August 13
Talkeetna here we come. We got some local information that we could park our RV at the Speedway Gas Station on the Parks Highway, where we unhooked our car and drove 15 min to Talkeetna.
Talkeetna is a beautiful little town at the convergent point of three rivers - the Talkeetna, Chulitna and Susitna. Lots of shops, restaurants, famous for their Spinach Bread, a few bakeries and ice cream shops.
Even though we didn't get to experience the Spinach Bread we loved the Sunshine and exploring Talkeetna. (first time to see the sun in about 8 days!)
3 of my favorite shops:
The Patchwork Moose,
The Alaskan Wood Carving Co-op
AuroraDora.com store (stunning photos of the Northern Lights)
Douglas has been craving pizza so that's what we had for lunch. After lunch we took a lovely stroll along the river. A surprise Facetime from our grandkids along with our daughter Jen was a treat.
The Patchwork Moose,
The Alaskan Wood Carving Co-op
AuroraDora.com store (stunning photos of the Northern Lights)
Douglas has been craving pizza so that's what we had for lunch. After lunch we took a lovely stroll along the river. A surprise Facetime from our grandkids along with our daughter Jen was a treat.
On our way back to our car we stopped at the Alaska Birch Syrup & Wild Harvest Shop where we purchase some syrup and shared Berry Ice cream. Delicious!
Off to Denali State Park where we boondocked in the overflow parking lot. We enjoyed a nice dinner and set out for a hike eager to admire the breathtaking view of Mt. McKinley. Our binoculars were a real asset! Along the way we had the pleasure meeting and chatting with Laura, a young woman from France. She was traveling solo and transformed her car by removing the back seats to fit a mattress for sleeping. She was an inspiration!
August 14
Waking up this morning we decided to eat breakfast at McKinley View Lodge. Scrumptious!! And a wonderful atmosphere.
Our good friend Patty Wright’s cousin Joe owns the lodge. It was a very special morning getting to visit with Joe and Donna who is Patty’s friend. An added bonus we got to experience Mt. McKinley/Denali from the Park and the Lodge, breathtaking!
The name of one of the books she wrote is “Alaska - Not for a Woman!”
Fun Fact: In 1962 Mary Carey, newly widowed, drove the Alcan alone from Texas to Alaska, where she would make herself a new life. Her life there - whether she was teaching in an eight-pupil pilot school in Talkeetna, flying Mt. McKinley with bush pilot Don Sheldon or homesteading in the Alaskan wilderness. She was a pioneering & trailblazer. Mary Carey who was the owner and proprietor of McKinley View Lodge, which she built on her homestead in 1972, now owned by her grandson Joe.
I encourage you to purchase the book and learn more about this extraordinary woman!
Experiencing the breathtaking beauty of Mt. McKinley was a true adventure! After the lodge we drove to a picturesque overlook. We hiked up a path to get a different view that was beautiful.
Experiencing an unexpected adventure was kayaking on Byers Lake! As our day winded down, we prepared for a restful nights sleep.
August 10
Arrived in Palmer and got set up at The Springer RV. Off to the Visitor's Center for local info.
August 11
Discovering Hatcher's Pass: A Day of Natural Beauty and History
We packed a lunch and set off for Hatcher's Pass. The drive along the raging Little Susitna River was absolutely breathtaking. Along the way, we spotted some folks picking blueberries, though we were informed that most of the berries aren't ripe yet due to an unusually cool summer.
Our adventure included a stop at Independence Mine State Historical Park, where we embarked on a self-guided tour. It was fascinating to get a glimpse into what life was like in one of Alaska's largest gold mining camps. Seeing snow still clinging to the mountain peaks from the night before was an unexpected and delightful treat.
The historical park was a self-contained community that had everything from a bank, school, apartments and a “Boomtown” area for miners with families, complete with a power plant and much more.. The rich history and structures make Independence Mine State Historical Park a must-visit destination if you find yourself in the area.
Many of the buildings had all the equipment taken out and eventually they collapsed. The restoration foundation for the Independence Mine recently received a grant for 1.5 million dollars to start renovating.
Whether you're a history buff, a nature enthusiast, or simply looking for a beautiful place to explore, Hatcher's Pass is sure to captivate your heart.
Fun Facts:
Independence Mine is a huge, abandoned gold mine that sits at the top of Hatcher Pass, a photogenic alpine passage that cuts through the Talkeetna Mountains in the Mat-Su-Valley The scenic journey above tree line and exploration of this this intriguing 761-acre park make for one of the finest day trips in Alaska.
