Outreach . . . reached

and the Moose is back again.

I actually decided to go on up to Anchorage after my last stop Thursday - visited a friend of mine and stayed overnight before heading back to Kenai. And, of course, this being the season of the empty purse, I did a bit of shopping as well. Only stopped at two stores, though. How good is that? More on that in a bit.

First, I thought I would take you on a bit of a pictorial tour of my outreach stops. I began at 8:30 a.m. when it was pitch black outside still, so my first stop in Kasilof (ka-SEE-lof) garnered no photographs. Dropped off agency material at the school library there and then headed off to Cooper Landing.

First - here is a graphic of our borough - the Kenai Peninsula Borough:

And . . . here is a closeup with my travel spots marked in order:

(click to enlarge this and remaining pictures)
The "x" marks Kenai. I had gone to walk at the church gym at 6:45 a.m., showered and visited with another walker then hit the road - and the time clock - at 8:30. Endorphins were a-flowing and I was ready, willing, and able to make the trip.

From Kasilof, I headed for Cooper Landing. Made a stop at the Museum location:

to leave more materials - took pictures of the old (original) Post Office:

and a couple of critters standing outside on the path to the river:

That pic is for Lisa's little guy "B" who sometimes worries about me and our local moose type critters. These did me no harm, B, thanks for worrying.

Back on the road heading for the "Y" cut-off and the Seward Highway. There I turned to my right for the drive to Moose Pass. I was to leave materials at the library there as well.

Outside the library location is the Moose Pass sign:

look closely . . . is it? . . . why, yes it is . . .

a PURPLE moose!

Gotta love it, huh?

Back the way I came . . . back towards the cutoff . . . this time continuing on up the "hill" into the mountains and towards the Hope cutoff.

Hope is a small mining town. It is also the furthest location for our outreach mission. My contact there is the school which houses 10-14 students. In 1984 we passed a bond issue borough-wide to pay for a brand new modern school for Hope. It houses 10-14 students!!! Yes, that bears repeating. The school is quite something for a very small population.

It is a glorious setting, though, isn't it? And, please note the mode of transportation for at least two of the students . . . snow-machines. Helmets were lined up in the foyer alongside the boots and snowsuits. We are rugged up here - (well some of us are).

I left Hope and headed back to the cutoff at the Seward Highway junction. Being this close to Anchorage, my choice was already made. I had my overnight bag and pillows (special one for my neck) in the car. I went off the clock and turned left to begin the drive to Anchorage.

The day was sunny and only slightly overcast. It was gorgeous to drive in.

When I reached Girdwood - the last potty stop before Anchorage - I saw a jolly gent standing on the side of the road waving at passersby. An elderly couple stopped and one by one took photos of themselves with him. I, of course, butted in and asked if they would like one taken together with him. After doing that . . . well, of COURSE, I had to have another pic with Santa:

No lap to sit on, but a nice hug and I was off again headed for my friend's house.

We had a wonderful visit. I had stopped at a toy store (a small, independent store with lots of neat-o keeno brainy type toys) to purchase some things for the grands' Christmas - and then grabbed her to go to dinner. We dropped the Saturn off at the dealer for it's 51000 mile oil change and bath, leaving it overnight, then went to the Royal Fork buffet. We were a bit disappointed in the buffet - food was sort of dried out and very overpriced - we will not be going back.

Had a lovely chat with my Sister-Friend after dinner - back at her place I sat and knitted on a scarf (for the ladies' Christmas party Saturday) while she watched a couple of her favorite shows. We sacked out pretty early for us - 10 - and slept quite well. I was up about 9 a.m., but she didn't come out of her room until 10 a.m.

We went to our favorite breakfast stop - the Snow City Cafe - and then she took me back to the dealer to pick up my car. We always hate to part company because we are good for each other. She is a wonderful listener (sympathetic and kind - but a sage giver of advice when asked) and a kind friend. I am company for her and one of a few who get her out and about. We listen to each other - we laugh - and we sometimes cry together. It is a good friendship and I am thankful for it.

When I left her I made my last shopping stop - the Alaska Wild Berry Products store. Oh, I tell you, it is a chocolate lovers dream store. Oh my, oh my, oh my!

They are home to the world's largest milk chocolate fall:

according to the sign it is 20 feet tall! It is made up of:

lots and lots of chocolate . . .

there it is in all of its glory . . . the sound and the smell of all of that molten chocolate . . . well, it is quite inducive to purchasing lots and lots of chocolate.

The chocolate falls is overseen by a special engineer.

Well, I got myself out of there without too much trouble - didn't buy nearly what I would have liked to buy - someone of you reading this will be getting a package in the mail soon. Merry Christmas!

From there it was back on the road headed for home. The going was not all that easy as I left Turnagain Arm and headed up into the mountains again . . .

The weather took a downturn and it was nearing whiteout conditions as I clambered up the first mountain pass.

I felt "safe" as there was an Alaskan State Trooper in the lead of my little caravan. ;-) Nah! I knew I was fine.

When I reached the Hope cutoff again, I had to go back on the clock for the agency for the rest of the drive home - had to watch my mileage again and all that.

The things we have to do. It was a beautiful two day trip. And, some of it was paid for by the agency. How much better can it be?

Hope you enjoyed this little travelogue. See you soon.

Posted by Purplemoose at December 13, 2004 12:48 AM