Peter & Cherie Go To Alaska/Trip Report
Jul 24th, 2007, 02:24 AM
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Peter & Cherie Go To Alaska/Trip Report
OK, here it is. It is sometimes quite long as I can be a windbag on paper. I only hope you enjoy reading it half as much as we enjoyed experiencing it and writing about it.
Travelers were myself nearing 50 and DH just on the other side of 50 celebrating our 30th wedding anniversary.
Day 1 Sunday June 24-
We flew from Boston to Anchorage via Seattle on Alaska Airlines. We were fortunate to fly first class round trip which made the long journey much more comfortable. Our flight left Boston on time and we were only in Seattle for less than 1 hour. We arrived in Anchorage to find it raining. Once we had gathered up our luggage we headed off to get the rental car. We rented a full size car from Alamo. The wait in line and the rental process was fairly painless, probably 10-15 minutes total.
This can’t be true…..we have flown 4000 miles across the entire country on time, our luggage had not gone south while we went north and we got the rental car with no hassles about supplemental insurance. It was all going too right, something has to go wrong.
Left the airport got onto Route 1south and headed for Girdwood. We would be staying at Northern Comfort Lodging for the night. Driving through The Turn again Arm area we watched the area of sharp rocks and cliffs that The MilePost suggested we may see Dall Sheep. Just as they suggested, there they were 2 rams, a mother and a baby just climbing around on the cliffs up above. I believe it was around mile 112. If you go make sure to check out that area. We arrived at The Northern Comfort around 6pm local time (10pm EDT). We checked out our accommodations and headed off to The Double Musky for a bite. As we approached the restraunt it looked nothing like I expected. I’m not sure what is was that I expected but this was not it. This place looked more like a road house, bar & grill not the world famous Double Musky that I had anticipated. The waiting line was long so we grabbed a couple of seats at the bar. We decided on apps as we would probably be in bed soon (still functioning on EDT)and we didn‘t want to stuff ourselves. We ordered Cajun crab cakes, peppered steak tips and a couple of beers. Our order arrived in minutes and they turned out to be hands down the best crab cakes we have ever eaten. Ever. The steak tips were yummy too. Our bellies full we returned to the B & B and settled in. Jane our host at Northern Comfort has not forgotten a thing to provide comfort for her guests. The cabinets were stocked with granola bars, oatmeal, popcorn, soup, crackers, assorted teas. Coffee Beans and a coffee grinder. The fridge offered bagels, organic milk and ½ & ½. Yogurt, juices. The was also a home baked very yummy Kahula Cake left for us on the counter. The cake accompanied us for the next couple of days. There is a steam shower in the fully stocked very large bathroom that was absolutely fabulous. The lighting and décor made the suite very cozy and intimate. The queen bed was just as comfy as it looked. It was still drizzling outside when we went to bed. Tomorrow we would be heading for Homer. Today had been a great start to our vacation.
