So this is where Santa Claus hangs out.
Shopping in downtown Anchorage.
I thought so!
Shopping in downtown Anchorage.
I thought so!
We're on the hunt for Reindeer Dogs. Had my first taste last visit not far from The Saturday Market. The food cart wasn't there. So we walk a bit. Found ourselves in the Visitors Center looking for information about the Alaska Train to Seward, times for the Glacier Tour in Whittier (Prettier Whittier), hours for the Conservation Reserve, cost to fly over Denali, where the Dr. Seuss House is located in Willow (they looked at me odd for that question, for the life of me I don't understand why), who can we go mushing with, can we walk to Earthquake Park, best hiking places near Anchorage and some fun places to dine downtown. A cute young lady with Hermione Granger hair came to our rescue with a booklet of Anchorage Restaurants which were too pricey and fancy smancy for us. Informed us we could shuttle, taxi or rent a car to go to Flat Top or Flat Iron for hiking, no info about mushing with Iditarod winner Dallas Seavey (I already had that info - just testing her), we could walk a few blocks from here to see the Aurora Borealis film at the Sydney Laurence Theater at Center for Performing Arts. More than enough to keep us entertained though we won't have enough time today to do them all. Where's the car rental place? I'm here to tell ya, Bob and I want to see as much of this state as possible. We're of the mindset to do it now because you may not be back to do it another time.
Hunger wins out at the moment so we follow our noses towards that char-grilled essence that is Reindeer Dogs. The first food cart we pass near the Visitors Center had decent prices, but not a crowd. The closer we got to the Historic City Hall in the center of town, the more carts we saw, but no crowds around them. We cross and continue off F and 4th Streets and see a cart with $5.99 for their interesting selection but the guys there were very busy texting, no eye contact to those passing by. SMH. Probably texting about the lack of customers. Here's a pic of their sign. The Bacon Wrapped dog is similar to Islas Mujeres' Bimbo Dog....Ahhhh - Bimbo Dog. We don't stop here.
Hunger wins out at the moment so we follow our noses towards that char-grilled essence that is Reindeer Dogs. The first food cart we pass near the Visitors Center had decent prices, but not a crowd. The closer we got to the Historic City Hall in the center of town, the more carts we saw, but no crowds around them. We cross and continue off F and 4th Streets and see a cart with $5.99 for their interesting selection but the guys there were very busy texting, no eye contact to those passing by. SMH. Probably texting about the lack of customers. Here's a pic of their sign. The Bacon Wrapped dog is similar to Islas Mujeres' Bimbo Dog....Ahhhh - Bimbo Dog. We don't stop here.
A few feet forward from the Texting Guys was a cart that was hopping! Music blaring, interesting signs, the smell of their wares pulling us forward with invisible fingers. Oh yeah baby. James Brown Bobble Head making a statement and OMG! That guy grilling weenies looks like stand up comedian Eddie Griffin (Double Take, Undercover Brother, Norbit, Deuce Bigalow). Uh-huh, that's where we're going.
The big weenie says proudly states: M.A.'s Gourmet Dogs...doggy style on 4th.
The big weenie says proudly states: M.A.'s Gourmet Dogs...doggy style on 4th.
Three couples in front of us and four groups behind us. The family of five behind us showed up twice - they love these dogs! Two guys grilling onions, meats, peppers, a girl on the left of the was in charge of cash, chips and the drink cooler. Since this is their permanent spot of 4th, I'll forever get their dogs - we had Rudolph of course with chips and drinks for $15.50. Nice spice and pop of the casing with every bite. I could have had another, maybe their Chicken Linguisa Dog - the name was catchy. The Louisiana Hot Link Dog seemed the most popular. The black dog in the background is their mascot and guardian of the food left on the employee table.
The building behind our concrete dining spot has a National Park Ranger giving a talk about the bear skin in front of her and the free shows being presented every thirty minutes inside. I think it's the Municipal Building - I saw a sign for Public Lands Information and a Fishery Emblem. People watching, lips smacking, picture taking, ideas forming. Bob succumbs to the idea of becoming part of the totem pole across the street. When the time comes we deposited our trash, walked past the Still Texting Guys and make a bee line for the pole. Alaskan History made, the one and only McHam Totem Pole. I'm sporting an Alaska Grown T-shirt, gifted by Michelle. This is the logo of the agriculture industry in Alaska to highlight products grown in Alaska. You see the logo everywhere. Glad to be a walking billboard.
