Final days of the Alaska trip

We checked out of the duplex on Sunday morning and drove down to the waterfront to get some last minute photos.  I didn't take any, but we were entertained by a big bald eagle who was holding a fish on a flat rock and and what looked like a good job in fileting the fish.   We must have crowded him too closely because he picked up the fish and flew a few feet with it before settling on another good rock and finishing the job.  Seeing things like that up close is such an experience.

The drive back to Wasilla was a long one so we took breaks now and then to look at the scenery.  This was at a boardwalk alongside some lily pads, as moose are said to love lily pads.   They were visiting another crop this morning and we saw no moose.  Click on a photo to enlarge it.

Next stop was at a market in Anchorage.  I didn't take any photos of the buildings all around - one city's buildings aren't much different from another's in my opinion.  We had lunch at one of the many food vendors, and on the way out my eye was caught by this booth.   The owner told me that his best customers come from Texas!

Back home in Wasilla, Pam fixed a gourmet meal of filet mignon and king crab legs, with warm blueberry cobbler and ice cream for dessert.  I should have put on 100# for the time I was there, but I don't think I gained a pound.

You may have noticed the red t-shirts on several pictures - Pam bought red Alaska T-shirts for all of us, and we had to put them on for group photos.  I will enjoy wearing mine here in CA.

Monday and Tuesday were spent mostly around the house, resting from the trip to Seward, getting laundry together, running to Walmart to try to get an RX filled for my eye drops, etc.  (I was probably the only one who needed to rest from the trip to Seward - everyone else hit the ground running!)  I had transferred the Rx to Alaska because I ran out, but have never used Walmart's pharmacy.  I won't ever use it again either.  I bought some last minute books and souvenirs but mainly enjoyed relaxing at the house.

I don't think I've published these photos in previous posts they are my final shots of the view out the patio door!

 

By Wednesday we were packed and ready to go, and left Wasilla at about 12 Noon for the late afternoon flight to Sacramento via Seattle.  No wonderful turbo prop planes on this flight, but it was certainly comfortable with all the leg room and wider seats than found in other airlines' coach seats.  Joe and I had adjoining seats on the plane, and took the time to talk about our trip and share a few beers together.  We didn't get in until about 11 pm, and Donald came to pick us up.  I was really glad to get home and fall into my own bed.

It was a totally incredible trip for me, and one that I never thought I'd be able to make.  I think my kids were all rooting for me to win the contest of "Who has been to the most States".  Now Mike and Steve will probably have a run-off.  I am so happy and grateful to have been to Alaska, and would advise anyone to not put it off until the last state.  It might be the most beautiful of them all.  Note:  I'd love to see what Bayfield Al could do with his cameras in a place like Alaska!)