August 4th, 2024 Travel to Palmer and Knik Road

We woke to clouds and some rain, so we packed up and headed north:

Love the clouds on the mountains:

Past glacial rivers:

It is amazing to me how much the weather changes from one mountain range to another.  We went thru the Chugach Mountains and now it is beautiful in the next valley!

We are now in the Mat-Su Valley.  This is the area that grows those HUGE vegetables!:

One of the lakes south of Palmer:

We made our way to the Palmer Moose Lodge and set up.  Right now, we are the only ones here:

After setting up, we decided to head to the Visitor Center for information.  There are a few things that I want to do here.  One is the Independence Mine and Hatcher Pass - but only if the weather is good.  In 2009, we tried to explore but it was fogged in and very wet.

The other item on my list is to learn more about the town of Palmer.  Palmer was a supply center for some 200 farm families who were relocated to Alaska from northern Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin as part of the Resettlement Administration under President Roosevelt.

So we will start checking those things tomorrow.  Today was a road trip around Palmer and the Old Glenn Highway.

First stop was the Mantanuska River - a glacial river coming from the Mantanuska Glacier about 60 miles away.  Notice all the debris that has been carried down the river: 

It was running fast.

Some flowers near the viewing area:

From there we headed to Knik Road that parallels the river for about 8 miles.  It ends in a lodge/restaurant near the top of one of the hills.

View from the road - that is it Knik Glacier in the background.

The Knik River - another glacial river:

Not a bad road and many people have homes throughout the hills:

Notice the wooden bridge:

A "pond" near the river - many folks fishing, kayaking, swimming and just enjoying the day:

Oops, must have  got caught in a flood.  We did see a few vehicles along the riverside that had seen better days - in other words, not working anymore.

This turned out to be a "bluebird" day.

We made our way back to the Lodge and paid our fees ($10.00/night for electric - not bad.)  Since they were not having any food sales, we decided to go the Elks Lodge in Wasilla.

We stayed at this lodge in 2009 - it is a beautiful lodge that is located on a lake and very active.  

We had a great supper and a great time and headed back home.

(I know I am going to be asked why I did not stay here instead of the Moose Lodge.  The only reason is cost.  The Elks Lodge was $35/night  - includes electric.  The Moose Lodge was $10.00 per night with electric.  Neither one has a dump station but the Elks did have a water hose at the building to use.  We did not need water so we did not ask at the Moose.

The power situation is better at the Elks and they have a picnic table for each site so there is that.  But we are happy where we are staying.)

What a wonderful day!

Stats for today:

Miles Traveled: 41 Miles

Routes Traveled:

Alaska: Hoyt Street; Debarr Street; Bragaw Street; Glenn Highway - AK3; West Evergreen Avenue; South Cobb Street

July 28th - August 3, 2024 Travel to Anchorage and Friends

(NOTE:  Apologies - I am so far behind in the blog.  As you know, I take lots of pictures and it does take time to go thru and pick what to publish - plus do some research.   

We did so much in Seward and I will post that later as I get caught up.  But for now I am trying to be near real time so I don't forget - easy to do now a days..LOL!)

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July 28th, 2024

We woke to a cloudy day, stopped by the dump to empty our tanks and away we went:

The drive out of Seward into the mountains is beautiful.  Sadly, the pictures do not do it justice!  We went past many glacial streams:

And beautiful waterfalls:

Clouds in the mountains:

The train!:

I don't think we have any fear right now:

I love the way the clouds hang on the mountain tops:

This lake is still reflecting:

WOW!

And another WOW - we are near the Turnagain Arm area.  This area sank 8 - 12 feet during the 1964 earthquake.  Cannot even imagine the flooding!

Starting up the Seward Highway by Turnagain Arm:

This area of the Seward Highway is considered one of the most scenic drives in Alaska and one of the most dangerous highways.  It hugs the mountains on the one side and the water on the other side, with the road and railroad in between.  The scenery is dramatic and my pictures do not do it justice.  (On another note - there are so many beautiful and scenic roads that it would be hard to pick my favorite - not only in Alaska but all of the U.S.)

Anchorage in the distant and the Alaska Range in the far distance:

We made our way to the Golden Nugget RV Park where we will be for the week.

July 31, 2024

The highlight of our week was to see our friends, Jack and Rita, who are living here. We met them in Benson Arizona in 2009.  They were so great to us and have been throughout the years.  They are now off the road so it was great to see them and get caught up. Thank you Jack and Rita.

I have to give a shout out to their story.  They homesteaded in Alaska before it was a state and have written books about it.  (Their books can be found on Amazon - search for Jack Stoudt Alaska. Very interesting!)

July 28-August 3, 2024

We did not do any sightseeing for our week in Anchorage.  We spent time doing some maintenance, fixing some things, cleaning, shopping, planning and relaxing.  I have been touristed out!  I know that is not a word and I need to explain.  There is so much to see and do here and much of the scenery and experiences are incredible.  But sometimes, I get sensory overload and then do not really enjoy what I am seeing.  So, hence, the break.

Our plans for the next few weeks are Palmer, Talkeetna, Denali, and Fairbanks.  I am very surprised I got a place in Denali for 5 nights - Hope to see the mountain.

Tomorrow we head to Palmer so stay tuned and enjoy today.

Stats for today:

Miles Traveled: 128 Miles

Routes Traveled:

Alaska:  Ballaine Bvd; Seward Highway AK-3; E. 15th Avenue/ Debarr Street; Hoyt Street