The gift shop across from our dining spot has been staring at me - we go in, buy a t-shirt, head out. I'm not a big shopper. We'd walk by the downtown mall and other shopping establishments with not a care to enter. Although I did want to show Bob the 'lottery' ticket thingy's Alaska uses. I knew they were in the mall somewhere. I'd rather be walking in the crisp 65 degree weather not recycled heated air. We walk through Town Square Park across from the Performing Arts Center to admire the flowers. BIG.
Had a husky woman of twenty ask for a dollar. She looked able bodied to work so we declined. We would see her a few more times today with a Dr. Pepper, a bottled water then a can of Coke. Someone gave her money. Teens in the area were biking, skateboarding, smoking, laughing, kissing, begging. There are walking Police in the area of the park to keep the delinquency down to a minimum, keep folks from picking the flowers and assist tourists with directions.
Had a husky woman of twenty ask for a dollar. She looked able bodied to work so we declined. We would see her a few more times today with a Dr. Pepper, a bottled water then a can of Coke. Someone gave her money. Teens in the area were biking, skateboarding, smoking, laughing, kissing, begging. There are walking Police in the area of the park to keep the delinquency down to a minimum, keep folks from picking the flowers and assist tourists with directions.
Sniff, sniff, click, click. We went into the Performing Arts Center to check the prices of the Aurora Borealis Show. It's 35 minutes before the next show with tickets for two at $35 to see the forty minute show....contemplating. While we're thinking I chum up to the Hostess Molly and ask her to take a photo with Ittik who has been livid that she's been kept in my purse all afternoon. Well that's what happens when you call me something other than my name because you didn't want to wear the outfit I picked for the day. Trolls. Gotta love 'em.
Molly was born in Alaska, moved to New Mexico a few years ago to thaw out, missed her beloved state and moved back. I got tickled when I asked her to do something for me - she replied "Does it require me having to put my shoes back on?" Love it! Nope - just want to take your picture with Ittik. Ta-da. We were running short of time - One hour and thirty five minutes is precious especially when it's about 4PM. We opted to stroll the streets instead. Bye Molly. Ittik, back in the purse. Besides, Michelle's Dad gave me a video of the Aurora as an 'It's nice to know ya' gift on my first visit. We can watch it when we get home.
Molly was born in Alaska, moved to New Mexico a few years ago to thaw out, missed her beloved state and moved back. I got tickled when I asked her to do something for me - she replied "Does it require me having to put my shoes back on?" Love it! Nope - just want to take your picture with Ittik. Ta-da. We were running short of time - One hour and thirty five minutes is precious especially when it's about 4PM. We opted to stroll the streets instead. Bye Molly. Ittik, back in the purse. Besides, Michelle's Dad gave me a video of the Aurora as an 'It's nice to know ya' gift on my first visit. We can watch it when we get home.
We walked by a wedding party. The pink shoes caught my attention. I really wanted to strangle the paid photographer - she lined up the Bride and family members against a boring grey wall - the worst was the vertical line on the wall running right through the tops of their heads. Sacrilege, unabashed sacrilege. I would have used the silver poles of the building or the rugged textured wall. Why not walk a block over and use the Museum grounds for wedding pictures. Off my horse and moving on.
Those fat storm clouds have stalled overhead. Perfect for outdoor photography.Random photos. Crazy conversations between us, smooches here and there and the occasional foul word coming from Ittik in my purse. Okay - Okay!! I'll let you out, and stop pulling Izzy's hair!
Those fat storm clouds have stalled overhead. Perfect for outdoor photography.Random photos. Crazy conversations between us, smooches here and there and the occasional foul word coming from Ittik in my purse. Okay - Okay!! I'll let you out, and stop pulling Izzy's hair!
