Talkeetna

We arrived in Talkeetna in rain showers.  Since the weather has been dry and hundreds of fires are burning, it is good for firefighters and home owners but not so much for our trip.  Setting up in the rain can be a challenge but with all the experience we have doing it, piece of soggy cake.  Talkeetna is a great place for all sorts of outdoor activities.  With water all around, fishing, rafting and boating is a big draw for tourists.  It is also a jumping off place for climbers hoping to conquer McKinley.  We were surprised to learn that it takes 18-22 days to gain the summit, wow!

I have to say that so far, this was the only stop that was disappointing for us.  Now don’t laugh but it is too touristy.  I know, I know we are tourists but it just felt like a big tourist trap.  We braved the rain and went to the village to walk about and have a bite to eat.  It was wall to wall.  In addition, we had dinner at a brew pub that Jim wanted to try.  Not only was the beer disappointing, but the food was as well, AND it was expensive.  Well, tomorrow will be a better day.

Or not.  We woke to heavy rain that continued more or less all day and into the night.  The visit was not a total bust.  We visited a local business that makes Birch Syrup.  Yep, I said Birch.  It is made using the same method as maple syrup.  You tap the trees, collect the sap and boil it down to make syrup.  Unlike maple, birch takes about four times the sap to make a gallon of syrup.  I was skeptical but it is quite good.  It is not as sweet as the maple, but it is good.  It is used in a number of products: jams, candy and all kinds of baked goods.  One of the local distilleries that makes craft vodka even makes a birch vodka.  I like a good vodka and tonic from time to time so we bought a bottle.  Oh man, is it ever good?  You bet!  It is only sold in Alaska and expensive so I won’t be taking any home.

We also visited an interesting local bakery called the Flying Squirrel.  They cook organic, locally grown fruits and vegetables and wonderful pastries.  I had a bowl of soup that was probably among the best ever.  We spent an hour or so eating and watching the locals come in and out.  Alaskans are individualists in every way.  I mean that in a good way because I admire them.  They dress and do what they like on their own terms.  It is a pleasure to have a conversation with someone who seem so easy in their own skin.

While we did not fully appreciate Talkeetna, we came away having enjoyed the spirit of Alaska and the people who love her.