Falling Water Creek

While this was a busy day, it was also an easy day. Since it was Deniz’s last day before leaving for the Lower 48, and we wanted to get re-settled in the motorhome, we did not venture far.

We started out with breakfast at our favorite casual eatery — Moose A’La Mode. As small as the place is, there is quite a selection on the chalkboard menu. Deniz had the Blitzen Biscuits and Gravy ... with reindeer sausage ... very tasty. Mui opted for the Alaska Breakfast ... with grilled reindeer sausage, two hot cakes, and two fried eggs ... also very tasty. My breakfast was a simple raspberry and white chocolate scone ... tasty if a bit on the sweet side.

Then, we drove north to the Eagle River Nature Center. This is the same place we went to a few days ago but our plans were rained out. Once operated as a lodge, the land was sold to the Alaska State Parks in the 1980s. It is home to many miles of trails and has some public use cabins and yurts as well.

As I understand it, the Crow Pass Trail — 23 miles one-way — is quite lovely, but that was more than we could tackle today. Instead, we hiked two of the mostly-woodland trails — the Rodak Nature Trail and the Albert Loop. I believe we did close to 5 miles. Very peaceful ... just chirping birds and creeks gurgling over the rocks. Except for a few people we encountered going the opposite way, we had the trails to ourselves. We managed to access the Eagle River for a short bit, and stopped at the beaver and salmon ponds as well ... great views but no critters.

Returning to Anchorage, we stopped by the Ulu Factory for a few purchases. Then, Deniz went for a walk around the city. Mui and I grabbed a sandwich to share from Moose A’La Mode before returning to the cottage to start moving our stuff into the motorhome. We’ll do the fine tuning tomorrow.

Dinner was at the Glacier Brewhouse. Though Deniz’s initial alder grilled salmon was overcooked, that was quickly rectified. Otherwise, it was another great dinner.

Mui and I are now on our own as Deniz flew out of Anchorage late tonight. It’s been great having his company and seeing things through the eyes of a first timer to Alaska.

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For those interested in such things ... here are the details from our dinner.

Drinks: Deniz … the Brewhouse’s Amber … with hints of chocolate and caramel // Me … house-brewed Root Beer … with sarsaparilla, sassafras, and a hint of vanilla // Mui … Merlot.

Appetizer: buttermilk battered calamari with jalapeño chips and a jalapeño aioli … this time with a little more kick.

Main Courses: Deniz … Alaska Alder Grilled Salmon … with lemon, garlic, vermouth butter; broccolini, baby potatoes, avocado lime verde // Me … the Fall Harvest Salad … from the starters menu … baby greens, shaved Brussels sprouts and apples, honey roasted sweet potatoes, pumpkin seeds, and organic quinoa … with a champagne vinaigrette // Mui … tonight’s halibut special ... cashew-crusted ... with roasted potatoes, Brussels sprouts, pineapple and red pepper chutney.

Dessert to Share: the Chocolate Overload Cake … as yummy as it was last time.Читать далее