Anchorage Museum on 7th Street. Wanna check it out? Sure since we decided against the Aurora Show, let's gather some culture. All I knew was $15 for me and $10 for Bob (Senior price). People are strolling the grounds, stopping to stare at art pieces, or stopping to text. What is this I see? A couple actually talking to each other while seated out front? Will wonders never cease? I'm pulling on the door that says pull. Damn. Closed. It's 6PM. WHAT? Already? Oh well. Let's see what they call art outside the building.
Around the corner for more 'art'.
Bob doing Betty Boop or Marilyn Monroe. Either way, this is art and going on my wall. And the vertical line is not running through the middle of his head. A youth walking past us asks if either of us smoke. We just look at him and walk on.
I believe Bob is used to folks staring at us when I have the trolls doing their thing in public...or he pretends quite well.
Most of downtown closes at 6:00PM we noticed. Our town pulls up the sidewalks at 9:00PM. We walk into Kobuk Gift Shop slash coffee-tea donut house (corner of 5th and E Street) because a drop of rain was melting my sweetness. A nice enough place to wait it out if the rain indeed fell. The place smells of teas and soap. The prices are comparable to airport commodities. There was a one of a kind handmade clock I was admiring - a quirky 15"x20" silver percolator. The lid would rise with "steam" metal pieces every thirty seconds. The numbers were squiggly in black, the clock face was a pale purple - it would fit nicely in my kitchen plus I love clocks. This one was $125. My thought process kicked in - did I want it, need it, can't live without it? Thanks but no thanks. I don't want to pack it.
It's getting time to call for Michelle or Bill to scoop us up. So. My phone is not in service for placing calls as you know, haven't seen a working pay phone so we head towards The Performing Arts Center to ask Molly if we can use her phone. But wait. I see a Cop in the park pulling two young lesbians kissing out of the flowerbeds and warning a biker to stay on the sidewalk, no tricks off the stairs. "Ma'am - My cell phone is not in service here and we need to find a pay phone or a place that will allow us to use their phone to call our hosts to come pick us up. Any ideas? Well Miss Cindy Anders who wasn't supposed to tell me her first name, handed over her old school phone for me to use. Unexpected surprise!!!!! I called. Got Danny on the phone. Told him to write down the following information or repeat it as I say it as Michelle was standing next to him. Pick us up at the corner of 6th and F Street at 7:00, across from the Performing Arts Center. The address is 612 F Street. We will be waiting in front of the Flat Top Restaurant next door to Humpy's. Can you remember that? Tell her now. (okay). Repeat it back to me. " Pick you up at Flat Top...across from Humpys...7:00. Thanks Danny.
{I knew I should have talked to Michelle personally but her hands were full at the time of my call - I could hear extra boys in the house - it is summer time.}
Cindy, 5'5', 120 lbs. of muscle soaking wet, highlights in her brown hair, hazel eyes behind her shades. Cindy just returned from the tropics three days prior and was re-adjusting to all the daylight and wearing layers again. A hearty handshake to Miss Anders for the use of her phone. I offered to pay her, never thinking it might be considered a bribe. ha-ha
It's 6:25PM. Tummy grumble detected, we decide to go to Humpy's across the street for a beer and a quick bite. By the time we finish our ride should be here. This is the location we asked to be picked up at - easy peesy.
Humpy's Great Alaskan Alehouse, est.1994. For Beer Lovers By Beer Lovers is their rallying cry. Of course I had to try one. You walk into this dark, loud, giant room with the bar smack dab in the middle, right behind it the equally loud kitchen. The dressed in black bouncer Girl at the door would check ID's for those looking younger than 21. She says to us - "seat yourselves and welcome to Humpy's." One table up front for four - we snatch it up as the place is packed. Ittik and Izzy are happy not to be scrunched up against my cameras, stretching their legs and arms wide. Our Waiter Gary comes by, places napkins before us. Humpy's menu consists mainly of bar food, reindeer meat, eggs and burgers. I ask, "What's fast, we have 30 minutes before our party picks us up and what's a sweet, fruity beer my companions and I would enjoy?" I'm pointing at Ittik & Izzy. Bob thinks beer tastes like medicine. Gary says the Chowder is ready and a Wheat or Apple Ale would suit the ladies just fine. Two orders of Clam Chowder and a pint of Broken Tooth Raspberry Wheat Ale. Water for the Dude. Under five minutes, our order is before us. BIG tip shall be waiting for Gary when we leave. I noticed the waitresses here all have tattoos. Arm bands of dolphins, salmon, stars, what ever fit their personalities. But they were all arm bands. Left arm. Is that an Alaskan thing?
