Keeping Up With The Counters: PALMER, WASILLA, & ANCHORAGE

JUNE 18 - 27

While exploring this part of Alaska we set up our base camp in Palmer, AK, at the Mountain View Campground.

SLED DOGS

The world famous Iditarod Dog Sled Race is held every March and covers over 1,000 miles from southwest Alaska in Anchorage, to Nome on the western coast of the Berring Sea. Until the introduction of snowmobiles, the trail was once a supply and mail route to villages that could only be reached by dog sled. Joe Reddington, Sr., made it his life's work to save the historic trail, the culture of dog sledding, and the Alaskan breed of huskies. The first Iditarod race was held in 1973 and has grown over the years with mushers from all walks of life, coming from all over the world, to compete in this grueling test of endurance, for man and dogs, through some of the most scenic and extreme weather conditions Mother Nature has to offer.

The highlight of our visit to the Iditarod Headquarters was taking a short ride in a cart pulled by sled dogs on a trail through the woods. As we approached the area for the cart ride, the team of dogs were laying down until they saw us give the musher our tickets. Oh my, the excitement began! All the dogs started barking, jumped up, and started wagging their tails, as if to say "let's get going!" Sled dogs are working dogs and they like nothing better than to run, and to run fast.

Ah, who can resist a puppy?

And, if you are wondering if we saw Sarah Palin while in Wasilla, the answer is "No". I believe she was at home looking at Russia from her kitchen window.

FAMILIAR FACES IN FAR AWAY PLACES

MATT
The evening before leaving Palmer, Jim got a call from our grandson, Matt, who had been on a fishing trip out of Seward. "Hey, grandpa, I'm in Wasilla. How far are you guys from Wasilla?" We got in the car, drove 12 miles to where Matt and his buddy, Aaron, were staying, picked them up and went out for a couple of drinks where we swapped tales of our Alaskan adventures. Getting to see Matt and Aaron was the highlight of our Palmer visit.

What a wonderful surprise to see Aaron and Matt.

BOB
Anchorage was our next stop where we got together several times with Bob, Jim's step-brother. Bob relocated to Alaska after spending time stationed there in the military. He's lived in Anchorage for over 20 years so had plenty of hunting, fishing, and mining for gold stories to tell us. He also makes a mean canned smoked salmon...delicious!

Bob and Jim

TIM & JILL
Our friends from Bass Lake, Tim and Jill Reimenschnider, contacted us saying they would be in Anchorage for the weekend. Friday, the four of us drove to Whittier, a small coastal town, which until 2000, could only be reached by train, plane, or boat. In 2000, the 2.5 mile train tunnel running through the mountain to Whittier was modified to handle trains and automobiles. At the end of the tunnel is an abandoned U.S. Army base, a few gift shops, restaurants, a couple of hotels, and fishing charter and tour boats. This makes up the town of Whittier.

A great day spent with friends amid the amazing Alaskan scenery.

Alasken brew! The bartender said their bar had been voted "Best Water" for that past several years.

Cheeseheads in Whittier.

A COLORFUL DAY IN ANCHORAGE
Saturday, June 24th, marked the 40th anniversary of the Anchorage Gay Pride Parade. Of course we had to go, since we'd never been to a gay pride parade. We met Tim and Jill downtown, watched about 20 of the 150 parade units, then headed out for Bloody's and Brunch.

At the intersection of F Ave. and 7th Street, we were at the center of the action. The commentary of the parade MC was a hoot, and Anchorage's Finest was present to make sure every one stayed safe.

At the 1st Anchorage Gay Pride Parade, 40 years ago, participants wore paper bags over their heads
because they were afraid of being fired from their jobs, losing their housing, or being violently attacked.
Thank goodness a lot has changed in the past 40 years!