Happy Independence Day

July 5, 2009
Seward, AK

OK, so I'm a day late. Who knows when I'll be posting this anyway, since access is limited (the data card is slow and the library is too far away). It's the thought that counts!

We had a nice relaxing 4th, not straying too far from the campsite. After a tough night with Maya (no fireworks for her!), we found out that there was a repeat of the fireworks show scheduled for last night as well. We decided that Maya would get a tranquilizer around 10:00 PM and that, combined with the fact that the fireworks barge was moored across the bay much further away, made things much easier. Of course, the "locals" shot off fireworks near us until the police showed up about 2:00 AM, so we did have some puppy angst to deal with. As of today, she's getting back to normal.

We grilled some pork chops last night and Geri made sautéed potatoes and carrots. With a little Stove-Top, a brown gravy, and some applesauce (and a Barossa Shiraz), we had a fine meal.

Today is another bright and sunny day, warmer than the last few (shorts weather!). We'll relax today as well, getting things ready for tomorrow's travel day to Soldotna, on the other side of the Kenai Peninsula. After dinner, I'll pack up the grill and we'll get everything set up for an easy departure. Most people are already gone, with the exodus actually starting yesterday afternoon. The line at the dump station was long this morning, but shorter now. Most of the people here over the holiday weekend live elsewhere on the Peninsula or up toward the big city of Anchorage, so this is a weekend getaway destination. I've been surprised that we haven't seen much in the way of organized RV caravans (like the one we thought about taking but canceled), but not disappointed that we don't have to compete with them for parking spaces (they reserve spaces 2-3 years in advance).

Yesterday, they held the local foot race up Mount Marathon. I have no idea if it's 26.2 miles to the top (guessing it's not unless they start a long distance away) but it's got to be a grueling climb. You can see the trail toward the top above the tree line. Apparently, they run up the ridge and then stumble/fall down the side trail. "6 hours up; 30 minutes down" seems to be the slogan.

Around the corner from us are two competing burger shops (kinda like Pat's and Geno's in Philly?), and I had to snap a couple of pictures. "$8 and more" for a burger and fries at Red's, and "Al's Patty Wagon" speaks for itself (right, Pat & Al?).