"Oh my, this soup's delicious."(Quote from Mrs. Peacock, Clue - the movie) It was. French bread and crackers accompany the soup. Big hunks of clam, soft potatoes, a touch of sherry in the broth perhaps? My concentration was the beer - Raspberry goodness in a glass. Found a new to brew to love. I had to share with Ittik - little wino. Oh dear, Izzy has begun to wobble on the tabletop - she calls it dancing. Under 25 minutes from start to finish, pay, tip and give our table to an older group who didn't want to sit in the back.
Most of downtown closes at 6:00PM we noticed. Our town pulls up the sidewalks at 9:00PM. We walk into Kobuk Gift Shop slash coffee-tea donut house (corner of 5th and E Street) because a drop of rain was melting my sweetness. A nice enough place to wait it out if the rain indeed fell. The place smells of teas and soap. The prices are comparable to airport commodities. There was a one of a kind handmade clock I was admiring - a quirky 15"x20" silver percolator. The lid would rise with "steam" metal pieces every thirty seconds. The numbers were squiggly in black, the clock face was a pale purple - it would fit nicely in my kitchen plus I love clocks. This one was $125. My thought process kicked in - did I want it, need it, can't live without it? Thanks but no thanks. I don't want to pack it.
It's getting time to call for Michelle or Bill to scoop us up. So. My phone is not in service for placing calls as you know, haven't seen a working pay phone so we head towards The Performing Arts Center to ask Molly if we can use her phone. But wait. I see a Cop in the park pulling two young lesbians kissing out of the flowerbeds and warning a biker to stay on the sidewalk, no tricks off the stairs. "Ma'am - My cell phone is not in service here and we need to find a pay phone or a place that will allow us to use their phone to call our hosts to come pick us up. Any ideas? Well Miss Cindy Anders who wasn't supposed to tell me her first name, handed over her old school phone for me to use. Unexpected surprise!!!!! I called. Got Danny on the phone. Told him to write down the following information or repeat it as I say it as Michelle was standing next to him. Pick us up at the corner of 6th and F Street at 7:00, across from the Performing Arts Center. The address is 612 F Street. We will be waiting in front of the Flat Top Restaurant next door to Humpy's. Can you remember that? Tell her now. (okay). Repeat it back to me. " Pick you up at Flat Top...across from Humpys...7:00. Thanks Danny.
{I knew I should have talked to Michelle personally but her hands were full at the time of my call - I could hear extra boys in the house - it is summer time.}
Cindy, 5'5', 120 lbs. of muscle soaking wet, highlights in her brown hair, hazel eyes behind her shades. Cindy just returned from the tropics three days prior and was re-adjusting to all the daylight and wearing layers again. A hearty handshake to Miss Anders for the use of her phone. I offered to pay her, never thinking it might be considered a bribe. ha-ha
It's 6:25PM. Tummy grumble detected, we decide to go to Humpy's across the street for a beer and a quick bite. By the time we finish our ride should be here. This is the location we asked to be picked up at - easy peesy.
Humpy's Great Alaskan Alehouse, est.1994. For Beer Lovers By Beer Lovers is their rallying cry. Of course I had to try one. You walk into this dark, loud, giant room with the bar smack dab in the middle, right behind it the equally loud kitchen. The dressed in black bouncer Girl at the door would check ID's for those looking younger than 21. She says to us - "seat yourselves and welcome to Humpy's." One table up front for four - we snatch it up as the place is packed. Ittik and Izzy are happy not to be scrunched up against my cameras, stretching their legs and arms wide. Our Waiter Gary comes by, places napkins before us. Humpy's menu consists mainly of bar food, reindeer meat, eggs and burgers. I ask, "What's fast, we have 30 minutes before our party picks us up and what's a sweet, fruity beer my companions and I would enjoy?" I'm pointing at Ittik & Izzy. Bob thinks beer tastes like medicine. Gary says the Chowder is ready and a Wheat or Apple Ale would suit the ladies just fine. Two orders of Clam Chowder and a pint of Broken Tooth Raspberry Wheat Ale. Water for the Dude. Under five minutes, our order is before us. BIG tip shall be waiting for Gary when we leave. I noticed the waitresses here all have tattoos. Arm bands of dolphins, salmon, stars, what ever fit their personalities. But they were all arm bands. Left arm. Is that an Alaskan thing?
