Anchorage, Alaska

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We left Homer on Tuesday morning for another 223 mile trip to Anchorage. It was a long drive due to some construction, although the roads were basically pretty good. We arrived in Anchorage for a three night stay. Our campground is located right in the city. Anchorage is the largest city in Alaska, with a population of 300,000 people. This is more than 1/2 of the population of the entire state. At sea level, the city is bordered by the Chugah Mountains and the Cook Inlet shoreline. The area has been setting records with their 70 degree days, and also tied for 5th with 4 days over 80 degrees so far this summer. We have had absolutely beautiful sunny days. We have heard all about these record setting days from a former Madison, Wisconsin weatherman, David George, who is now broadcasting with a station from Anchorage. What a surprise to see a familiar face.

On Wednesday our group went on a tour of the city, visits to a very good Anchorage Museum, the Ulu Factory, a lunch at the Sourdough Mining Company, and a stop at the Alaska Wild Berry Products store. I am sure they all love to see a bus full of tourists pull in ... their cash registers got quite a work out! We also made a stop at Potter's Marsh, which has a huge boardwalk for viewing of wildlife. With over 1500 moose supposedly living in Anchorage, you would think maybe we could have found one. Anchorage also is home to Lake Hood, the busiest seaplane base in the world.

Jim golfed today on a beautiful scenic course here in Anchorage. He kind of hesitated going without me, but I assured him I would be just fine. Afterall, we have been on the road almost 5 weeks ... which means we have been together 24/7 for almost all of that time. Think about it ... a break was just fine. (I cleaned, did laundry, all of that fun stuff) He's back and we are ready to get an early start tomorrow for Denali National Park. Group One pulls out at 7:30, we will be right behind them for the next 243 miles.

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