TRIP DAY – 39, 40, 41,
42
|
DAILY
MILES - 93 – 86 - 25 - 64
|
TOTAL
MILES – 5598
|
7/23 – Left Homer and headed
back north up the Kenai Peninsula to Kenai then Soldotna where we spent the
night in the Fred Meyer Supermarket parking lot. This was our first “boondocking” experience
and it turned out very satisfactory. By
early evening the parking lot on one side of the building had filled with
RVs. We had a spot on the curb where we
looked out into the adjacent woods and if you didn’t look out our opposite
window you would swear you were in a state park. The upside to this was I had all afternoon to
shop inside the big box store. They have
everything from housewares to clothing in addition to the grocery
products. Prices weren’t bad by Alaska
standards.
7/24 – We are running ahead of
schedule a few days so decided to camp our way up the peninsula through the
Chugach National Forest area. Headed to
USFS Bertha Creek Campground where we were lucky enough to get #6 which has a
waterfall across from the site. Wayne
said each site was close to an acre and you couldn’t see your neighbor for the
dense forest. There were only 12 sites
in the whole valley. We met an Alaskan
who was panning for gold in the creek that ran through the campground. He came to fish for salmon but said it
appeared they hadn’t reached this far up-stream yet.
 |
| Our campsite at Bertha Creek Campground |
7/25 – Still camping our way
up toward Anchorage, today finds us headed to Portage Glacier and the USFS
Williwaw Campground. We first stopped in
the Visitor Center at Portage Lake which was really fantastic. They had the best informative movie that we
have viewed thus far, and we have seen a bunch.
The Ranger recommended the adjoining lodge for lunch and the food was
wonderful. They even served big squares
of cornbread with honey that really hit the spot. Then it was on to the campground where we
setup and did a couple short trail hikes.
There are six major glaciers in the Portage Valley and we are camped
right below the Middle Glacier. The remainder of the afternoon was spent
reading and resting.
 |
| One of the six glaciers at Portage Glacier Park |
7/26 – Today is my birthday
and I am planning to see a MOOSE. I keep
looking for one in the wild but they don’t come near the roads during the
day. Lots of moose get killed on the
highways in late evening and early morning but I’m asleep during those
hours. We are going to visit the
Wildlife Conservation Center where I’m guaranteed seeing an adult moose – I
hope. WELL I SAW LOTS OF MOOSE THIS
MORNING AT THE CENTER! THEY CAME RIGHT
TO THE FENCE TO SAY HAPPY BIRTHDAY. Both
sons called me before 10 AM to wish me a Happy Birthday and that was the best
present ever – that and being in Alaska.
We drove on up to Anchorage and are camped in the Ship Creek RV park
right next to the train tracks and near the airport. I plan on seeing the museums tomorrow and
getting out of here. . . . too much civilization.
 |
| My birthday moose |
 |
| Wayne's idea of a Birthday Party for me! |
I may not have another connection
until Fairbanks, but stay tuned for the next adventure.
