Lessa and I took a day trip to A-town Friday – she is looking for a dres to wear to her bff’s wedding in October and I wanted to meet an online (ravelry.com) friend. It “just so happened” that we both had days off together and could make it a fun trip.

Lessa and I ALWAYS have fun together . . . . warning – this post will be heavily laden with pics. We were asked how long of a drive it was from Kenai to A-town. The answer? The way WE drive? Abour 4 hours – we stop along the way to take pictures of whatever fancies us.

Yesterday was perfect! Kenai Lake was gorgous – some fog, which adds to the pictures – and flat, which aids in reflectability.

above pics were taken at the pullout in Cooper Landing. Following pics were taken at a beach camping area.

Glorious day! One lone duck swimming very quickly across the water. And, just look at all those golden leaved trees! It’s true – fall is upon us.

After Cooper Landing we were content to take in the sights with just our eyes, not so much with the camera. However, as we drove along Turnagain Arm we caught up with an Alaska Railroad train heading towards Anchorage also. I rolled down my window and took pictures as we passed the train – then we pulled into a pull-out spot and caught the train from the front. Why, yes, I do live in Alaska – and I do make my own fun.

from the back:


The following are from a pull-out further up the road – this time the train is coming toward us.

and, the end . . .

Lessa and I stopped in several stores – not finding a dress, but finding a couple of tops/sweaters to go with a dress she had for the wedding. We spent some time texting the bride in CA sending her pics and getting approval of the choices.

I had placed a call to my ravelry friend, leaving a message with the hotel clerk, in hopes we would be able to connect for a late lunch-early dinner. Her return call came while I was in heavy traffic, so I pulled into a parking lot to talk with her safely. Mary and Fenton had just gotten in from a late breakfast, so we decided to meet for dinner at 4.

Decided to make a visit to my friend, Vesta. It took us awhile as the streets heading to her street were cordoned off for construction. I told her that I was determined to see her – so we eventually found our way to her door. It is always a delight to share with her for a few minutes.

As we left I noticed the trees in her yard:

love her!!!

After our visit we drove further downtown – dodging the construction areas – and drove around a bit trying to find a parking spot near the restaurant. Spotted several spaces in a lot across from the restaurant, but we were in the wrong lane, so had to do a drive around again to get there. $10 for parking!!! Gave us 2-4 hours of space time – better than a $35 fine if we were a tad late . . . so – worth it.

If you ever make it to Anchorage, do make the Glacier Brewhouse a stop for dinner. The food is scrumptious! I couldn’t eat all mine so have a box in the fridge for later. (Lessa approved of the margarita, too.)

Meeting online friends is always fun. I’ve had the privilege to meet many I consider to be friends over the years. Mary and Fenton are now in that list. We had a great time visiting before, during, and after dinner. I gave Mary a copy of Zephyr written by an Alaska homesteader’s daughter who currently lives in Galway, Ireland. The link will take you to a newspaper article about the author, Mary Mullen.

All too soon it was time for us to head back to Kenai. Lessa has to work Saturday, so we needed to hit the road. We took time for pictures – and Mary and Fenton gave permission for me to share them here.

Lessa and I had a safe trip home – we were thrilled to see a pod of belugas feeding near the highway along Turnagain Arm. Lessa got a video – when she posts it I will link it for you to share.

Note: updated the About the Moose page – it sorely needed some changes.