2019 Alaska Vacation Journal (46)

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

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

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

Jessy Lynn Martens with Husband, Joseph Martens (JunoSmile)

Boat Launch at Swiftwater Park

Barbeque Area at the Lone Moose RV Park

Beaver Display at the Kenai National Wildlife Refugee

Millions of Sea Gulls only One Eagle (Top Right)

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal

1. Soldotna Chores (45)
2. Talon Air Bear Viewing / Fishing (44)
3. Day Trip to Ninilchik, Alaska (43)
4. Shopping & Kenai Visitor & Cultural Center (42)
5. Travel Day – Klondike RV Park, Soldotna (41)
6. Alaska SeaLife Center (40)
7. Travel Day – Seward, Alaska (39)

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal (45)

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

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

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

Cute Sign in the Laundry Room

Washers and Dryers Were Very Expensive Here

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal

1. Talon Air Bear Viewing / Fishing (44)
2. Day Trip to Ninilchik, Alaska (43)
3. Shopping & Kenai Visitor & Cultural Center (42)
4. Travel Day – Klondike RV Park, Soldotna (41)
5. Alaska SeaLife Center (40)
6. Travel Day – Seward, Alaska (39)
7. Fort Richardson/Ship Creek Overlook (38)

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal (44)

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

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: 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

Brown Bear We spotted on the Trip to Wolverine Creek

Beautiful Bald Eagle Sitting on a Fallen Tree

Eaglet Perched on Top of a Tall Pine

Paul Reeling in His Salmon

Snow Capped Mountains in the Background

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

Glacier Seen from the Plane

Alaska Has More Than 12,000 Rivers

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal

1. Day Trip to Ninilchik, Alaska (43)
2. Shopping & Kenai Visitor & Cultural Center (42)
3. Travel Day – Klondike RV Park, Soldotna (41)
4. Alaska SeaLife Center (40)
5. Travel Day – Seward, Alaska (39)
6. Fort Richardson/Ship Creek Overlook (38)
7. Travel Day – Golden Nugget RV Park (37)

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal (43)

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

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: 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

Fish and Clam Cleaning Station - Volcano View RV Resort

The Ninilchik River is a 21-mile-long stream on the Kenai Peninsula

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal

1. Shopping & Kenai Visitor & Cultural Center (42)
2. Travel Day – Klondike RV Park, Soldotna (41)
3. Alaska SeaLife Center (40)
4. Travel Day – Seward, Alaska (39)
5. Fort Richardson/Ship Creek Overlook (38)
6. Travel Day – Golden Nugget RV Park (37)
7. Willow Creek State Recreation Area (36)

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal (42)

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

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: 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)

Street Market and Crafts

Loved this Alaska Sea Otter Cape

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

New Bathroom Corner Shelf

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal

1. Travel Day – Klondike RV Park, Soldotna (41)
2. Alaska SeaLife Center (40)
3. Travel Day – Seward, Alaska (39)
4. Fort Richardson/Ship Creek Overlook (38)
5. Travel Day – Golden Nugget RV Park (37)
6. Willow Creek State Recreation Area (36)
7. Fishing Willow Creek (35)

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:

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

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

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal

1. Alaska SeaLife Center (40)
2. Travel Day – Seward, Alaska (39)
3. Fort Richardson/Ship Creek Overlook (38)
4. Travel Day – Golden Nugget RV Park (37)
5. Willow Creek State Recreation Area (36)
6. Fishing Willow Creek (35)
7. Travel Day – Denali Rainbow Village RV Park (34)

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

Mermaid House on the way to Alaska SeaLife Center

My Sentiments Exactly

Alaska SeaLife Center

Lots of Fish at the Center

Kuliak, the Steller Sea Lion was Born at the Center

Sea Pens Are Colonial Marine Cnidarians

The Tufted Puffin is Also Known as the Crested Puffinn

The Harlequin Duck Mates for Life

Interesting Blue House, Seward, Alaska

Frontier Trading Post Offers Certified Organic and Non-GMO Products

Creek Next To Our Campground – Runs Into the Resurrection Bay

Landon Snagged a Good-Sized Red Salmon

Lots of Murals in Seward, Alaska

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal

1. Travel Day – Seward, Alaska (39)
2. Fort Richardson/Ship Creek Overlook (38)
3. Travel Day – Golden Nugget RV Park (37)
4. Willow Creek State Recreation Area (36)
5. Fishing Willow Creek (35)
6. Travel Day – Denali Rainbow Village RV Park (34)
7. Denali ATV Adventure (33)