Ray’s

Based on Kathleen’s research and recommendation, we are dining dockside at Ray’s in Seward. It is apparently, the only restaurant in Alaska that has been “reviewed” by the NY Times. It is quite good. Dad had the seafood chowder, Alaskan Salmon, and he added a King Crab leg for just $8! For those who know me, you will be shocked to learn that I had the Tuna appetizer (although it is not a local Alaskan fish) and then the Halibut. Fish ain’t so bad if you get the right kind. Ray’s gets five stars from the Ehrlichs based on quality, with a relativity bonus for location. SZE

From Denali to Anchorage

We drove from Denali today south to Anchorage. Not much to see along the way other than Wasilla, home of Sarah Palin. Of course, we had to stop there and my earlier posts have addressed Wasilla.

The trip south was a long distance but the time required seemed short since the roads are virtually empty and you can easily do 85-90mph most of the way. The roads are generally in good shape and the scenery is beautiful (although it becomes a bit monotonous after a while.) Today was my day to drive and Dad spent the trip with a cigar (or two) as he read aloud from the print edition of the Milepost pointing out areas of interest along the way.

One such point of interest was the Museum of Alaska Transport and Industry (the aforementioned “Museum of Junk.”) The collection consists of a plethora of rusted out bits and pieces of machinery, a ton of old fire apparatus, a few rust-bucket airplanes, and a couple of derelict locomotives. Not worth the $13 I spent to gain admission for us (although I did get the senior discount. Thanks, Dad!)

Once we got to Anchorage we headed directly to the Marriott where, much to Dad’s chagrin, we had only one room reserved. He was terrified of my snoring. Luckily, we were able to secure a second room due to a late cancellation.

We were invited to dinner by our friends Ken and Ingrid who live just outside of Anchorage in a town called Eagle River. They live in a beautiful home on the side of a mountain that Ken and Ingrid built with their own hands! It was truly amazing. The views from their porch are simply stunning.

Ingrid made dinner for us including salad, homemade scones, local green beans, and Ken grilled fresh, local, and naturally caught (not farmed) Halibut and Alaska Salmon which I found to be delicious! I know, you are all surprised that I have started to eat some cooked fish but I am taking it slow.

During dinner we chatted about Sarah Palin (they agree with me about her) and we arranged to meet at 9AM tomorrow to go on a rafting trip on the river on our way to Seward. We are REALLY looking forward to getting out on the river. We may get lucky since the Salmon are running and we may see bears feeding on the Salmon run. Cool!

More to come from the road.

Good Night, and Good Luck.

SZE

Survival

We made it through the night at the Denali Princess (read Bates Motel) without incident. Actually, it was not so bad. We are having breakfast at the “world famous” Salmon Bake and then are hitting the road south toward Anchorage to see Ken and Ingrid. More to come from the road and when I find a fast internet connection. SZE