Day 2 Monday June 25-
I awoke at 2am local time and thought about getting up. I rationalized that it was really 6am at home and I should be up be up by then. Peter said I was crazy. I forced myself back to bed but eventually was back up at 4. It was still drizzly out. I made coffee and had another steam shower. You know, made enough noise so I wouldn’t be the only one awake. After showering and breakfast we watched a little news looking for a weather report. We were anxious to see what the weather would be on Tuesday as we were scheduled to go to Katmai to see the bears with Ken & Chris Day from Emerald Air. 7am we gathered up the luggage (and the Kahula Cake) and we were on the road again. We drove up and around The Alyeska Resort it was all very beautiful. Everything was very quiet at that hour, no wildlife to see. Too early to take the tram also very foggy. We took a couple of pics and away we went. Back on the road we were just amazed at every pull off, every picnic area the beauty of it all. Breathtaking. For those of you that have been you know what I am talking about. There is no description or pictures than can do it justice. It has to be seen to fully appreciate. It took several hours of driving and stopping before we got to Homer. Along the way we stopped at Gwinns Roadhouse for coffee and a snack. Gwinns was very unique. A true Roadhouse. Restraunt, bar, bait & tackle shop within a convenience store. Cabin rentals. Very cool place. Lots of fishing along the way. The Kenai River was a beautiful creamy sage color, nothing like we had seen before. We stopped at The Russian Orthodox Church. Fires had been an issue near Ninilchik, but did not present a problem for us when we were there. Along the way we spotted little wildlife. Mostly bald eagles but we really wanted to see moose. So far no moose. No Walmart’s either. Eventually we made it to Homer. Although it had taken several hours it was early afternoon. By now it had stopped raining and the sun was trying to peek out. We made our way through town and out to The Spit. Our main focus was Emerald Air. As we drove out onto the spit I couldn’t help but think of home. We live near a fishing village, the sights and sounds were all very familiar. As we checked in with Barbara at Emerald Air our excitement quickly changed to uncertainty. Due to weather Ken & Chris were forced to cancel the 2 previous days of bear viewing. And at this time the weather for tomorrow did not look too promising. OMG-we came all this way to see the bears. What if we don’t get to go? Oh well it is what it is. There is nothing you can do about the weather, we would just have to wait and see. We were given instructions to be at Beluga Lake around 8 the following morning to see if it was a go. We left Emerald Air and quickly made tentative plane for Halibut fishing if the weather did not cooperate for bear viewing. Off to find our next accommodations. Halcyon Heights B & B was fine. We had reserved the Quarterdeck Room. It was a large room, King bed. Fairly new carpeting and new shower, no tub. It was obvious the owners are trying to update the property. One concern we had was there were no keys for our door that opened to the outside. We had a quick nap and struck off for dinner. Steve and Juxia (the b & b innkeepers) made a few suggestions and we settled on The Homestead. Perfect choice as our dinner was fabulous. We had shrimp as an app, Alaskan King Crab Legs, Prime Rib and finished it off with Crème Brule for desert. Great Meal. We gassed up the car at a little gas station/post office/liquor store across the street . Took a little drive around the town before returning to Halcyon Heights. There is the most fantastic view of Kachemak Bay and The Spit from their outdoor hot tub. It was kind of early for bed (not if you are still on EDT) but we pulled all the shades, settled in and prayed that tomorrow would be a beautiful day.
Tomorrow I will add pics……………………..
Cherie
Travelers were myself nearing 50 and DH just on the other side of 50 celebrating our 30th wedding anniversary.
Day 1 Sunday June 24-
We flew from Boston to Anchorage via Seattle on Alaska Airlines. We were fortunate to fly first class round trip which made the long journey much more comfortable. Our flight left Boston on time and we were only in Seattle for less than 1 hour. We arrived in Anchorage to find it raining. Once we had gathered up our luggage we headed off to get the rental car. We rented a full size car from Alamo. The wait in line and the rental process was fairly painless, probably 10-15 minutes total.
This can’t be true…..we have flown 4000 miles across the entire country on time, our luggage had not gone south while we went north and we got the rental car with no hassles about supplemental insurance. It was all going too right, something has to go wrong.
