Sunday, March 21st

Slept a little later today due to the fact that we were worn out by all that walking in the last few days. Greg's friend at work, Mindy, called and offered to take us shopping and sight-seeing. She has now attained the coveted SBF (Super Best Friend ) status!! She really does help us out immensely by offering to drive us there because it is a pain to struggle with the bags as we walk from the stores to the bus stop.

We left the downtown area and rode down the Seward Highway for a bit. We passed Potter's Marsh. This is a wetland habitat that will be home to many migratory birds this spring and summer. This state wildlife refuge is host to numerous waterfowl, shorebirds, arctic terns, and American bald eagles. On the craggy tops of the cliffs that line the side of the highway you might get lucky and spot Dall sheep and mountain goats. However, they must have slept in also because we didn't see any today.

Just up the highway is Beluga Point. We pulled over and stopped to enjoy this lovely area. It is along the Turnagain Arm and offers great views of the inlet and distant mountains of the Alaska range. Mount Redoubt, an active volcano, can also be seen from this point. It is a very beautiful place as the water meets the Chugach Mountain range. This is a great place in the summer to view Beluga whales as they come into the inlet. Orcas, or killer whales, have been known to follow the belugas into this area. Looks like we will have another free whale watching area close to home.
After leaving Beluga Point, Mindy took us up on a side road and we were able to see Mount McKinley, aka Denali, in the distance. It was an imposing sight even from about 140 miles away. At 20,320 feet it is the tallest mountain in North America. It is so large that it makes its own weather system. Greg wasn't able to get a good picture of it, but we will hopefully visit it this summer.

Deciding to do a little shopping we stopped at the Fred Meyers store. I scored a pair of Sorel boots for $25. They are really comfortable and will keep my feet super warm. We got a few groceries and hit the road again.

Next stop, one of my favorite stores- TARGET!! I have been lugging a gift card around since I left Cookeville and it has been eating a hole in my pocket. I spent every penny and some in the store today. They have their $1.00 spot near the front entrance and I bagged a Curious George journal. Bought myself a new hat- you all know how I am about my hats. This is a winter hat, but don't worry I saw summer hats in there also. I'll save them for next time. Target also had OPI nail polish but they were sold out of the best red color ever, I'm not really a waitress. So, I settled for a nice pink color today. Got several other goodies and off to lunch.

We all enjoyed the buffet at Sicily's Pizza. Pretty good deal for $9.95 each. Buffet and drink are included at that price. Lots of goodies on the buffet and needless to say Greg got his money's worth there today.

Home again to do laundry.