Along for the ride: Anchorage and Alyeska

From Talkeetna, we head south to Anchorage, Alaska's largest city... or as some of the locals refer to it as LA for "Los Anchorage." Along the way, we pass through Wasilla, home of Sarah Palin. No we didn't try to visit her; however, we did get a better understanding of her as Wasilla appears to be one long strip mall of blue collar businesses.

Road just north of Wasilla

Alaskan Rail - we loved our rail trip in 2009

Since the weather was rainy on the weekend we were in Anchorage, we didn't take too many photos, but we did meet some interesting people with great stories.

To get around town better, we rented a car for a few days. As part of the check our process, the Enterprise guy was running through the rules, one of which was NOT to clean fish in the vehicle. We laughed and said that was the first time we had ever heard that one before. He said last year a local guy had rented a brand new PT Cruiser and went fishing. He might have had some issue with the rental car agency, because he had cleaned his catch off the back tailgate; however, he left both the fish and guts in the car locked up a few days rotting during warm weather before returning it. Needless to say the smell rendered the car useless for future rentals. The odd part was the guy never took his fish with him, nor did he have any kind of record of any misdeeds in the past. Consequently, Enterprise added the no cleaning fish rule to all of its contracts.

Later we stopped for beer and pizza at the Moose Tooth's Pub and Pizzeria, where we had enjoyed a great pizza and brews when we were in Anchorage in 2009. Even we arrived relatively early (4pmish) on a Friday afternoon, the place was already packed and we had trouble finding a table. A guy sitting alone at a table in the bar offered to share with us. Turns out that Jack was a true local, born and raised in Anchorage. He's a mechanic who loves tweaking hot rods and motorcycles for racing. He told stories practically the whole time of his adventures and also gave us some great travel pointers.

The next day was still rainy, but we decided to get out anyway by starting at the Anchorage Farmers' Market which we had missed in 2009. Apparently, due to a late rainy spring, there weren't many fresh fruit and vegetables stalls at the market, but the veggies that were there were enormous.

Alaskan sized veggies

I belly up to a Bear

"That's not a REAL bear!"

Next we went to Anchorage's large indoor shopping mall on 5th Avenue to get haircuts. We were served by a tall Russian woman who had married an American GI and moved to Anchorage 15 years ago. She grew up in St. Petersburg and chattered about her life and stories while giving both of us haircuts. We've learned if you give an Alaskan an ear, s/he will fill it full of stories and tall tales.

Our next stop was the Anchorage Museum, which we also missed in 2009. It has four stories of exhibits, so we started at the top. The third floor is currently devoted to "modern interpretations" of the North. In our minds, it's to be skipped, unless you are a big fan of modern art. However the exhibits on the 2nd and 1st floors are worth the price of admission.

Statue in front of Museum

Entrance (photo from Visual Travel Tours)

On Monday, we leave Anchorage for the Kenai Peninsula by driving down the Turnagain Arm. This particular arm of the Cook Inlet was named because the Cook Expedition of 1778 kept having to turn their ships around to avoid the many mud flats and bars. On the way, we decide to stop at the Alyeska Resort in Girdwood. Jack (in the Moose's Tooth) had recommended we stop there, besides we had coupons (which were given to us by an Aussie couple we met at Liard Hot Springs - gotta love the people we meet while traveling) for the ride up the tram.

Turnagain Arm

Alyeska Resort

Sculpture at entrance

Alyeska is a high end ski resort in the winter and has various activities for their guests during the summers, including rides up the tram.

Alyeska Tram

Away we go

Our tram car

The views are amazing as we rise up the tram.

Above lakes and the resort

up to the ski chalet

Main ski chalet overlooking Turnagain Arm

There's a surprising number of people at the top, some just taking photos (like us), others mountain biking, or hiking the trails.

Taking in the sights by the Alyeska Chalet

We're surprised to see a number of para-sailors floating on the breezes and wonder how they got there. Then we spot a guy hiking behind us with a large backpack on.