Anchorage, as a city, did not give much of an impression. It has been our travel hub, and we have been back and forth of the city quite a few times. The road to Anchorage could well be more impressive than the city. As we drove up from Seward, the Turnagain Arm was quite a spectacular view.
We made a stop at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (AWCC) to watch a variety of wildlife up close and get to know them better. We spent a few hours, on our tired legs, watching the moose, musk ox, caribou, reindeer, grizzly bears, black bears, bald eagle, owl, porcupine and more.
The ghost trees in AWCC were a good reminder of the great 1964 earthquake, one with a magnitude of 9.2 and lasted over 4 minutes. It was scary to read about it happening. It also left me wonder how these disastrous happening (or the 1918 pandemic) could often be called the “great” earthquake (or the “great” pandemic)
The Springhill Suites was located near the Alaska Native Medical Center with a lake view. Natives made up quite a proportion of its occupants, and some were staying in the hotel to wait for surgery at the Medical Center. The hotel felt like an outpost of the Medical Center more so than a hotel. It was not totally welcoming, and was quite a downgrade from the Bear Lake Lodge in Seward.
No complaint as a travel hub, esp. We were finally able to take care of our dirty laundry. Also, our dinner at Simon & Seafort’s downtown was arguably the best meal so far.
Coming up Katmai bear viewing (or maybe not).
oliviatamccue 
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