
4. Alaska Berries in Soldotna, Alaska (70)
5. Centennial Park (69)
6. Combat Fishing / Swiftwater Park (68)
7. RV Trip Wizard / New Battery (67)

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal (73)

07/23/2019 Travel Day – Heading Back to the Lower 48

Start Location:

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

Start Time:9:00 a.m.

Mileage:  54,374.5

End Location:

• Grand View RV Park & Campground
• 22518 West Glenn Highway, Glacier View, Alaska 99674
• (907) 746-4480

End Time: 3:00 p.m.

Mileage:  54,644.1

Cost Per Night: $31.50 USD
Weather: 49-68 F Thunder Clouds
Route:

• Sterling Highway North
• Seward Highway North
• 1 North
• 1 East Glenn Highway

Last night a group of campers set-up right next to us. They were kind of noisy – Paul and I were happy to be leaving today. Not that they were bad, just annoying barking dog and crying kids.

We settled accounts with Mike last night; so we just eat breakfast, hooked up the truck and hit the road. Just out of Soldotna, we drove through heavy smoke from the Swan Lake Fire. I thought that the fire would have scared off the wildlife. Not so; as Paul pulled over to let the traffic pass, I saw a mouse running along the side of the road – it was so close.

We stopped at the Fred Meyer in Anchorage for gas. With our RV Traveler 20 cents per gallon off coupon, we only paid $2.79 per gallon.

We had planned on staying at the Pinnacle Mountain RV Park. Their website featured a wonderful collection of old farm equipment and a plethora of animal to enjoy. However, when we pulled in we discovered a rundown overgrown weed lot. No old tractors – No Animal – No Stay. We pulled right back on the Glenn Highway.

About forty miles down the road was Grand View Cafe & RV Park. It featured a spectacular panoramic mountain view, great free WiFi (we are able to watch the last couple “Stranger Things) and was “virtually mosquito free.” We were so glad we passed on Pinnacle.

Wildlife Spotted: Moose, ducks, seagulls, squirrel playing chicken with the ‘Beast,’ Rabbit

Driving Through the Smoke (Right Out of Soldotna)

Spot 3 – Grand View RV Park

Beautify Landscape!

Several Gravel Roads

Kenai River

Beautiful River Views

Matanuska Glacier is a Valley Glacier

Our Grand View RV Park View

Soldotna to Grand View (Start Point = Lower Left Blue Line)

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal

1. Paul’s Halibut Excursion (72)
2. Water Too Warm for Salmon (71)
3. Alaska Berries in Soldotna, Alaska (70)
4. Centennial Park (69)
5. Combat Fishing / Swiftwater Park (68)
6. RV Trip Wizard / New Battery (67)
7. Alaskan Adventure Charter RV Park (66)

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal (72)

07/22/2019 No Travel Day - Paul’s Halibut Excursion

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 - 73  F Overcast

Paul and I both got up early today. Paul left just before 4:30 a.m. for his last fishing excursion. He is taking the Alaskan Adventure Halibut trip. Paul spotted five moose on his way to Ninilchik to meet Mike.

I opted to stay back and scrub the motor home. I also wanted to get caught up posting my journal to my OmaLovesU.com blog.

Paul got the better end of this deal. The Alaskan Adventure boat ‘limited out.’ Paul caught two big halibuts – one was nearly thirty pounds! However, it was not the big fish of the day – they brought up an eighty-pound halibut. The happy fishermen were successfully back to shore by 11:30 a.m.

Since this was our last day in Soldotna. We went to Custom Seafood Processing to add Paul’s haul to the fish we already had stored there. It was not cheap, but we had the fish fillets shipped to our friend Eric. There is just not enough room in the RV for us to bring it back.

Extremely sad to be heading out of Alaska. This state is fresh and beautiful – an outdoor wonderland.

Wildlife Spotted: Paul got to see five moose & a huge eighty-pound halibut; just camp birds for me.

Paul had a Fun Day Halibut Fishing

The Boat (with Six Fishermen) Limited out

Our Spot at Alaskan Adventure Charter RV Park

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal

1. Water Too Warm for Salmon (71)
2. Alaska Berries in Soldotna, Alaska (70)
3. Centennial Park (69)
4. Combat Fishing / Swiftwater Park (68)
5. RV Trip Wizard / New Battery (67)
6. Alaskan Adventure Charter RV Park (66)
7. Social Security and Medicare (65)

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)