We arrived in Anchorage on our 38th day of travel eager to visit and enjoy Alaska’s largest city. First we had to find a place to call home or camp which wound up being the campground on Elmendorf AFB. Elmendorf turned out to be just right for us and very convenient being so close to downtown. Once settled in and the usual truck-keeping activities complete, it was off to town to explore and enjoy. Once in town it was like, where do we start? The Ulu knife factory, visitor’s center, the open air markets or 4th street with the many diverse shops were just a few of the choices we had. With little hesitation, we jumped right into the middle of the large crowds on 4th street diving in and out of shops until our feet let us know it was time to rest. After a short rest, it was off to the visitors’ center which was surrounded with some of the most beautiful flowers we have seen. At the visitors’ center we hopped on a free trolley for a ride to the ULU knife factory where the ulu knives are handmade.
These knives were first made and used by the Native people hundreds of years ago. The local people still use these knives today for cutting up vegetables, meats and cleaning fish. The ULU Factory is unique because in the middle of the factory is a gift shop where you can purchase many styles of the ulu knife and accessories for the knife while at the same time watch the knives and accessories being made around the perimeter of the gift shop. If you are interested in knives or Alaska history then the Ulu knife factory is a must see. Every weekend of the summer, Anchorage has an open air market downtown with very unique Alaskan Native crafts, local produce, animal furs, carvings, and many types food including halibut fixed in a variety of ways . Our favorite way to eat halibut was and still is DEEP FRIED! The produce was beautiful; however, after pricing some green beans at $10/pound we passed on any fresh produce. Also downtown within walking distance of the “tourist” areas are some really nice enclosed malls with all the big name stores and restaurants. It's easy to go from the parking deck to the malls without ever going outside. With all the beauty and variety of things to do in Anchorage, we have added her to our list of places to visit while in Alaska… Prior to leaving this post on Anchorage we must mention a city that is only approximately 30 miles from Anchorage, Wasilla. Wasilla is a nice little town with several lakes and all the amenities you will ever need. We were very fortunate and found a camp site downtown at the local Walmart. Although there were signs posted that stated, “No overnight parking” Walmart management ensured us and the other 20 RVers it was okay to overnight. And no, we did not see Sara this time?
This is one of many murals painted on the sides of buildings in Anchorage. This mural has all the past winners of the Idiarod dog sled race.
This is a picture of Joe Redington Sr., who with Dorthy Page, was instrumental in getting the first long Iditarod on its way to Nome in 1973. This mural was very interesting to us because we had the opportunity to meet Joe's son, Joe Redington Jr., while visiting in Manley Hot Springs. See our post: The End of the Road, Manley, AK
These next few pictures are at the Anchorage visitors' center. Linda loved the flowers and the mileage sign
These hanging baskets are everywhere in Anchorage. They are basically the same size and same colors except for on fifth street, which is the main street in town, where all the flowers are the same size; however, they are RED
These next three pictures are of 4th street where tour buses drop off hundreds of people daily to shop
The ULU Factory where the famous ulu knife is made. We found the ULU Factory to be one of the busiest places in town
These three pictures are of the open air market held downtown Anchorage every weekend in the summer
Linda trying on "something" at the open air market
I was not worried at all... What this bear didn't know is that I have been working out at the Gym???
Seems like everywhere I would go in Anchorage, I would run into another BEAR... Or was this an elephant?
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