Alaska day 4

Finally, we are being tourist!  We took a short flight from Fairbanks to Anchorage . . . so much faster (and safer) than driving.  It was a beautiful flight and exactly how I had envisioned Alaska looking like from above.  Now it is time to get to business and start checking places off my list . . . guess the relaxing was fun while it lasted!  I had read about a small museum inside the Wells Fargo bank . . . Alaska Heritage Museum at Wells Fargo.  It had some good reviews online and was free!  After sitting in the parking lot for a bit and not noticing any signs, we went inside to what looked like a bank lobby.  The security guard pointed us in the right direction.  I must say I was impressed with this small but wonderful museum.  It was a great introduction to the Alaskan culture and different regions.  It was well worth the visit!

I was not sure if photography was allowed so sort of just pulled out my small camera and took a quick photo.  I thought this Bering Sea Kayak was cool . . . I can't imagine floating in the Bering Sea in this, but they sure were tough back then!

Next stop was the Oomingmak Musk Ox Co-operative . . . I have become obsessed with these critters since last summer!  I do have a scarf made of Musk Ox Qiviut and must say while it was expensive it is SO warm and super soft too!  I don't know why I wanted to go visit but thought why not?  It is a very small building with a very friendly worker.  She was so knowledgeable about Musk Ox and gave us great insight on how they collected the qiviut and about the areas where the musk ox still roam.  There was a lady there knitting too.  Colin was not interested, but I did enjoy the quick stop.  It was getting to be dinner time and had read about a Greek restaurant not far away . . . let the rat race begin!  We drove in circles trying to find this place and finally discovered it was now a Mexican restaurant . . . being from Texas that was not an option.  We continued to drive trying to make a decision and finally just pulled into Outback.  I know, I know so not Alaskan but I was about to go nuts!  We ate and I was ready to head to the hotel.  Our home away from home for the week was the Anchorage Hilton.  We arrived just in time for the evening reception at the Hilton Honors lounge, which were appetizers from 5pm-7pm and desserts from 7pm-9pm.  Just what I needed!  I was happy to be on the 11th floor and the views from our room were okay . . .

We enjoyed hanging out in the lounge for a few hours, but had to head to the pool as I had promised Colin we would swim and enjoy the whirlpool.  We changed, and when we arrived I was disappointed.  While it did have a whirlpool it was filled with nice green plants and not hot water!  The pool was heated but not warm enough for me.  Bummer!  One of the reasons I booked this hotel was for the hot tub so we could relax each night after being outside!  Oh well, it is in a good location with super friendly staff, and Colin seems to enjoy the pool!