Adventure 972: Alaska Anniversary Trip/E

A short but wonderful overnight stay at the downtown Sheraton in Anchorage. Up at 5:45 for breakfast and an Uber to the train station for the short train ride to Talkneeta. We were graced to live among the fortunate thirty percent who get to see Denali in its full glory. In 1975, the state of Alaska petitioned to rename Mt. McKinley to its ancestral name Denali. Obama made it official during his presidency. Trump recently changed it back to Mt. McKinley. Regardless of respect or insult, the majesty remains the same. We feel fortunate to get a view. We were early for check in at the Talkneeta Lodge so we meandered around downtown Talkneeta along with a full parade of other gawkers, most of whom were on their way North like us to the Denali tundra. We had a disappointing lunch, (poor service, cold food) but were otherwise nonplussed. Dinner, on the other hand was exceptional in every way, including the price. We sat with a back lit view of the mountain range, with Denali demurely shrouded by cloud cover. Nonetheless, dinner was a three course feast, well prepared, well served by a young woman from Macedonia (Maria) who has spent three seasons in the far reaches of Alaska earning enough to pay for her college degree in economics. She, like others, spends most of her time working, and as I asked her a personal question, she said she earns over thirty thousand in a season. She also mentioned that the current American administration is the first to deny visas in her three years as a working student. Sad. Before dinner, I had a drink in the bar while Judy rested. I overheard another seasonal worker say, "I work three jobs; I've worked nine straight days, three shifts per day; I'm worried that if I have a day off, I'll lose my work ethic." I thought,  "This is the kind of shiftless ne'er do well we don't want in America." Again, sad. I'm fortunate not to have these concerns. Rather, I enjoyed a wonderful dinner with a wonderful gal in a wonderful part of the world. I say to myself, "There art thou happy, Romeo; Life is good, especially today."

The view from our fifteenth floor room at the Sheraton in Anchorage this morning. Quite a good start to the day.

One of the Alaskan homes along the train route. Sadly, another misguided Magan.

We were among the thirty percent who actually get to see Denali in its glory.

Worth a close up.

Our new acquaintance said she was a bad photographer. I agree. She missed the background.

Talkneeta is a rustic tourist trap, but quaint and unabashed in its quest for seasonal cash. 

The Wiley Cager, so sad that she seems to come so often into second place.

We walked the back alleys of Talkneeta and came across a few very eclectic abodes.

I saw some canned good on the shelves of this store that may have pressed the expiration date, but my favorite thing was the bar attached to the back of the store. All four walls were covered with autographed dollar bills. I'm sure this happened during one of the cold, dark winters. 

Which means like Las Vegas, what happens in  Talkneeta stays in Talkneeta.

Besides having a pleasant balance and design, the silky smooth operation each of these drawers is truly impressive.

On to dinner: This palette cleansing bauble, a crumpled tortilla shell filled with salmon mouse sprinkled with bacon bits and topped with creme freche.

 

Quite pleasant Pinot Noir which enhanced each course.

First, beet salad. (There was also a spectacular Crab bisque, but the photo was blurry).

Second, Sautéed mushrooms atop a quinoa and edamame base with daikon radish garnish.

White King Salmon atop a corn relish.

A King Crab leg on the side.

For dessert: A chocolate tart.

And another---Baked Alaska with fire weed ice-cream.

Quite decadent, but exquisite. Come to Alaska. Your own private adventure awaits.