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.
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