Anchorage Day 4

July 17, 2022

It's Sunday as we close our first weekend and the first 5 days of the trip. Kent and Sheila headed out to St. Benedict for 8 a.m. mass. On their return, we had our now standard breakfast sandwiches. After getting organized we headed towards Girdwood just south of where we will meet up with Eric for the 3:00 p.m. ATV ride.

This has been our view quite a bit so far on this trip while driving. Been pretty lucky with the rain otherwise for doing our activities.

On the way down we saw the Alaskan RR coming north on the rail along Hwy 1. We found the Beluga Point we'll want to stop by at high tide to see the Beluga whales if lucky to time their movement with the tide. Here the tide is a 6-hour process and can be between 30 and 40 feet difference. On the way down Hwy 1, it was headed out and all of Turnagain Arm was water.

We passed our exit for the afternoon ATV ride to get to Crow Creek to Winner Creek trail in Girdwood for our morning hike. As we parked Eric was able to connect so he headed to the trail to catch up. We hiked as the rain both slowed and with the tree cover it was like no rain.

The hike was great all the way down to the water about 30 ft. below us. We did come across a unique couple on the trail. The guy was a photographer taking pictures of the women in very sheer clothing. I'm guessing she was a bit cold. They pointed out a spot of her slipping on the trail to avoid, which was good for our lady hikers.

We arrived at the hand tram that would take you across the gorge. However, it was not functioning, so we settle for good pictures. On the way back up we met Eric and completed the hike as the rain started again a little heavier.

Hand Tram to cross the Gorge - "Out of Order"

Unidentified Mushroom Janie found along the trail

From there we headed to Alyeska to find a spot to grab lunch. This is the ski resort and what a sight. We drove up to the Alyeska Hotel, which was very impressive. Then a quick drive back down the hill o the ?? Bakery. The line was long and the place full. Kent and Janie ordered bottomless soup (Corn Chowder) and Sheila the Split Pea soup and grilled cheese. Eric the roast beef and cheese melt and Jeff the BLT along with sharing some soup with Janie. We sat with a couple from the area. He was a politician his whole life, so some interesting local facts about Anchorage. The food was very good and we all needed it to be cool and rainy outside.

Alyeska Ski Resort

Lunch!!!

Then we trekked to the Bird Valley Trailhead where we met our guide Bob and started the process of getting extra rain gear, helmets, and filling out all the legal waivers. We were joined by a couple from Yakama, WA who have ATVs and were selected to bring up the rear of the pack. Bob provided a very long safety briefing to Janie as his pupil. Then we saddled up and did some circles around the area and over some bumps to test everyone's ATV skills. From there we ventured out onto the trails. Wow!!

We rode and stopped from time to time so Bob could try and find goats and bears. Rain unfortunately probably held wildlife at bay. Halfway we hiked down to a waterfall. On the last leg, we did some very challenging riding including crossing a tough bridge (if you can call logs a bridge). Then deep water for the great video!