Saturday, June 12,2010

Before leaving Baltimore I had checked the weather...rain, rain and more rain. So imagine my delight when I peeked out of the curtains at 5:15 this morning and found crystal clear blue skies, no wind and brilliant sunshine. I went out to look around and found that the hotel is located on Lake Hood and that it is an aerodrome lake meaning that only sea planes are allowed to land and take off from it. No other watercraft, manpowered or motored, are allowed.

After Doug has his morning dose of television we finally headed out at 9A. Weather was still perfect. I had done some reading and wanted to go to Earthquake Park and then into downtown Anchorage for the Market Festival and Jazz Festival. We consulted with a member of the hotel staff and found that we couldn't reasonably walk to both. After looking at the map Doug and I thought it feasible to walk to Earthquake Park and then return to the hotel where we would catch a cab downtown.

You need to remember that Alaska is a BIG place and things that appear close by are actually quite far away. As we walked in the direction of the park we took solice thinking that we would be able to catch a cab or bus upon our return. As we neared the park the road became narrower and we were forced to walk under the tree canopy. We were immediately besieged by the "Alaskan Dragonfly" (aka mesquito) and I mean totally surrounded. We ran like crazy to the other side of the road. I have no idea what prompted me to bring along a can of insect repellant but I whipped it out and we escaped with only a few dozen bites...but I have to tell you it quite literally scared the piss out of me. So I now have offically taken my first pee on the road side in Alaska.

Earthquake Park is located in the suburb of Turnagain. It was amazing to stand and look at how much of the land crumbled into the waterway of Kirk Arm during the great quake in the 60's. It was even more amazing to learn that in this residental area only four people were killed as their houses and the land crumbled around them. There were lots of joggers and cyclists that we had to look out for because they would just run you over given the chance. We finally cried uncle and called for a taxi to pick us up and transport us to downtown Anchorage.

Anchorage gets it's name because in the 1800's this is where boats would come to anchor...go figure! We learned that Anchorage only gets an average of 15 inches of rain per year and not much snow. We went to the famous Market & Festival and it was interesting. A lot of local Alaskan artists selling their wares. Doug was hot for Halibut and we go some as soon as we spotted it. Unfortunately it was fried in beer batter, too doughy and somewhat bland. That didn't stop Doug for he soon found a corn dog and exclaimed that it was the best he has ever had. We walked to Ship Creek and observed several fishermen participating in the Slam'n Salm'n King Fishing Derby. We didn't see anyone catch anything. By now the weather turned and it was cold and very windy.

Downtown Anchorage has a Nordstroms (believe it or not). It is filled with a wide variety of art galleries and fur shops. We proceed to the Alaskan Center for the Performing Arts and watched a beautiful movie on the great northern Auroras and Doug caught a quick 40 winks. The city contains numerous parks filled with tremendous gardens. Everything grows big and beatuiful due to 18+ hours of sunlight each day. The tuberous begonias and dahlias were spectacular. We stopped by the free Jazz Festival and were impressed with the quality of the musicians.

I thought I had adequately prepared for the trip...making sure that all the camera batteries were fully charged, etc. What I neglected to do was empty the memory card of my Nikon so I could only take a few pictures before the camera registered "card full." Fortunately there was a very well appointed camera store where I picked up another card. Sorry there aren't any photos today but I promise they will be forthcoming.

Right now the hotel is in a tizzy awaiting the arrival of Ben Rothlesberger (Steelers quarterback) making sure all their woman are safe! He and his Dad are coming to do some fishing.

We are planning an early dinner at the hotel this evening. Tomorrow morning we fly to Fairbanks. It appears that we will be on the receiving end of a lot of rain in the not too distant future. I will post pictures ASAP.