Left the airport got onto Route 1south and headed for Girdwood. We would be staying at Northern Comfort Lodging for the night. Driving through The Turn again Arm area we watched the area of sharp rocks and cliffs that The MilePost suggested we may see Dall Sheep. Just as they suggested, there they were 2 rams, a mother and a baby just climbing around on the cliffs up above. I believe it was around mile 112. If you go make sure to check out that area. We arrived at The Northern Comfort around 6pm local time (10pm EDT). We checked out our accommodations and headed off to The Double Musky for a bite. As we approached the restraunt it looked nothing like I expected. I’m not sure what is was that I expected but this was not it. This place looked more like a road house, bar & grill not the world famous Double Musky that I had anticipated. The waiting line was long so we grabbed a couple of seats at the bar. We decided on apps as we would probably be in bed soon (still functioning on EDT)and we didn‘t want to stuff ourselves. We ordered Cajun crab cakes, peppered steak tips and a couple of beers. Our order arrived in minutes and they turned out to be hands down the best crab cakes we have ever eaten. Ever. The steak tips were yummy too. Our bellies full we returned to the B & B and settled in. Jane our host at Northern Comfort has not forgotten a thing to provide comfort for her guests. The cabinets were stocked with granola bars, oatmeal, popcorn, soup, crackers, assorted teas. Coffee Beans and a coffee grinder. The fridge offered bagels, organic milk and ½ & ½. Yogurt, juices. The was also a home baked very yummy Kahula Cake left for us on the counter. The cake accompanied us for the next couple of days. There is a steam shower in the fully stocked very large bathroom that was absolutely fabulous. The lighting and décor made the suite very cozy and intimate. The queen bed was just as comfy as it looked. It was still drizzling outside when we went to bed. Tomorrow we would be heading for Homer. Today had been a great start to our vacation.
Day 2 Monday June 25-
I awoke at 2am local time and thought about getting up. I rationalized that it was really 6am at home and I should be up be up by then. Peter said I was crazy. I forced myself back to bed but eventually was back up at 4. It was still drizzly out. I made coffee and had another steam shower. You know, made enough noise so I wouldn’t be the only one awake. After showering and breakfast we watched a little news looking for a weather report. We were anxious to see what the weather would be on Tuesday as we were scheduled to go to Katmai to see the bears with Ken & Chris Day from Emerald Air. 7am we gathered up the luggage (and the Kahula Cake) and we were on the road again. We drove up and around The Alyeska Resort it was all very beautiful. Everything was very quiet at that hour, no wildlife to see. Too early to take the tram also very foggy. We took a couple of pics and away we went. Back on the road we were just amazed at every pull off, every picnic area the beauty of it all. Breathtaking. For those of you that have been you know what I am talking about. There is no description or pictures than can do it justice. It has to be seen to fully appreciate. It took several hours of driving and stopping before we got to Homer. Along the way we stopped at Gwinns Roadhouse for coffee and a snack. Gwinns was very unique. A true Roadhouse. Restraunt, bar, bait & tackle shop within a convenience store. Cabin rentals. Very cool place. Lots of fishing along the way. The Kenai River was a beautiful creamy sage color, nothing like we had seen before. We stopped at The Russian Orthodox Church. Fires had been an issue near Ninilchik, but did not present a problem for us when we were there. Along the way we spotted little wildlife. Mostly bald eagles but we really wanted to see moose. So far no moose. No Walmart’s either. Eventually we made it to Homer. Although it had taken several hours it was early afternoon. By now it had stopped raining and the sun was trying to peek out. We made our way through town and out to The Spit. Our main focus was Emerald Air. As we drove out onto the spit I couldn’t help but think of home. We live near a fishing village, the sights and sounds were all very familiar. As we checked in with Barbara at Emerald Air our excitement quickly changed to uncertainty. Due to weather Ken & Chris were forced to cancel the 2 previous days of bear viewing. And at this time the weather for tomorrow did not look too promising. OMG-we came all this way to see the bears. What if we don’t get to go? Oh well it is what it is. There is nothing you can do about the weather, we would just have to wait and see. We were given instructions to be at Beluga Lake around 8 the following morning to see if it was a go. We left Emerald Air and quickly made tentative plane for Halibut fishing if the weather did not cooperate for bear viewing. Off to find our next accommodations. Halcyon Heights B & B was fine. We had reserved the Quarterdeck Room. It was a large room, King bed. Fairly new carpeting and new shower, no tub. It was obvious the owners are trying to update the property. One concern we had was there were no keys for our door that opened to the outside. We had a quick nap and struck off for dinner. Steve and Juxia (the b & b innkeepers) made a few suggestions and we settled on The Homestead. Perfect choice as our dinner was fabulous. We had shrimp as an app, Alaskan King Crab Legs, Prime Rib and finished it off with Crème Brule for desert. Great Meal. We gassed up the car at a little gas station/post office/liquor store across the street . Took a little drive around the town before returning to Halcyon Heights. There is the most fantastic view of Kachemak Bay and The Spit from their outdoor hot tub. It was kind of early for bed (not if you are still on EDT) but we pulled all the shades, settled in and prayed that tomorrow would be a beautiful day.