"Oh my, this soup's delicious."(Quote from Mrs. Peacock, Clue - the movie) It was. French bread and crackers accompany the soup. Big hunks of clam, soft potatoes, a touch of sherry in the broth perhaps? My concentration was the beer - Raspberry goodness in a glass. Found a new to brew to love. I had to share with Ittik - little wino. Oh dear, Izzy has begun to wobble on the tabletop - she calls it dancing. Under 25 minutes from start to finish, pay, tip and give our table to an older group who didn't want to sit in the back.
Out the door, turn to the right, walk twenty paces and start looking. They should be here any minute. We're looking for their truck with a blonde driving it - Michelle of course. And we wait. And wait. and wait. 7:30 and still no show. Hmmmm. Nothing to do but give them more time. You never realize how many black trucks there are on 6th Street and F Street. A car with California plates pulls up in front of Humpy's. Three guys are unloading band equipment, taking it inside. Oh hey, they are performing tonight at 9:30.The Darrell Gleason Trio. We see Molly from the Performing Arts Center across the street. She waves, we wave. She's looking a bit distressed. Did someone leave their phone or purse and she's trying to catch them?
I'm reserving my last smoke of the day for later, but I suck on it now as is a fellow smoker named Jackie. Jackie works the bar next door Flat Top, which is the sister restaurant to Humpy's. Sporting a lip ring, a few tasteful tattoos and short black hair, a native Alaskan, she also headed to warmer climes for a few years but the call of the mountains she could not help answering back to. We chit chat for a while, makes the waiting more pliable. Okay it's 8:20PM. I've taken all the photos I care to. I'm looking for a place to call Michelle and Bill. MOLLY! I go across the street where Molly works. She and another woman are busy talking with two Police Women. Oh oh. Seems like the other woman had her purse snatched by a man, she was giving details when I walked nearer. Seeing my situation was no wear as distressing as the lady, I moved off and asked another employee who was walking in. She was monitoring the guests at the function upstairs - a Ten Year Reunion - colors green gold and black. I was wondering why there were balloons, musicians and thirty somethings in cocktail wear walking up the decorated stairs.
This lady searched the bottom floor for a pay phone with no luck. The heavens breathed some luck my way. I asked the Polynesian guy sitting on the stairs if I could use his phone to make a call. Nate has a Giant IPHONE 3 zillion which he had to get started for me. I'm clueless to such technology of this stature. While I was dialing, I checked out Nate. He was early twenties, hair pulled back in a long ponytail, floral shirt, cargo pants and sandals.
Me: Hey Michelle. Where are you guys?
Michelle: Bill, Travis and Joseph are waiting for you guys at Flat Top. They've been there over an hour.
Me: What are they doing there? Did Danny give you the message?
Michelle: Yeah, I should have taken the phone from him. He said you guys were at Flat Top hiking and to get you at 7PM.
Me: Hiking? (I had to laugh) No we are in front of the restaurant Flat Top at 612 F Street, next door to Humpy's across from the Aurora Borealis place.
Michelle: Oh no!! Let me call Bill on his cell. I'm so sorry!
Me: Oh well, water under the bridge. How far is this Flat Top?
Michelle: About 45 minutes from you guys.
Me. Yikes - he ain't gonna be happy. We'll cover the gas and drinks on me tonight!
Naturally Nate was listening to the conversation and was grinning just a little bit. I thanked him for the use of his phone, tried to pay him. He softly declined. I glance over to Molly - still in a debate with the Police. I overhear her pronounce her name to the Police as Mollusca or something close to that. I can't even try to pronounce what she said. She's called Molly for short.
