North to Alaska 8: Puppies!

Today everyone got up at 6am to take an 8-hour bus tour around Denali national park. The pod seemed put out that I chose not to join them. But in the last week I have seen beautiful sights from an airplane, from two trains, from a ship, and a boat, I have seen beautiful sights from a helicopter and a dogsled. How many beautiful sights can you see before you poke your own eyes out?



I slept late and hung out in the jacuzzi. I had a slice of pizza for breakfast. I saw our waiter from the night before and he was as gentlemanly and friendly as could be. He said we were his favorite table. I realized at that point who he reminded me of - Floyd the Barber from the Andy Griffith Show. A few members of our pod reproached me for missing the bus tour. Here are a few photos my mom took of what I missed...





Later in the lodge area, one woman confided to me, "Oh my God, the children are in the restaurant and we just made reservations! were you on the bus? It was a nightmare!"

We needed to escape the drama. Luckily I had found a bar the night before called the Salmon Bake that looked very promising. Open since 1984, the "Bake" also offers cabins.



They had dozens of beers on tap, including my favorite, Kilt Lifter. This is the ale that converted me from a fan of ambers to reds.



Ralph and Mary Ann both went for "flights" (or samplers) from Midnight Sun Brewing Co.





The chowder was made with real cream and fresh salmon.



Fantastic fish and chips. this place was a total find.



Buffalo burgers to die for



and a very tempting dessert tray



That night we visited a dog breeding and training camp for award-winning Iditarod racer Jeff King. Jeff King was unavailable at the time. We learned all kinds of interesting facts and listened to all kinds of fascinating stories. These are dog runs they spin around on like crazy.



But all I could think about was...

Puppies!!!










Sunset in Denali State Park

That bar looks right out of Northern Exposure.

Actually, the next town we will be seeing, Talkeetna, was the inspiration for Northern Exposure. It is also my favorite town we visit.

What a trip you're having....The Salmon Bake looks exactly like what1 picture a place in Alaska should look...great looking food...and I'd love to have that sampler..looking forwar to Talkeetna!!

Seems like a wonderful trip.

Elise, what an adventure.
Those fish and chips look amazing,however, I'm with you on the puppies puppies puppies!!!

I don't know how you managed not to smuggle that little baby you're holding out with you, what a doll!
And that little guy behind the chain link fence is a keeper too.

Great report once again. The bus trip in Denali can be hit or miss from talking to many that have taken it. You may or may not even see the Mt. McKinley peak. Ours was a hit. We watched a grizzly bear work its way down a valley, came right up to our bus and then proceeded to grub out some poor burrowed animal right next to us.

quote:

Originally posted by Davydd

Great report once again. The bus trip in Denali can be hit or miss from talking to many that have taken it. You may or may not even see the Mt. McKinley peak. Ours was a hit. We watched a grizzly bear work its way down a valley, came right up to our bus and then proceeded to grub out some poor burrowed animal right next to us.

I think that big white mountain was mount mckinley/denali. Not sure. they saw moose and bears. But having had a bear sniff around my tent in Yosemite once making me feel like nougat filling, I didn't care much to see bears.

Everyone bitched so much about the train being late, and the luggage missing, and yada yada yada that I really couldn't imagine 8 hours in a cramped space with the pod.

Plus we'd been constantly on the move for a week, so it was kind of nice to just sit still.

I'm not crazy about fish and chips but that looked incredible. The chowder, the fries, the burger..Great. Then the puppies, the skyline.....Just great. Continued thanks as you take us along for the ride Elsie.

Pizza and beer for breakfast minus the pod.

Elise, are you done yet? What a wonderful trip report. Scenery, pups, food ... what a delight.

DonT, in Miami

The puppies are so cute.

The Salmon Bake looks like a heck of a find, I added that one to my list of places to visit if in the area.

Halibut & Chips
Chowder to die for
Buffalo Burgers
and an awesome looking dessert tray

YOU ROCK!!!

I'm moving to Alaska.. You have certainly got me curious.
I want big burly beer swilling lumberjacks!..
As long as they dont chew tobacco!...

I love your reports and cannot wait for more!

Don: We still have Talkeetna and Anchorage, then we're through - I think 3 more posts. I am trying to finish them tonight since I'm going to Mexico tomorrow - I know, you all hate me. My job doesn't offer vacation pay, so I am paying for it, trust me.

Roossy: attention-wise, I am alright looking in most of the States, completely invisible in Los Angeles, a babe in Buffalo, and a goddess in Alaska. It is definitely the place to meet a nice outdoorsman.

Elise, what a treat it is to read your reports! Egad that waiter, though--but I was rolling as I read about it, what a trip! Thanks so much for sharing with us. I'm definitely looking forward to more installments on Alaska and to future trip reports also.

Elise,
I'm still holding my breath because I never saw you were going beforehand... but did you read the "Alaska roadfood" thread?? I am still trying to get Lleechef (Lisa) to try my friend's place in Indian, Alaska not far from Anchorage on the Seward Hwy... I doubt you went there but I've been hoping!

Thanks for a very entertaining bunch of reports - fun reading! (Though that waiter gave me the creeps for a while...)

quote:

Originally posted by cecif

Elise,
I'm still holding my breath because I never saw you were going beforehand... but did you read the "Alaska roadfood" thread?? I am still trying to get Lleechef (Lisa) to try my friend's place in Indian, Alaska not far from Anchorage on the Seward Hwy... I doubt you went there but I've been hoping!

Thanks for a very entertaining bunch of reports - fun reading! (Though that waiter gave me the creeps for a while...)

Unfortunately, I had little or no control over where I went. Where the pod goes, there goest I. So I had about 3 hours in Anchorage.

No biggie! (I got that impression after a few reports...)

Great adventure though! (And can I ask where in Mexico you are going?!)

Elise, you are just wonderful.

I remember that post ages ago when you first found out about your trip. Where would you eat? What would you do?

What a fabulous trip!

You are also one lucky girl.

My mother dies if I try to order 'any' beverage with a meal.

If I even mention a beer I hear about it for days.

Yes, you are a lucky, lucky girl in many, many ways.

From one invisible LA girl to another... You are great!

Keep enjoying and keep sharing with us!

quote:

Originally posted by cecif

No biggie! (I got that impression after a few reports...)

Great adventure though! (And can I ask where in Mexico you are going?!)

I'm going to Cabo to photograph baby sea turtle conservation. I may have one afternoon and evening to wander the town. I'll play it by ear.

Honey, I am utterly transparent in LA as well--hell of a description. You will always be a babe in my book. Fish & chips and puppies!

Elise,

If the day fishermen still toss their catches off to the boat folks hanging out on the beach, you'll get some great grilled tuna and jack. Many long moons ago you could walk into town and pick up fresh tortillas and pasteries from the mercados too. But alas, I think the yuppie/boomer condos/golf courses have over whelmed the very charm that was Cabo. Nevertheless be on the lookout for any little hole in the wall type places near the beach where the sailboats moor.

Think you could sneak one of those puppies back for me?

quote:

Originally posted by John A

Think you could sneak one of those puppies back for me?

hey sell the ones that aren't innate "pullers"

heck of a freight charge i bet