We went up to follow the Iditarod for the second year in a row. If you don't know what the Iditarod is I refer you here , here and here. You should really take a look. Join me in the obsession.
First off, there are several phenomenons that happen to me when I step onto the ground in Alaska. The first is that I become a HUGE dog lover. There must be something in the air because as soon as we land all I want is to cuddle with a beautiful Alaskan Husky. Not only are all the dogs I've seen in Alaska wonderfully trained, but I think I feel safer from an impending dog attack under the protection of my seventeen layers of
The second phenomenon to happen is that I join in the northern spirit and begin to agree that twenty degrees isn't cold... and is actually a bit warm...if you will.
The third is pure, unadulterated joy. I feel giddy and elated. My heart wells up in my chest and I actually feel overcome with excitement and anticipation.
Dad and I arrived in Anchorage on Thursday March 1 after twelve hours of travel. We were greeted in the terminal by some beautiful sculptures, all in the spirit of all things Alaska. Our favorite was the pair of fishing waders.
We got our car from Enterprise and headed to The Hotel Captain Cook in downtown Anchorage. The hotel is themed off the famed explorer, Captain Cook, complete with beautiful wall paintings and subtle nautical touches throughout.
After getting settled into our room Dad and I walked a few blocks to Sullivan's Steak House for dinner. Our waitress works as a rafting and kayaking guide in the summers and has a huge interest in all things outdoors. Dad naturally had a million things to talk about with her. They have read all the same books and been to the same places and just chatted all night long. She thought we were locals (whoop!) We actually just got a card in the mail from her saying she enjoyed meeting us! How's that for service?
Friday morning Dad woke up nearly two hours earlier then me even though I woke up before 8! I met him downstairs and ate breakfast while he sipped coffee, having eaten hours before. After breakfast we layered up and headed out on the town. We walked around downtown for a few hours. There was hardly anyone out and about. I liked it. We went to a couple furriers before finding a beaver hat for dad.
Every year in Anchorage in the last few weeks of February and the very beginning of March there is "Fur Rendezvous" aka "Fur Rondy." There are all sorts of events that go on all month leading up to the start of the Iditarod including a carnival and "Running with the Reindeer" We walked down to the carnival fora few minutes. I couldn't get over seeing the rides sitting on a bright bed of snow. Something in me told me it couldn't be safe. That's probably because I'm used to sweating like a mad woman at the rodeo carnival which happens at the same time of year.
The last thing I wanted to do in the freezing weather was get on a ferris wheel and be whipped around in the wind. It was, afterall, my first day in the cold. I take a few days to warm up. Punny.
We ate lunch and then jumped in the car to run a few errands around town. We stopped by a Fred Meyer to pick up some snacks for the trail. I had never been in a Fred Meyer before and I can only describe it as a Wal-Mart on acid. Its like Wal-Mart meets Time Square on New Years after drinking a few 5 Hour Energys... and on acid. It has everything you would ever need... plus more.... but in a completely nonsensical manner. At least I couldn't figure it out. Also I saw a girl walk in with a jean skirt and no leggings... in 11 degrees. That's a woman. Or a crazy person.
We piddled around a little more then headed back to the hotel to eat dinner at Fletcher's, a bar and restaurant in on the first floor. It was delicious and they still have some of the best creme brulee to grace my lips.
Also here are the bar taps... if you can guess what the handles are made out of you get a
Hold on to your seats... there's so much more to come !
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