Tomorrow I will add pics……………………..
Cherie
Jul 24th, 2007, 04:43 AM
#2
Loving the report!! A suggestion though. Breaking up the paragraphs a bit more will make for easier reading. In a month, we'll be doing the Emerald Air trip, too, weather permitting......... Like you said, can't control Mother Nature. But our fingers and toes will be crossed. Hope you were able to go.
Jul 24th, 2007, 12:00 PM
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Day 3 Tuesday June 26
Awoke to a somewhat cloudy day. We both ran outside and looked upward for some kind of message, like someone may say “relax its going to be a great day.” I thought we were both nuts, probably the rest of the house thought so too. Being up early we would not be sticking around for breakfast this morning.
We dressed and headed to Safeway for sandwiches and other things as we needed to pack a lunch for the day. Still didn’t know if we would be going but we needed to be prepared for lunch. Safeway has a wide variety of fresh pre-made and made to order sandwiches. They also have Starbucks coffee.
Backpacks packed with binocs, cameras, water, lunch and extra warm clothes off we went to Beluga lake. Of course we were about an hour early so we went to Sourdough Express and had breakfast.
Breakfast was fine, nice homey place albeit a bit pricey for breakfast.
Heading for Beluga Lake we had our fingers crossed. As we pulled into the driveway we were surprised to see we were not the first ones there. Obviously we are not the only anxious ones. Chris met us at the door with a big thumbs up.. We would be flying today. It appeared that the weather would be cooperating with us. The Day’s take no chances with the weather, they often err on the side of caution whereas others may fly. There were 9 of us on this trip. We all gathered inside the building so Chris could go over safety information. From there it was outside to get our hip waders that they provide. All the while Ken is reviewing weather and other data and readying the plane.
Once loaded into the plane we floated across the lake and eventually took flight. We all had headphones and Chris provided a great narration. She told all about the plane we were riding in, the areas we were flying over. Ken was quick to point out a whale or sea otters that were below us. We did a bit of flight seeing around Mt Douglas and 4 Peaked Glacier. All breathtaking. As we started to descend the little brown spots below took the shape of bears as we got closer. We landed in Hallo Bay.
We quickly unloaded and waded ashore. Ken was unable to stay with us as the tide made it unsafe to leave the plane. The first to greet us was a little fox. He was not the slightest bit frightened, seemed like he was looking for a handout. He tagged along for awhile. The first bear we came upon was a juvenile male that Chris called Zack. He was digging clams and our presence did not seem to disturb him. As we walked into the meadow I think we all just stood there with amazement. There were several bears around. Chris seemed to be familiar with many. and had names for a few. We saw Boris & Natasha they are siblings. Cara and her cub that was almost as big as she is. Scare-bear that they now call Maggie. A big, beautiful blonde. Unbelievable that I would ever feel this comfortable surrounded by so many bears. While we sat and had lunch a sow with her twin cubs came into view. She nursed them for a while keeping an eye on us at all times. Got up and took her cubs away as another bear came into her space.
We walked from meadow to meadow crossed streams and creeks just watching bears. Bears, bears and more bears. The silence and the smells again were indescribable. The day flew by, total count of bears that day was 20. Late afternoon it was time to head back. Sad to go.
We met Ken back in the bay and hurriedly loaded up the plane. Back in the air Ken played music through our headphone and it was a relaxing flight back to Homer. Aahhh we can relax, we have seen the bears.
Try this link to my pics:
http://s20.photobucket.com/albums/b225/cjswanson/
Cherie
Awoke to a somewhat cloudy day. We both ran outside and looked upward for some kind of message, like someone may say “relax its going to be a great day.” I thought we were both nuts, probably the rest of the house thought so too. Being up early we would not be sticking around for breakfast this morning.
