This morning we checked out of our hotel in downtown Alaska, and started our journey towards Kenai. We visited the Polar Bear Gift shop on our way out of town for souvenirs. According to Mike, it's the best place in town. After several purchases we drove past Gridwood, and stopped by the Wildlife Conservation Center. It is located on the shore of Turnagain Arm, and is surrounded by mountains and glaciers. It is a 200 acre Conservation Center with lots of wildlife such as reindeer, elk, bison, and birds of all kinds, just to name a few. The star of the show is definitely the bears. We enjoyed watching them, they were so playful.
As we were at the Wildlife Conversation Center, we happened upon a family that we had shared the Hand Tram with in Girdwood. We had learned a lot about the Knell family. It takes quite a long time to help each person over the river and back. You use all of the strength your arm muscles have to give to work the Hand Tram. When one person would get tired, another would fill continue. The Knell's had enlisted a guided tour for their Alaskan vacation. With our cheap tour guide, Mike, we seemed to hit all the "hot spots". I'm sure our guide was much better than the professionals.
We traveled along the Seward Highway heading towards Kenai. Along the highway were spectacular views of the mountains. We stopped at the Kenai Lake which is one of the largest glacier lakes. We hiked down to one of Mike's favorite spots. He thought it was his "secret" hike, until we ran into several people on the same trail. The lake is a beautiful turquoise color up against the rugged mountains and is absolutely stunning.
As you travel further down the road you will see the the Kenai River. The shores were packed with fisherman and women trying to catch Salmon. When the "salmon are running" it is the best time to fish for Salmon. We happened to be vacationing during this time and got to see what the mad rush is all about.
After a lovely lunch at Caribou Family Diner, we stopped in Soldotna for ice cream. We "happened upon" Elder Shurts and Elder Jolly. Elder Jolly was one of Mike's favorite companions. We were able to enjoy some ice cream with the Elders as well as become involved in a missionary experience. While the kids were eating ice cream I had started a conversation with the clerk. She told me how she needed a change in her life. We talked for quite some time. I told the Elders that they might want to talk with her, and they gave me a card to give to her. She was grateful for the card, and seemed enthusiastic about learning more. I'm not sure what happened with my friend Christy, but hopefully she let the missionaries teach her the gospel.
Kenai, was both Mike and Steve's first area. I think it has a special place in both of their hearts. When we arrived in Kenai, we drove to the Olsen's. Mike was able to baptized Sister Olson while he was serving in Kenai.
Our next visit was with the McCubbins family. I remember Steve's stories about this family. They had 10 children, and were very accommodating to the Elders. Thirty years later, Mike was able to meet with them on his mission. A lot has changed in that time. The kids have grown, and left the house, all except Amy. Amy has a rare disease that confines her to a wheel chair. She doesn't speak, but you know what she wants. Mike and his companion were able to give her blessings, at the request of her mother, when the disease was at it's worst. What a tender time it was to spend time with Sister McCubbins, her daughter Lisa, and her daughter Amy. Lisa shared stories of Steve with us, and served us refreshing root beer floats. My heart melted as I watched Sister McCubbins with her daughter Amy. She did everything for her daughter, with a happy smile on her face. It couldn't be easy living alone with a special needs child, but she did it with such grace.
We spent the evening at the McCubbins, reminiscing about old times. I realized how much things have changed in 30 years. Mike had met several other people that remembered Steve, however, they were mostly in Fairbanks, and we weren't able to visit there this trip.
After dinner at Paradisos, we went to the Kenai Ward House. There we took a picture in the same spot that Steve and his companion had many years ago.
We then took a tour around this quaint little town. We watched the dip netters along the Kenai River for some time. There is a telescope you can look through and see up close what is involved with fishing for salmon. It looks very wet and cold, but I'm sure they are dressed for the occasion. Mike's old apartment is right by the Kenai River so we dashed over to get a picture.
What a wonderful day, my heart is full!
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