home sweet harvey: Alaska!

After our first RV hook up site stay on Sauvie Island (lovely, sweet neighbors) a few friend hangouts (Zech! Goose!) and a bunch of errands (doggies to vet- Hi Penny! Harvey to storage) we made the trek to Alaska Friday morning. There was a brief saga of having the wrong crate for Milo at the airport (latches not nuts and bolts holding it together), but we were super early, and I have super friends so Zech brought us one to swap out and we were on our way. Thanks Zech!

Mom and Greg picked us up in their new slide in camper they have named Stan (doesn't Stan sound like Harvey's grandfather?) and took us north for a couple of nights. They really wanted us to see Denali, but she was being shy so we just hiked and camped. First hike was on Matanuska glacier. Pretty stellar, except at one point we lost Nick and I thought he was gone forever down one of the crevasses (it happens. for serious.) But of course he was just taking pictures!

The next day we did the Reed Lake loop, which was hands down the most beautiful hike I've ever done. Most hikes are a long trek for a payout at the end. This was beautiful the entire way. We hiked up a valley with craggy peaks on both sides, crossed a boulder field, and hiked up another ridge to a glacial lake. We started off thinking it was a 6 mile round trip, so were confused for the second half of the first leg, but had nothing but fun on the way back. Unfortunately, we didn't plan well (wore cotton and didn't bring enough water- amateurs!) but made friends with some nice ladies from Anchorage who were gracious enough to pump us some fresh water. When we got back, momma had the most delicious halibut chowder waiting. Camper travel has its perks!

Then we drove over Hatcher Pass and camped on the Willow side. In the morning we went for breakfast at the Talkeetna Roadhouse (the place that every chain wishes it could be). After brunch (I think we finished around noon) we took a little walk down to the creek which was higher and swifter than I have ever seen it. We went up to the bridge and got to see a train come across while we were standing there, which was super cool!

We tried again to see if Denali would show her pretty face, but no such luck so we split the drive back to Kenai with an overnight at Eklutna Lake and errands in Anchorage. First time seeing mom and Greg's place was a bit overwhelming. I can't believe they get to live here! There are neighbors pretty close on each side, but who cares when you have that view!

Day before yesterday we drove early over to Seward for a Major Marine Tour. We had the kind of day that the brochures show. It was sunny and warm and we saw a whale within an hour. In fact we saw three! AND they breeched! (Jumped out of water and back flopped) Not just once, but over and over. Mom flipped when I told her because she lived in Alaska six years before she saw that (and she only saw it once!) It was AMAZING. Naturally, Nick got some amazing pictures so I just got to watch and say, "Wow." We also saw sea otters, sea lions, orcas, puffins, and more. We saw glaciers caving. It was a great day! We topped it off with a tasty dinner in the harbor before driving out and doing the short hike to Exit Glacier. (When the sun stays up forever, 9pm feels like 6pm.) You would think that they all start to look the same at some point, but they don't!

Yesterday we had a bit of a lazy day at mom's. Walk with the doggies on Captain Cook Beach, tried to find an eagles' nest (an aerie for the technically inclined), and naps and hot tub. The doggies are loving Alaska and being spoiled at grammy's house. They have explored, gotten dirty, and eaten caribou. Not a bad vacation for them either.

Today we're off to Homer for a day trip. I like end of the road places. They tend to be full of my kind of people.

We counted and realized that this is my 6th trip to Alaska. Since it is Nick's first, I keep saying I'll do whatever he wants, which is paying off seriously so far. I can't believe we get to be here for two more weeks!