We dressed and headed to Safeway for sandwiches and other things as we needed to pack a lunch for the day. Still didn’t know if we would be going but we needed to be prepared for lunch. Safeway has a wide variety of fresh pre-made and made to order sandwiches. They also have Starbucks coffee.
Backpacks packed with binocs, cameras, water, lunch and extra warm clothes off we went to Beluga lake. Of course we were about an hour early so we went to Sourdough Express and had breakfast.
Breakfast was fine, nice homey place albeit a bit pricey for breakfast.
Heading for Beluga Lake we had our fingers crossed. As we pulled into the driveway we were surprised to see we were not the first ones there. Obviously we are not the only anxious ones. Chris met us at the door with a big thumbs up.. We would be flying today. It appeared that the weather would be cooperating with us. The Day’s take no chances with the weather, they often err on the side of caution whereas others may fly. There were 9 of us on this trip. We all gathered inside the building so Chris could go over safety information. From there it was outside to get our hip waders that they provide. All the while Ken is reviewing weather and other data and readying the plane.
Once loaded into the plane we floated across the lake and eventually took flight. We all had headphones and Chris provided a great narration. She told all about the plane we were riding in, the areas we were flying over. Ken was quick to point out a whale or sea otters that were below us. We did a bit of flight seeing around Mt Douglas and 4 Peaked Glacier. All breathtaking. As we started to descend the little brown spots below took the shape of bears as we got closer. We landed in Hallo Bay.
We quickly unloaded and waded ashore. Ken was unable to stay with us as the tide made it unsafe to leave the plane. The first to greet us was a little fox. He was not the slightest bit frightened, seemed like he was looking for a handout. He tagged along for awhile. The first bear we came upon was a juvenile male that Chris called Zack. He was digging clams and our presence did not seem to disturb him. As we walked into the meadow I think we all just stood there with amazement. There were several bears around. Chris seemed to be familiar with many. and had names for a few. We saw Boris & Natasha they are siblings. Cara and her cub that was almost as big as she is. Scare-bear that they now call Maggie. A big, beautiful blonde. Unbelievable that I would ever feel this comfortable surrounded by so many bears. While we sat and had lunch a sow with her twin cubs came into view. She nursed them for a while keeping an eye on us at all times. Got up and took her cubs away as another bear came into her space.
We walked from meadow to meadow crossed streams and creeks just watching bears. Bears, bears and more bears. The silence and the smells again were indescribable. The day flew by, total count of bears that day was 20. Late afternoon it was time to head back. Sad to go.
We met Ken back in the bay and hurriedly loaded up the plane. Back in the air Ken played music through our headphone and it was a relaxing flight back to Homer. Aahhh we can relax, we have seen the bears.
Try this link to my pics:
http://s20.photobucket.com/albums/b225/cjswanson/
Cherie
Jul 24th, 2007, 01:39 PM
#4
Cherie, wonderful descriptions. I'm really enjoying the details. The link to photobucket requires your password, however. Also, should I hit the gym before trekking thru the streams and meadows to watch the bears? Sounds like a fabulous adventure!! Dave
Jul 24th, 2007, 05:03 PM
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I have set the album to public. Hope that works. Thanks for your patience. This is my first attempt to give a detailed report with pics and so far it has been quite an education. I appreciate the suggestions.
Try the link again,
Cherie
http://s20.photobucket.com/albums/b225/cjswanson/
Try the link again,
Cherie
http://s20.photobucket.com/albums/b225/cjswanson/
Jul 24th, 2007, 08:15 PM
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Cherie,
Thanks for sharing. My wife and I flew with Ken and Chris last Sept and we had a great time. They are wonderful people. Your photos are amazing - it had me scrolling through our album just to relive the adventure one more time - it never gets old.
I am enjoying your report. Keep it coming and I look forward to more great pictures. BTW what type of camera are you using and with what lens?
