Day 37 - Anchorage / Eklutna

A rainy start to the day so we spent a little time shopping.  The weather finally cleared in the afternoon.  The sun came out and it warmed up to 54.  We decided to go to to

                                                    It was a pretty drive up the mountain

                                                            The glacial lake was beautiful,

                                                                             vacant,

                                                                              and cold.

                                                                         They warn you.

But we didn't see any.  But Lo and Behold what to our wondering eyes did we spy behind some trees along the road

                                                                                 Mama

                                                                             and Baby

                                                                      and Baby two

make 3!!  It was awesome to sit and watch them.

                                                         We took the road back down

                                                                       Then we went to

                                                              they have great signage

                                                                    and reactions to it

                                                                   It was a pretty walk

                                                             We made it to the falls

                                                             and found them well worth it

                       The village of Eklutna consisted of this Orthodox Church and a gift shop

                                            Across the street the neighbor wasn't as welcoming

                                        The ceiling continued to lift exposing snow laced peaks

                                                      so Heidi took Jerry for his walk

Day 36 - Palmer / Anchorage

                                  We decided to move closer to Anchorage, exactly 2.5 miles closer.

                                          Better view and nicer park, but we miss cousin Eddie.

                                         There's not really any nice parks closer to Anchorage.

                                       We went to the trading post but had nothing to trade

                                                          Where in the world are we?

                                          Pam finally found Sarah.  Where else but shopping.

                                                         Have we told you about the flowers?

                                                                             Have we?

                                                                            Amazing

                                                      Definitely not how you picture Alaska.

                                                                      We took the tour.

        It went by the airport, where they have dredged out canals to handle the hundreds of float planes.

     1 out of 6 Alaskans has a Pilot's license and there is a 9 year waiting list for a slip for your float plane.

                                               These are the only whales we've seen so far.

But we've spent most of our time in the interior.  The folks in Anchorage do have a nice surrounding view.

When we got back to the park we went to the Thursday night Square Dance.  Some watched, some danced.

                                  Despite the striking resemblance, that is not Jerry in the shorts.

                                          This guy grabbed Pam and tried to smack Lon (NOT)

                                                   They honored the dancers, visitor/beginners

                                                       And gave us a badge "of courage"

                                                    Shirley R would have been proud.