Day 15 Anchorage

Friday, June 28

We are on our way to meet friends of Anna for lunch at Benihana.  On the road, I spot a sign that reminds me of someone very special.

Clifton and Gale, who have lived in Anchorage for 20 years, with Anna in the middle. 

Everyone arrived before the restaurant opened so we decided to wait in a hotel lobby next door.  It was an opportunity for Anna and friends to reacquaint each other with family back home as well as meet June, John and I.   We were the first to walk in the door so we received the best seat and what may appear to be the best chef.  Another couple, residents in Anchorage, joined our setting to complete the table.


Can you see I LOVE YOU!

Our meal was more than anyone anticipated.  Several had to-go boxes.  As we said good-bye, we have another great memory, new friends and good food.

Our next stop was the Alaskan Museum of Science and Nature.  We spent about an hour just strolling and seeing all the artifacts.

A meteorite found in Alaska and preserved in peanut oil

Claws from various animals

A parka made from gut and lining from a whale.

Are you getting tired yet?  Everyone is slowing down here, but we must keep going.  A big day is planned tomorrow and we are thinking about leaving on Sunday.  Two more stops before touring is over for this day.  We are on our way to ULU Factory.  ULU, pronounced "oo-loo", is a round blade knife/chopper/slicer/cutter.  It is multi-functional tool that has been used by native Alaskans for over 3000 years..

And of course, we had to see what it feels like to ride in a musher sled except no dogs to guide.  Probably a good thing, if you know what I mean.

A street vendor selling hot dogs, now that feels like the lower 48.

Log Cabin Visitor Center with real grass growing on roof

Well, we thought we would see a fish ladder near the ULU Factory but no such luck.  Our last stop of the day would be the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory.  WHAT A DISAPPOINTMENT.  We found it - in the mall - at a small kiosk - and the chocolate is made in Durango,Colorado!  So our trip wasn't in vain, I purchased two pieces of dark chocolate with nuts. 

At home at last.  Today was an overcast day and it actually is darker tonight.  This is the very first day that we did not see the sun come out since we started this adventure.  Maybe tonight I don't have to use aluminum insulation to darken the windows from light and heat.