Thanks for sharing. My wife and I flew with Ken and Chris last Sept and we had a great time. They are wonderful people. Your photos are amazing - it had me scrolling through our album just to relive the adventure one more time - it never gets old.
I am enjoying your report. Keep it coming and I look forward to more great pictures. BTW what type of camera are you using and with what lens?
Jul 24th, 2007, 10:09 PM
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Cherie~ super trip report and the bear photos were amazing..yes, the Double Musky is a simple building and has character.. bring a large appetite and share the dessert!
I live on the Kenai Peninsula..(for better or worse, we are supposed to have a Walmart next year).
(to those arriving soon)
In Cooper Landing lately, the black bears have been active. They have been crossing the road, so use caution when driving around the curves..
it's tempting to want to drive at a good clip once the road straightens out, but accidents can happen when an unseen moose or bear step out from the trees.
Glad your trip went well and you have so many wildlife photos and memories. J.
I live on the Kenai Peninsula..(for better or worse, we are supposed to have a Walmart next year).
(to those arriving soon)
In Cooper Landing lately, the black bears have been active. They have been crossing the road, so use caution when driving around the curves..
it's tempting to want to drive at a good clip once the road straightens out, but accidents can happen when an unseen moose or bear step out from the trees.
Glad your trip went well and you have so many wildlife photos and memories. J.
Jul 24th, 2007, 11:00 PM
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I enjoyed the photos too! They are great! I would like to learn how to set up a link like that.
Ditto to the prior post. I've seen a bear struck by a car and fatally injured in the Cooper River area. It is wise to be cautious. Wildlife can easily and quickly appear from the brush on the side of the road.
Ditto to the prior post. I've seen a bear struck by a car and fatally injured in the Cooper River area. It is wise to be cautious. Wildlife can easily and quickly appear from the brush on the side of the road.
Jul 25th, 2007, 03:05 AM
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Glad the link to the photo's worked.
Dave-Our hike about was not strenous, just all day. The hip waders were heavier than my regular hiking boots but caused no discomfort. Maybe a bit cumbersome at times. They only had to be fully extended to the hips when wading through water, otherwise you could roll them down to your knees.
We were on the beach and in flat meadows as the bears were eating sedge and other grasses. You on the other hand will probably be going inland to view them as they are now fishing.
And yes, Photobucket is free. As far as easy that depends on you. I am so not technical but have been able to stumble through it.
Javier- thanks for your kind words. I too have scrolled through your album many times, they are fabulous. Sept looks like a great time to be in Katmai. Our pics are very similar.
We use a very simple camers it's a Sony Cyber-shot with a 12X lens. Nothing removable or interchangeable. No fancy-schmancy lens. It's been a great camera for us. We bought it when we were planning our trip to Yellowstone. I'm sure its very outdated in the world of cameras.
Jetset1- I am so jealous. Living on The Kenai Peninsula. You live everyday what we dream of. And about Walmart-I was just kidding.
Dave-Our hike about was not strenous, just all day. The hip waders were heavier than my regular hiking boots but caused no discomfort. Maybe a bit cumbersome at times. They only had to be fully extended to the hips when wading through water, otherwise you could roll them down to your knees.
We were on the beach and in flat meadows as the bears were eating sedge and other grasses. You on the other hand will probably be going inland to view them as they are now fishing.
And yes, Photobucket is free. As far as easy that depends on you. I am so not technical but have been able to stumble through it.
Javier- thanks for your kind words. I too have scrolled through your album many times, they are fabulous. Sept looks like a great time to be in Katmai. Our pics are very similar.
We use a very simple camers it's a Sony Cyber-shot with a 12X lens. Nothing removable or interchangeable. No fancy-schmancy lens. It's been a great camera for us. We bought it when we were planning our trip to Yellowstone. I'm sure its very outdated in the world of cameras.
Jetset1- I am so jealous. Living on The Kenai Peninsula. You live everyday what we dream of. And about Walmart-I was just kidding.
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