Alaska Day 3 - Anchorage to Matanuska Lodge

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A late start to the day today not because I slept in but because I was moseying around. With bills paid, route planned to Matanuska Lodge, and other things out of the way, the time comes to move on. I will be back to Anchorage but for now, I am mountain bound and excited to leave the city.

The rolling hills with mountainous background as I leave Anchorage on the Glenn Highway does not adequately prepare me for what is to come. Every turn brings a new striking view that has me commenting out loud. It is an extraordinary drive. I have taken two to three times the number of pictures I have posted here and I am certain the pictures will not do justice to what I have seen today. Every scene builds on the one before until I say no more because there are just no words to convey the grandeur that presents itself. At one roadside stop the words to an old hymn came to mind and it is a good thing there were other people around or I swear I would have broken into song that would have scared every living thing around. [Oh Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder, consider all the works thy hands have made...] I truly stood in wonder at the magnificence of it all. And then to discover it would continue to just keep getting better and better - truly unbelievable.

I make another stop at Knik River public access. It is wide and the current is visibly powerful. The mountain backdrop makes it look like a post card brought to life. There is a "Kids Don't Float" life jacket loaner station. You use them and return them to the hooks for the next people to use. Such a grand idea to assure kids stay safe near the water though I'm not at all sure I would be comfortable to have kids of mine anywhere near that water. The current looked quite strong, yet so calming. I could have easily remained there for hours simply watching the water's continuous rhythm.

The clouds play games with the mountains and the sun casts shadows that together transform any particular scene multiple times. I can see the same mountain ahead over and over but yet the vista would look completely different just minutes later given the changing clouds and shadows.

I finally realize that I have been so immersed in my surroundings that I have not been watching signs one bit. For all I know I have long passed the Matanuska Lodge. I spot a roadside Cafe where I stop in to ask about the Lodge location. The gentleman actually calls the lodge to be sure where it is. He tells me I have quite a ways to go yet and that the Lodge is between marker 99-100. I was stymied for a moment because I had not clue what marker we were on. Of course he didn't know what I was thinking so he asked if I knew what a mile marker was. I gladly assured him that yes I did - Wisconsin has those also. His closest marker is in the seventies so I did have quite a ways to go. I happily make my way to the lodge, continuing to be absolutely asteounded by the various scenery playing out right before me.

Up, down, and around many bends I continue the journey until I get to mile marker 99 and see the entrance to the lodge. It is just as pictured. The glacier is viewable right from the Lodge and makes for an amazing panorama. I am here for three nights. Though I've never actually stayed at a Bed and Breakfast, I can tell this will be a grand experience if for no other reason than the unique accommoation, the friendly owner, and of course the . The views from my room are incredible - it truly is like I've transported to an entirely different world.

I have dinner at Long Rifle Lodge - a standard cheeseburger but the onion strings were great. I have no idea what the history is to that lodge name but seems quite fitting given the decoration. The view from inside the Cafe is stunning no matter which way you look. What's the saying - - location, location, location 😉 Afterward I continue up the road a ways still in awe of how long the mountains splendor persist. I see the mileage sign for Tok and wonder if this truly can go on and on for some 200 miles. I'll find out in the days to come.

Matanuska Lodge has a beautiful small lake to enjoy just a short walk from the Lodge. I make the easy stroll and sit lakeside enjoying the tranquility of the setting. The silence is deafening. I decide I will stay until 8:30 or 9:00pm to enjoy to the fullest. The only problem is when I look at my watch, it is already after 9:15pm. I am nowhere near adjusting to the 3-hr time difference from home OR the extended hours of light that just beckon one to carry on. Reluctantly I head back to the lodge.

It is hard to believe it has already been three days. Tomorrow is another day. There is glacier hiking, river rafting, and other fun things but quite honestly, I may take a day to just 'be' without any major activities at all. We shall see.

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Photos

Moose Crash Area?
Certainly don't want to make that statistic

Kids Don't Swim -
- Life Jacket trade available!

Comments

[Vickie Hart]

O.M.Goodness!
Rita - the day 3 pictures are amazing! I look so forward to your posts. Can't wait to see and hear all about it in PV. Viya con Dios my friend.

[Vickie Hart]

Breathtaking is right!
This is truly the postcard shot!

[eileen]

Psalm 8
I immediatley knew what song you were talking about!!! Here's a psalm I thought of too! Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory in the heavens. When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them? You have made them a little lower than the angels and crowned them with glory and honor. You made them rulers over the works of your hands; you put everything under their feet: all flocks and herds, and the animals of the wild, the birds in the sky, and the fish in the sea, all that swim the paths of the seas. Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!

[Brenda]

Ok...how do I get to the next blog
Cani only access the first three days..I am sooooo blog retarded. But want to read it...send link