AK to CA: Day 3

Anchorage to Tok, AK

Today's drive was just over 300 miles, so we planned to spend the morning enjoying a couple of favorite spots in Anchorage before heading out. First up was Snow City Cafe for the most delicious breakfast. I'm not a hash brown eater, but theirs are divine. Especially paired with a raspberry dream mocha. 

Next up was the Saturday Market, on 3rd between C and E. We wandered the booths of Alaskan-made goods and stocked up on some last-minute favorites from Alaska Love Clothing. Even better, the dog was allowed to wander with us and greet other furry friends. 

The kids even found a place to paint. 

On the way back to the car, we happened upon this fun processional. We think it was a Samoan débutante-type thing. 

By 11:30, we were finally on our way. I drive the first shift, because we know from experience that it is better to let me poke along the steep, windy cliffs outside of Palmer than to have me riding shotgun, gripping the door and telling Mike to slow down for two hours. The scenery was amazing. 

We were making great time. And then this happened. Where we sat for 30 minutes. 

The road from Glenallen to Tok was like a roller coaster, full of frost heaves and gravel patches. But the sunny, clear day have us great views of the Wrangell Mountains. 

We made it to Tok around 5:30, with only one extra stop to use the bushes. We are the only guests at our favorite Tok lodging, the Caribou Cabins. 

After a quick dinner at Fast Eddy's, it was back to the cabin, where the kids are enjoying their beds and the adults are trying to enjoy the front porch. But in reality we are waging a losing battle with the mosquitoes. At least the dog is happy. 

Tomorrow: through Canada to get back to Haines, Alaska

AK to CA: Day 2

Anchorage

We stayed in Anchorage today to regroup and prep for the rest of our journey. We dropped the second car off to be shipped to CA. Then it was off to burn up some energy at the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail. 

We refueled at Moose's Tooth, buying enough pizza to have leftovers for lunch on the road the next few days. If you're ever there, try the one with chicken and apricot jam. Really. Delicious. 

Then, our obligatory stop at the wine shop, where I fully expected Mike and his mom to emerge with a box of bottles to somehow cram into the packed car. I was not disappointed. 

A couple were for me, of course. I finally overcame my aversion to the scent of beer and had a tasting at Moose's Tooth, much to my hubby's delight. We left there with a growler of Apple Ale for the ferry ride, and acquired some Alaskan Raspberry Wheat too. 

Then it was off to the commissary to stock up on enough food for three days worth of breakfasts and lunches on the ferry. It was crowded, as usual, and by the time we got back to the car we were beat. As we added things to the cart, the anxiety grew on Mike's face as he wondered how we would ever fit it all in the car. So we left the kids in the room with Nana and the Backyardigans while we braved swarms of mosquitoes in the parking lot to organize the car. Mission accomplished, with only the plastic yard-sale lap desks getting left behind. Phew. 

Tonight we're going to bed early--as in before midnight-- to rest up for our first real driving day. With it being Summer Solstice, we have been staying up WAY too late. 

Tomorrow: Tok!

AK to CA: Day 1

Homer to Anchorage, AK

Today was our shortest drive but most likely the toughest day. We had both vehicles since we are shipping the second tomorrow morning from Anchorage. Drives are extra long without a front seat passenger. 

First, there was a promotion! Congrats to our new Liuetenant Commander. 

Then we had to say goodbye to Homer. But we didn't really say goodbye. Just see you later. I even left about 8 bucks on my K-Bay Caffe account (whoever gets there first can have a mocha on me!). I wanted to stop at the Baycrest overlook to take in the view one last time, but I was afraid I'd turn around and go back to town. 

Our drive was easy and sunny. We stopped at our usual places, including Cooper Landing. 

We are staying at the lodging at Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson. A 3 bed/2 bath unit for 80 bucks...can't beat that! We have already overdosed on city life. Olive Garden, Target, and Kohl's in one evening may have been a bit much. 

The Nana is en route, and we will spend tomorrow grocery shopping for our journey and getting in our last Anchorage favorites. 

Great Alaskan Road Trip: Day 1

Today we started at the beginning of the road (which most others refer to as the end!) and took our time driving to Anchorage. In just two months since we last made that drive, the scenery has gone from snowy with ice falls and avalanche warnings to mostly fresh spring green. We even saw newly-blooming lupine along the side of the road and a mama moose with two babies in the marsh.

We don't particularly enjoy Anchorage, mostly because it is a whole lot of city compared to our 1-stop-light town, but stopping over is a necessary evil for shopping and to avoid an extra long day of driving. We are staying in military lodging at Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson for the first time. What a bargain! $41.50 for two bedrooms and a living room. Before settling in for the night, we ran off some energy at the indoor playground on base and then visited the commissary. We learned last summer to stock up on fruit, breakfast items, bread and pb&j, and snack food, along with a 2.5 gallon jug of drinking water to refill our water bottles to save money and restaurant hassle along the way.

Tomorrow it's off to Denali!! Pics below are Tern Lake at the intersection of the Sterling and Seward Highways, a view entering Turnagin Arm, and the Arctic Oasis playground. On the iPhone, so I can't caption them.

Day #15: Anchorage

We made it to Anchorage today with plenty of time to pick up the car that we shipped from New Jersey.  The car actually arrived here 9 days ago, which really surprised us.  We are greatful that we don't have to make the 8-hour round trip drive back here from Homer to pick it up later, and also happy to have the extra room to stock up on some supplies here where they are less expensive before heading out tomorrow.

This afternoon we officially became members of REI and got new hiking shoes for everyone.  After that 6-miler in Jasper we know we are all capable of going on half-day hikes together.  That will probably become our Saturday morning tradition in Homer. We enjoyed dinner at the Glacier Brewhouse and are now happily spending our LAST night in a hotel for what we hope will be a very long while.

It will be so nice to unpack the cars tomorrow knowing that we don't have to re-load them again the following morning.  Even the dog knows we're close to the end of the journey.  He will probably avoid riding in the car for awhile if he can!

We have enjoyed writing about our adventures and thank everyone for following along with us. It's nice to be able to share it with you all!  It may take us a few days to get internet set up at our new home, so we will be back when we can to let you know how it is-and show you what Homer looks like!

Day #14: Alaska Highway Part 3

Traveled Yukon Territory and ALASKA!!

High temp: 55         Low temp: 39        rain and clouds

We are so excited to report that we have made it to Alaska!!  Our day today was much better than yesterday.  Everyone was in good spirits and we were on the road with baked goods in hand (mmm, whole-wheat cranberry coconut scone!) by 7:45.  There was a bit of construction along the way and way more than just a bit of road that really needs construction.  We felt like we were on an old-fashined rollercoaster at times, with the occasional "Wheee!" coming from the third row seat.

We intended to get a family photo by the "Welcome to Alaska" sign, but both kids were asleep when we got to it, and it was raining.  Of course the kids both woke up at the Customs station 10 minutes down the road.  It feels great to be back in the US.  Our cell phones are usable again, and we even get 3G internet service on them tonight.  We are in Tok at the Caribou Cabins.  There is a whirlpool tub and a loft for the kids to sleep in.  The dog and kids have been enjoying the grounds, which are well off the main road.

Tomorrow we are off to Anchorage to pick up the CR-V (yay for an extra car- that means some shopping before heading to Homer!) and eat at the Glacier Brewhouse before heading home on Saturday.  The end is in sight!