Friday:
Rod Perry/Iditarod Pioneer/Golden Nugget RV Park/Anchorage/Alaska
Tonight we were privileged to listen to a presentation by Rod Perry...a man who is one of the few remaining Alaskan pioneers who participated in the first Iditarod.  He was a guest speaker at the campground.  There were about 25 in the audience, so it was small enough to ask questions and enjoy conversation with him.  We're talking stories from the 60s...a much different world in 'Alaskan time'.  He kept the crowd entertained with wild tales of the native tribe people and the settlers who were transplants to this tough terrain.  The air was thick with drifting cottonwood tonight...I thought as I listened, that it mimicked snow falling, and someone's pet husky sat on the sidelines.....these additions seemed to set the stage for the images Rod Perry wove of his winter adventures in the lonely wilds of Alaska.  This was a different world from today's smoothly planned race course, with safety nets of communication and experience.  The idea of an Iditarod race was so new then, that they literally didn't even know what to pack....some of the territory was unknown over which they would blaze new trails.  It was a rare privilege to be here and hear first hand the stories so integral to Alaska's heritage.

This afternoon we just drove around and explored the area, uptown Anchorage, with it's art galleries and tourist stops, their airport and some of the scenic terrain too.  We were disappointed not to spot a moose, but we hope to have other chances as we travel to see more wildlife.  It was a full and interesting day, with or without moose...it's all good.
Photos posted on right under Alaska.