Yes we are still here. In the land of the bad drivers and where the local medic van pulls a dingy behind it. Where drunken natives get into a fight in front of the Starbucks at 11:00 a.m. Anchorage is an interesting city. Five days here and our only exposure of southern Alaska has been Anchorage. I know there is more to this place. I’ve seen photos. Where the hell is the awe inspiring beauty? Oh that’s right you have to leave the city. So that’s what we did.
The trusty husband was done with work early today so we spent the day with Rhonda*, Brian, Bonnie & Clyde. Walking into Rhonda’s house and hugging her for the first time was like saying hi to an old friend. I’m always nervous to meet new people. I tried to talk myself out of meeting Kathou for the first time. I was a little sick to my stomach when I met Margaret for the first time. I just get like that. But Rhonda? Not at all. I tell you it was just like talking to someone I’ve known my whole life. That could be because we share a brain and all. I also believe the trusty husband and Brian would vouch for that seeing as they had a front row seat.
Rhonda & Brian were such gracious hosts this afternoon. They drove us up to Flat Top Mountan that had gorgeous views of the valley. It was fricken cold and I swear it was starting to snow. From the mountain they took us to a place called Indian Valley Meats. Basically this place is a big game processor. There is a big door that says, “Full Carcas Drop Off.” Brian was jonesing for Musk Ox meat. I was swindled into trying Reindeer hot dogs. They actually weren’t that bad. Of course if you looked up in this place there were heads hanging all over the walls. Dead little eyes staring down at me saying, “you are eating us.”
We continued our drive south to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. Cool place. Muddy and wet, but cool. We saw bear, moose, bison, and Musk Ox (also known as dinner).
We had time to kill before dinner so we took a drive up to Portage Glacier, but the weather was so bad we couldn’t see it. We’ll try it again Saturday.
Our excursions outside of the city gave us a new appreciation for Alaska. It truly is beautiful and there is so much to do here. That is if you are the outdoorsy kind of person and not afraid of a little rain.
*Too lazy to link
Would love to see these sites but I’ll pass on the meat packing plant. YUK!
I’m happy (and a bit jealous) that you got to meet Rhonda and all, but I don’t know how to respond to the “I was a little sick to my stomach when I met Margaret for the first time” statement. Nice.
Time to kill before dinner … hee hee … I first read it as “we had time to kill dinner” … I’m still laughing …
Well, all the true beauty in Alaska is in the Southeast! Don’t let anyone tell you different. I’m glad that you’re getting out of the city. I’ve only been to Anchorage once in all the time I’ve lived in Alaska and I was not impressed. That is one ugly city!!
I read it the same way, Tacomachickadee!
As for Portage Glacier, you can only see it from the boat tour these days; it’s retreated pretty far back now. But you can see Byron Glacier (I think that’s it’s name) on the same road but before the Portage Glacier visitor’s center.
Sounds like y’all are having fun – I’m a little envious of cold AND rain right now…we are in a HOT drought down South! Enjoy some ‘great’ weather for me! 🙂