Sam And Saundra's Year Long Adventure - Part 150

Sam And Saundra’s Year Long Adventure – Part 150

Alaska

7/15/09 - To Soldotna

We spent all this time at the wonderful Rolly Campground, which had a wonderful lake with easy access and was reportedly wonderfully good for pike fishing.  Unfortunately, it was one of the thousands of lakes in this area that we did not try out. And it was right there.  Lake Rolly will also go on our ‘Oughtta See’ list. We pack up and go back to Wasilla, and head to Anchorage.  It was interesting to discover that this area is much more temperate than the Valdez area, or even the Glennallen area.  Here the weather rarely dips to 20 below and most of the time, we are told, it is like the Pacific Northwest – without the rain.  This area is definitely much more populated than other parts of Alaska.  The roads do not have ice heave action and are pretty well maintained. It is overcast/hazy again. We turn just before entering downtown Anchorage and head south towards Seward and Soldotna. 

Sam, How'd They Get Past Those Mud Flats?

We find ourselves traveling next to one of the far inland arms of Cooks Inlet.  We are still pretty far from the ocean. The size of this arm is amazing.  It appears to be low tide, but there are signs up all over warning people not to walk on the mud flats, as the silt from the glaciers builds up and creates quick sand. Just past Beluga Point, I discover that white beluga whale actually enter this inlet up to this point.  Due to something or other, when there is a change in tide from low to high, it can happen very quickly and a wall of water, up to 6 feet high, can whisk into the flats.  With all that in mind, I will not walk, run, or even think hard about the mud flats.  The views are fabulous, again.  I still do not tire of the views.  The mountains are muted on the other side of the water mass, but the faint outlines indicate mountains growing straight up from the shores.  Very dramatic.  We turn off from the road to Seward and head westward, to Soldotna.  We fit right in with all the other traffic, although almost all are from Alaska.  Can’t imagine why.  We find our campground, complete with our reserved space.  Full hookup, with wifi at only $20 per 7 days.  Since most charge minimum of $9 per day, I jump at the chance.  Yipee!  We set up and I flush water through the bathroom appliances without concerns.  Ah! Life is good.

Cook's Inlet