We arrived at the port of Anchorage, Alaska's largest city, around 9am, but not cleared until 11am. The temperature was a chilly 55 degrees with only 59% humidity and 9.2 mph winds. There were billowy clouds all around us, but the sun was shining through. All in all, it was going to be a nice afternoon. And we will be here overnight for another full day tomorrow.
Last night around 12 or 1am, we were told by our breakfast waiter that they saw the Northern lights or aurora borealis. Usually, they are not up that late, but there was a crew party that lasted after midnight. The crew were thrilled to have seen it. The conditions were just right for the sky to light up when the solar particles collide with the earth's atmosphere, powering a most unforgettable dance of colored lights in the sky. They are best seen from mid-August to April with dark skies, no moonlight and no city lights. That happened to be last night. Luck of the draw. We did see these lights once while on a Celebrity cruise but made a big mistake running to get the camera. By the time we got back, it was over. It was a sight we will never forget.
The total population of Alaska is about 740,000 hardy people with 300,000 of them living in and around Anchorage. It is also home to 1500 moose, beluga whales, bears, bald eagles and more feathered, finned, and furry animals. It is not unusual to find foraging moose in the local gardens and city parks we have read. Reminds us of our deer that come to have fawns in our place every spring. Cannot imagine the damage the adult moose can do, nor would we want to confront one.
The city began with the landing point for the construction supplies to build the Alaskan Railroad. The jobs were here, and the people came. Today, the railroad will take cruise ship guests on a trip through Denali. We did see the glass-domed train cars being stored for the season. It will resume next year around May or so. Besides being able to see 60 glaciers one hour out of Anchorage, there are 135 miles of trails to hike or bike. There are 18 breweries, 2 distilleries, and one winery.
So what did we do today? Leaving the ship around noontime, we made our way to the complimentary port shuttle. It really is mandatory, since no walking is allowed in this dock area. The drop-off point was at the Dena'ina Civic and Convention Center downtown, which took 15 minutes. Our driver reminded all of us that we had to return to the ship by 11pm or we would not be allowed past the gates. Even taxis or Ubers are not allowed past the gates.
Along the way, our chatty driver pointed out places for us to see, the best shops for bargains, and what he considered the best breweries and restaurants. He also added that the weather has been crappy (his words, not ours) for the last week. We passed by a building with JC Penney on it, but it was way too big for one store. We will check it out tomorrow.
There was a very nice information desk set up inside the building where free maps and brochures were given. However, we did not see this but got a map from a lady outside by the stop. It has been a long time since we were here, so the map really helped. So did the nice lady when we asked her where to find the river called Ship Creek. Following her directions, we hiked down the hillside where the train station was located. The train whistles were sounded quite loudly so it was hard to miss.
Then we spotted the Anchorage Trolley Tours arrive at the Ulu Factory, where we visited the first time we stopped in Anchorage. At the time, they were giving demonstrations on how to use the special curved knife with the carved out wooden board. We bought one and have used it ever since. Nice to have a souvenir that is useful and not gathering dust on the shelves.
From here, we made our way to Ship Creek where the King and silver salmon run every year. A nearby hatchery releases a quarter of a million smolt each year. After they migrate to the open ocean, they will return every 2 to 5 years to spawn. Local anglers will catch up to 5,000 a year. There is a nice trail that follows the river here, although today, we saw no fish since the run was over. We did see some gulls, green wing teal ducks, and black and white magpies. Except for a few bikers, there were few people walking here today.
On our way back, we passed by restrooms that were labeled Dolly (trout) for the ladies, and Chums (salmon) for the guys. It was locked up, but there were a few portable toilets nearby. We feel there is a problem with homeless people and the need to keep them from camping out in and around town.
Since we were here, we made a stop at the Ulu Factory to check out their souvenirs. One of us did spot a rather nice piece of jewelry in the way of a bear pendant made with local precious stones. There's always a problem when there are several choices of colors. While pondering the purchase, we noticed another trolley had parked outside and here came a load of customers. Knowing it would be crowded, we left without buying anything. There's always tomorrow to look downtown.
Hiking back up the hillside, we passed by the Alaska Railroad Depot built in 1942. This is where adventure and exploration begins according to their ads. It was getting late, so we headed for lunch at the 49th State Brewing Co. where we ordered Belgium draft beers in fancy glasses followed by a garden salad, and a cheeseburger called Mr. Wonderful with fries. It was ample servings, but then so was the bill which had charges for the small salad dressing and ranch dip. Only the beers had a liquor tax, but the food had no tax.
We got back to the ship by 5pm and worked online until it was time for dinner. Although not really starving, we had chicken tenders and salads for starters. Mains were smoked sliced tenderloin and meatballs and spaghetti. And we had a surprise with a new waiter, Sandi, who will be taking Frayzer's place. We were informed that Frayzer had to leave on a medical debark due to an eye problem. He will be home in Indonesia in about 24 hours and getting the treatment he needs. We understand he was close to his contract ending, so he was a few weeks ahead of schedule.
A vocalist by the name of Tricia Kelly, took the stage this evening with hilarious impressions and singing. She even took audience requests.
Looking forward to another day in Anchorage with slim hopes of seeing the aurora borealis tonight. One never knows.....
Bill & Mary Ann