Fun Facts:
Independence Mine was actually two mines until 1938, when the Alaska-Pacific Consolidated Mining Company combined the Alaska Free Gold Mine on Skyscraper Mountain and Independence Mine on Granite Mountain to become the second most productive hardrock gold mine in Alaska. At its peak in 1941, the company employed 204 workers, blasted almost 12 miles of tunnels, and recovered 34,416 ounces of gold, today worth almost $18 million. At the time, 22 families lived in nearby Boomtown, with eight children attending the territorial school.
Driving along the pass after exploring the mine was a long drive! After the summit we came across a beautiful lake that was stocked with trout by the AFG (Alaska Fishing & Game) It was raining to hard for us to get enthusiastic about walking down and around it.
Next stop the Iditarod Trail Race Headquarters where we watched a fascinating film on the care of the dogs, the mushers and veterinarians. It was heartwarming to watch how important the health and well-being of the dogs are. Many of Mushers learned a lot from the dogs about life, love and being grateful for the present moment. It was raining off an on so the dogs were wet. well behaved and they loved the attention we were giving them.
Fun Facts:
In addition to the high standard of care provided by the mushers themselves, more than forty licensed veterinarians volunteer their time on the trail to perform routine evaluation.
August 12
Upon awaking we ventured off to Reflection Lake for a hike. It was beautiful and a peaceful way to start our morning, embracing the serenity of nature.
Back to the motorhome for a cozy lunch. We had planned a bike ride, but the rain persuaded us otherwise. Instead, we embarked on another hike. While the scenery wasn't the most picturesque, we still enjoyed the physical challenge of the trail's ups and downs. Plus, it was a great way to get more steps in and a good dose of cardio!
We decided to go back to the Visitor Center because I wanted to see the gardens there. What a fabulous way to close the day out. Beautiful!
August 9
Journeyed from Soldotna to Eagle River stopping at a beautiful pull-out to make lunch.
Arriving at Eagle River Campground— another beautiful area of Alaska. Our campground, nestled amidst the lush woods along the flowing Eagle River, was the perfect setting for an adventure.
After setting up our motorhome, we set out to explore. The tranquility of the campground paired with the gentle sounds of Eagle River was simply enchanting. As we wandered, we had the pleasure of meeting a woman and her enthusiastic 13-year-old grandson, who was eagerly fishing. Moments like these create more memories that define the charm of Eagle River and Alaska, forever holding so many special places in our hearts.
As the day drew to a close, we returned to our cozy motorhome, ready to cook a delicious dinner and enjoy a peaceful evening.
August 10
After days of rain and drizzle typical of the Alaskan rainy season, waking up to clear skies and a bit of sunshine felt like a treat! Seizing the opportunity, we decided to head out for a hike at the scenic Eagle River Nature Center.
Upon arrival, we were fortunate to meet a wonderful woman who kindly recommended a couple of must-visit spots for our hike. Setting off with excitement, we ventured into the lush and serene landscape.
Our first destination was the Beaver Viewing Deck. Although the beavers stayed hidden, the area was stunningly beautiful, offering peaceful moments amidst nature's splendor. Next, we made our way to the Salmon Viewing Deck, another breathtaking spot perfect for taking a deep breath and immersing ourselves in the tranquility of the surroundings.
The hike and both viewing decks provided a fabulous opportunity to connect with the nature's beauty around us. It was a rejuvenating experience, a true reminder of the serene joys that Alaska's landscapes have to offer.
Off to Anchorage to visit a friend with whom Douglas plays pickleball—Manny Hernandez, the owner of the Alaskan Fur Gallery. Oh my, what an amazing selection of coats, vests, capes, and more! Christopher, Manny's son, was super helpful, as was Melina, Manny's sister. Douglas bought a cozy pair of slippers, and I found the perfect jacket. It was a fabulous experience. They even have a store in Dallas!
Next stop, we had to try a Reindeer Hotdog at Tia's! Never in a million years would I have thought I'd purchase a hotdog at a stand or restaurant... but I did. The lovely gal who cooked and served us, kindly accommodated my request for a "no bun" option. I have to say, it was delicious! I added sauerkraut to mine.
Fun Fact:
Reindeer and caribou are the same animal (Rangifer tarandus) and are a member of the deer family. In Europe, they are called reindeer. In North America, the animals are called caribou if they are wild and reindeer if they are domesticated.
