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| Bird Point |
Today was our last full day in Girdwood. While we're looking forward to what lies ahead we're going to miss this place! It's incredibly beautiful and peaceful, with great food and friendly people. We haven't left yet, but we're already looking forward to coming back.
As usual we started our day with an hour or so in the hotel pool and hot tub. Afterwards we took advantage of the hotels "sorta" complimentary bikes. I say "sorta" because the hotel has a $10 per night "resort fee". That's not bad. It gives you use of the pool, hot tub and fitness center, high speed internet, in-room premium coffee and the bikes.
We rode the Indian Trail Bike Path, which is also known as the "Bird to Gird" Path because it runs from Bird Point, which is located on the Turnagain Arm of Cook Inlet to the township of Girdwood. We started at the hotel, and roundtrip it was around 19-20 miles. It was a paved, shared (bike/pedestrian) path. There are several long gradual climbs along the way that weren't too bad. The good news was that every long climb was followed by a long gradual downhill stretch. The net elevation gain was less than 300 feet. If you are in Girdwood, but not staying at Alyeska, there is at least one bike rental shop in town. It is called Powder Hound, and it is located at the base of the ski area.
Bird Point is an observation deck along the tidal area of Turnagain Arm. The name "Turnagain Arm" came from a mistake made by Captain James Cook when he was exploring this area. He thought by sailing down it he could reach Prince William Sound. When he reached the dead end he had to "turn again", hence the name.
The bike path is actually the remains of the original Seward Highway. The highway has been rebuilt and widened. It runs parallel to the road, but a few hundred yards away from the bike path, making it a safe and scenic ride.
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| Along the Bird to Gird Bike Path. This was a Spruce Forrest before 1964. During the Good Friday Earthquake the ground in this area dropped eight feet to below sea level. The Spruce Trees were killed by the saltwater intrusion. The area is now a marsh that is home to numerous birds, fish and small animals |
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| The fastest lady on two wheels. Along the Bird to Gird Bike Path |
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| The plants in the foreground are Fireweed. The blooms start just above the green leaves. According to Alaskans, when the blooms reach the tip of the plant it means that fall is here and it's time to start getting prepared for winter. The tips of the plants are blooming! |
We enjoyed a picnic at the Bird Point Observation Area and looked for Beluga Whales. The tide was going out so we didn't see any, but we did learn an interesting fact about these unusual looking whales. They sometimes get caught in the shallow areas as the tide goes out, and will lay exposed until the tide comes back in. The whales typically survive these strandings without any problems.
https://www.deseretnews.com/article/765598678/Stranded-beluga-whales-spotted-in-Turnagain-Arm.html
Tomorrow morning we'll be checking out and heading further inland. We'll be taking a private shuttle to Anchorage Airport where we will pick up a rental car (rental car rates drop significantly in Alaska on Sept. 1). It'll be a short drive to the Wasilla/Palmer area. We have one night in Wasilla and are looking forward to going to the Alaska State Fair in Palmer. I can't wait to blog about the fair food that we find. I'm sure it will be unique. We're also looking forward to seeing some of the giant vegetables that are grown in Alaska...…….we're easily amused! Who knows, maybe we'll run into Wasilla's most famous resident, Sarah Palin...…….remember her?
http://www.alaskastatefair.org/site/#alaska-state-fair
You have to check out this pumpkin!
https://www.adn.com/alaska-life/2018/08/28/giant-pumpkin-sets-new-alaska-state-fair-record/
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| Alyeska Hotel |
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| Alyeska Hotel |
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| Beth and her favorite moose |
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| Sometimes you have to stare danger right in the eyes...……….. |
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| other times you have to give it a bear hug! |
https://www.doublemuskyinn.com/framed.html