I'm reserving my last smoke of the day for later, but I suck on it now as is a fellow smoker named Jackie. Jackie works the bar next door Flat Top, which is the sister restaurant to Humpy's. Sporting a lip ring, a few tasteful tattoos and short black hair, a native Alaskan, she also headed to warmer climes for a few years but the call of the mountains she could not help answering back to. We chit chat for a while, makes the waiting more pliable. Okay it's 8:20PM. I've taken all the photos I care to. I'm looking for a place to call Michelle and Bill. MOLLY! I go across the street where Molly works. She and another woman are busy talking with two Police Women. Oh oh. Seems like the other woman had her purse snatched by a man, she was giving details when I walked nearer. Seeing my situation was no wear as distressing as the lady, I moved off and asked another employee who was walking in. She was monitoring the guests at the function upstairs - a Ten Year Reunion - colors green gold and black. I was wondering why there were balloons, musicians and thirty somethings in cocktail wear walking up the decorated stairs.
This lady searched the bottom floor for a pay phone with no luck. The heavens breathed some luck my way. I asked the Polynesian guy sitting on the stairs if I could use his phone to make a call. Nate has a Giant IPHONE 3 zillion which he had to get started for me. I'm clueless to such technology of this stature. While I was dialing, I checked out Nate. He was early twenties, hair pulled back in a long ponytail, floral shirt, cargo pants and sandals.
Me: Hey Michelle. Where are you guys?
Michelle: Bill, Travis and Joseph are waiting for you guys at Flat Top. They've been there over an hour.
Me: What are they doing there? Did Danny give you the message?
Michelle: Yeah, I should have taken the phone from him. He said you guys were at Flat Top hiking and to get you at 7PM.
Me: Hiking? (I had to laugh) No we are in front of the restaurant Flat Top at 612 F Street, next door to Humpy's across from the Aurora Borealis place.
Michelle: Oh no!! Let me call Bill on his cell. I'm so sorry!
Me: Oh well, water under the bridge. How far is this Flat Top?
Michelle: About 45 minutes from you guys.
Me. Yikes - he ain't gonna be happy. We'll cover the gas and drinks on me tonight!
Naturally Nate was listening to the conversation and was grinning just a little bit. I thanked him for the use of his phone, tried to pay him. He softly declined. I glance over to Molly - still in a debate with the Police. I overhear her pronounce her name to the Police as Mollusca or something close to that. I can't even try to pronounce what she said. She's called Molly for short.
Back across the street to Bob I relay the conversation and the happenings with Molly. He smirks. We wait some more. I place a Catz Wuz Here sticker on a nearby trashcan. Waiting ain't so bad when you have some one to wait with. Still...
I Googled Flat Top's distance to downtown Anchorage. With the shuttle service at the Visitor's Center around the corner, it's about fifteen miles ($23 round trip for an afternoon of hiking). Would be an interesting afternoon, we're considering it.
9:00PM Hey there goes Nate, the guy who let me use his phone. He just pulled over to pick up some girl I think is his girlfriend. He waves to me. I wave back. She looks at me, then Nate, let's her attitude take over as she head waggles, "WHO IS SHE?" He says, "I let her use my phone. That's it. Get a grip!" Gawd, are women that jealous around here?
9:20PM - Familiar face in the passenger seat is searching the pedestrians for his Aunt Catz and Uncle Bob. It's Joseph. He smiles widely as Bill makes the corner and we hop in. Everyone is in good spirits about the situation. I take the blame for not talking to an adult. What cha gonna do? Spank me? I'm into whips and chains so that won't phase me at all. Bill says it took 45 minutes to get to us. Joseph and Travis were doing some hiking while they were there. See? It wasn't a wasted trip, not planned but not wasted.
We get home about 10PM. Danny is avoiding me, thinking he's in the dog house with his Aunt. I hunt him down anyway. I put him in a Catz Claw Grip, ruffle his hair, then ask that next time I call, pass the phone to his Mom. A twisted message can cause more harm than good. I think he got the picture.
Michelle had grilled steaks, house salad and Cabbage & Bacon on the menu tonight. Hit the spot. I haven't had cabbage & bacon for decades. Great conversations with dinner which lead into cocktail hour for Michelle and I on the back porch well into the wee hours of what they call morning around here.
All in all, it was a great day of wandering and waiting.
We shall see where our wanderings will take us tomorrow.