August 7
The drive from Ninilchik to Soldotna was smooth, quick and enjoyableble. We drove up to the Swiftwater City Park Campground about noon and saved Katy & Mike a space right next to us. After we all ate lunch, we ventured to the Farmer's Market. It was fun walking around. I was captivated by Don Soderstrom's hand etched images on black granite and couldn't resist purchasing a stunning piece featuring 2 Sandhill Cranes. Our next stop was at Christine Bethe's booth, where I admired and purchased one of her beautiful watercolor prints. I was pleased to see someone selling micro greens purchasing a container each of Arugula and Kale. I found it enjoyable even walking around in the cold drizzly rain.
Fun Fact:
Rain or shine, everyone cherishes outdoor adventures in Alaska. With summer being so short, everyone makes the most of every moment!
Katy and I had a wonderful evening catching up with each.. Our plan was to add some fun "hair tinsel" to our hair, but we got so wrapped up in conversation, enjoying the delightful aromas of our favorite Young Living essential oils, and sharing plenty of laughs. Before we knew it, time had flown by, and it was nearly 10:00 PM—late for me! Meanwhile, Douglas was over in their motorhome hanging out with Mike and doing whatever it is that guys do...... drinking Horse Soldier Bourbon and he slept very well that night!.
August 8
After waking up, Douglas and I took a walk down and around the Kenia River, again in the drizzly rain. It was beautiful and invigorating!
We took off for the Soldatna Visiter Center to get some local info.
Douglas and I met up with Mike and Katy at the Russian Village. While in the gift shop the priest gave us a tour of the Russian Orthodox Church.
Fun Fact:
The Holy Assumption of the Virgin Mary Russian Orthodox Church was constructed in 1894. It's one of the oldest standing Orthodox churches in Alaska. It's a National Historic Landmark and church service are still regularly held. It's a small church and everyone stands.
Fun Fact:
Chapel of St. Nicholas 1906 was built as a tribute to Iguana Nikolai, the first missionary in the Kenai area. Father Nikolai and 2 assistants were responsible for bringing the Smallpox vaccine to the Kenai Peninsula.
Feeling hungry we were thrilled to spot Veronica's Cafe across the street. We all enjoyed a delicious lunch that hit the spot! 
Afterwards we hiked down to Cook's Inlet. The serene beach was the perfect time to relax, breathe and enjoy nature.
It was time to move on. We all had some errands to run and then met up at the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center for a hike. The lush scenery and fresh air were a delightful way to transition smoothly into the evening.
August 5
The drive from Homer to Ninilchik was short and sweet. We arrived at Alaskan Angler RV at lunchtime. It was raining off and on. After lunch we had to get out rain or shine. We walked around an old Russian Village down by the water.
August 6
The Great Fishing Adventure: Lessons Learned and Blessings Found
Have you ever had an experience that felt like a day of "hell"? Well, that was me on my first fishing trip on a boat—an unforgettable adventure, to say the least!
I imagined a bigger boat and calm waters once we reached our fishing spot. Oh boy, was I wrong! I’ve never experienced motion sickness like that before. To top it off, it was raining and cold, despite my multiple layers of clothing.
We spent about 30-40 minutes traveling to our fishing spot in Cook Inlet. It was fascinating watching how they got the boat into the water. Check out the video below for a snippet of that!
Douglas caught the first Halibut pretty quickly, and I managed to catch of the two biggest fish. There were 8 of us fishing.
There are always blessings to be found, even in challenging situations:
- Everyone caught their limit pretty quickly, with just 4 hours of fishing.
- Thanks to our motorhome, we enjoyed a hot shower as soon as we returned.
- Yogurt and apples worked wonders to settle my stomach.
- We have a washer and dryer in our motorhome, perfect for cleaning all our rain-soaked and fish-smelling clothes—even our hats and coats.
Now I know one thing for sure: fishing on a boat is not for me! 😂 But never say never, right? It is a thrill catching a fish that will nourish us. Between Douglas and I we go 21 lbs. of Halibut fillets.
I would love to hear about your fishing adventures? 🐟
August 7
Before leaving Angler RV Campground, we embarked on an adventure to find the Russian Chapel. Braving the rain once again, we explored the area, marveling at the sight of a majestic eagle and vibrant wildflowers and the charming chapel. Before we headed back to the motorhome we stopped to admire the river. We had to walk down a lot of steps and through some slippery mud. (What we do for fun!) After admiring the river from a distance, we headed back. Next stop Soldotna, AK
