The following is an in-depth look at Vic Leipzig and Lou Murray’s trip to Alaska.
Vic’s Version (the nuts and bolts)
Day 1, Aug. 2
Phil and Judi Smith drive us to JWA in our Highlande
Fly Delta to Salt Lake City
Fly Delta to Anchorage, arriving late. Actually early Thursday!
Pick up car from Avis, gray Subaru Forrester EZE 444
Avis is VERY concerned about chipped windshields.
We find a chip and I go back and notify the guy.
Drive to Microtel (Northwood at Airport Drive), just outside airport.
Due to road construction, Microtel is hard to get to!
Day 2, Aug. 3
Breakfast at Microtel
I drive to Glen Alps in Chugach State Park
Lunch: Peanut Farm
Alaska Zoo
Brief visit to Chugach State Park
Dinner: Gwennie’s
Cook Inlet bookstore
Lodging: Microtel
Day 3, Aug. 4
Breakfast at Microtel
Just Flying Service to Redoubt Bay Lodge
Drive to Eagle River Nature Center
Dinner at Snow Goose
Lodging: Microtel
Day 4, Aug. 5
Breakfast at Microtel
Drive toward Seward
Lunch of leftovers on the road
Visit Alaska Sealife Center
Dinner at Marina #2, reindeer burger + muskox burger
Lodging: Microtel
Day 5, Aug. 6
Breakfast on boat
All-day boat cruise
Lunch on boat
Dinner at Ray’s Seafood
Lodging: Breeze Inn
Day 6, Aug. 7
Breakfast in Seward
Check out of Breeze Inn
Drive toward Denali
Visit Alaska Native Heritage Center
Lunch: ANHC
Dinner at The Summit at Denali Princess
Lodging: Denali Princess
Day 7, Aug. 8
Breakfast at Denali Princess
All-day bus trip into Denali
Drive back to Savage River
Dinner at Denali Princess
Lodging: Denali Princess
Day 8, Aug. 9
Breakfast at Denali Princess
Drive to Fairbanks
In Fairbanks discover missing purse
Buy lunch at Safeway while shopping for groceries
Dinner in room at Wedgewood for five
Lodging: Wedgewood
Day 9, Aug. 10
Breakfast in room at Wedgwood
I look for bird banding — not running today
Lunch at Bakery Restaurant
Arrange to meet Ken and family at Ice Museum
Ice Museum
Ken, Vic, Lou visit UA museum and botanical gardens
To Ken’s for dinner
Lodging: Wedgewood
Day 10, Aug. 11
I visit bird banding
Checked out of Wedgewood
Drove from Fairbanks toward Glennallen
Lunch at Rika’s Roadhouse
Checked into Caribou Hotel
Dinner in Glennallen at Caribou Cafe
Lodging: Caribou Hotel