Day two began with a quick tour around Anchorage. We enjoyed learning about the ins and outs of missionary life. Early afternoon we stopped by the Arctic Road Runner, which is a famous burger establishment, for lunch. It was cold and raining, so we dined inside. On a beautiful sunny day, you can dine outside and enjoy the beautiful Alaska scenery along side a brimming creek.
Strawberry Road is where the Mission Office is located. Who doesn't want to live on Strawberry Road, what an adorable name for a street. At the Mission Office we met all of the Senior Couples that keep the mission running. Mike was Assistant to the President prior to returning home, so he was able to work directly with these wonderful people. They showed us around the office, and briefly explained how it operated. They were so excited to see Mike again.
On the wall, are plaques from all the Mission President's who have served in the Anchorage Alaska Mission. It was so touching to see plaques of the two Mission President's Steve served under in 1980, President and Sister Papa, and President and Sister Snarr; as well as the two Mike just recently served with, President and Sister Beesley, and President and Sister Robinson.
The Mission Home isn't far from the Mission Office. Mike had made arrangements with President Robinson for us to drop by. We had a wonderful time talking with the Robinson's. We enjoyed listening to mission stories as well as fishing adventures.
Sister Robinson made us her famous raspberry shakes. The Robinson's lived in the Bear Lake area prior to coming out on their mission, and everyone knows that the best raspberry shakes are found in diners by Bear Lake.
It is busy and eventful at the Mission Home. Elder's and Sister's were in and out, eating lunch, bringing boxes of personal items to be stored, as the President and his wife were preparing to catch a flight to another Alaskan destination.
They showed us, the Mission Home "store", where missionaries can drop off clothing that they can't use, as well as pick up coats, boots, shoes, or suits and they can use. It is just like a clothing store except there is no charge.
President and Sister Robinson explained to us the mission schedule. Elder's sleep downstairs, and Sister's sleep upstairs. Each bedroom is filled with twin beds, that may or may not be occupied depending on the influx of incoming and outgoing missionaries. Showers are scheduled on a board, meals are prepared, and meetings are held in the office. It is a very busy place!
What a delight it was to meet Mike's Mission President and his wife. As we were leaving they both pulled me aside, with tears running down their cheeks, they expressed their adoration for Elder Brown. They love him, and were so grateful for the wonderful service that he provided while he was serving there. It warmed my heart to hear them speak so highly of Mike. As they said, "he is one of the best", I couldn't agree more.
The temple is very close to the Mission Home. It is open upon appointment, so we were only able to take pictures on the beautiful temple grounds.
Potter Marsh Nature Preserve was our next stop. A wooden boardwalk winds 1,550 feet through the marsh and across Rabbit Creek. It is the perfect habitat for birds of all kinds, and other wildlife. You may see a moose or other wildlife meandering around.
Half way up the boardwalk we saw salmon spawning in Rabbit Creek. They are bright orangish-red in color. The "salmon are running", so there are fisherman everyone. Not at the preserve, but pretty much everywhere else.
After our visit at Potter Marsh we drove on the Turnagain arm, towards the Alyeska ski resort. The drive to Alyeska was beautiful. On the left was a tumbling roar of the stormy ocean, and on the right the rugged snow capped mountains. We stopped at a natural glacier to get some fresh water along the way.
In Alyeska we hiked a 3 mile hike on Winner Creek Trail, to the Hand Tram. The scenery is absolutely stunning. It almost seems like a rain forest with the dense greenery, and towering trees. It was raining as we hiked, but that didn't stop us. I was hoping that I wouldn't slip and fall, since the trail was wet and muddy. Someone in our party, slipped and fell, and became a muddy mess. She was a good sport and laughed it off.
The Hand Tram is a thrill! You step into the metal cage, and slowly pull yourself out and over thrashing Glacier Creek, about 200 feet below. We were grateful there were others that were there helping each group with the Hand Tram. Working together your experience is quicker and easier.
Once we returned from our hike, we toured through the ski resort. Fortunately, we were driving in the car, since we were cold, muddy, and wet.
That evening, the Jacob's took us to Moose Tooth for dinner. Moose Tooth is rated as the third best pizza place in the U.S. We dined on their famous pizza, cheese bread, and salads. With their fresh ingredients, and perfect crust, the pizza is divine. We especially enjoyed spending time with Brother and Sister Jacob's. They are so kind, and a joy to be around.
Since it was still light outside after dinner, we went for a quick tour of Bear River. Mike showed us where he used to tract. On our way up the mountain, we saw a moose close up, and a Brown Bear at a distance (thank heavens the bear was not close). While tracting in the area, Mike and his companion were required to carry bear spray. I can see why! At the stop of the summit was a beautiful panoramic view of Anchorage.
We ended the night, by driving passed the old mission office. The office senior couples had given us some old letterhead with the address on it. Things have changed a lot in 30 years. The old mission office is now a coffee shop.
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