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WARNING! Many linky-links ahead!
Here's a quaint little place that we traveled to a couple of week-ends ago.
Actually; it's changed a bit over the years. At one time it looked like
this; and later like
this. It was always great spot for
folks to gather and share some fun.
The original incarnation was around 1914 located on
The Valdez to Fairbanks Trail. There
were various roadhouses along this
route for weary
travelers and
freighters who journeyed this
rough territory at all
times of the year.
Our accommodations were not nearly as
rustic as the past roadhouses of this
location. We stayed one night and enjoyed the
hospitality of the hosts and splendor of the area.
The dining room is the perfect place to experience the
Northern Lights. We weren't so lucky as to catch them this trip as they were dormant that night. Darn it!
We had a lovely dinner of baked beans and smoked ribs with salad and a peach torte. Afterward, we admired all of the various iron work and art though out the Lodge. A number of local artists and craftsmen (and craftswomen-not sure what the proper PC terminology is these days!) have donated their skill and works of art to make this a truly special
and spiritual space.
We slept on great beds and departed the next day after a relaxed breakfast.
Some of the locals come by for coffee and a bit of conversation. If you call ahead, you can join the guests for dinner. The proprietors love to have a roomful of folks at the table and you needn't stay the night to enjoy the lovely view from the awesome deck.
There are plenty of nooks and crannies for reading or meditation;
and lovely views from every window. The fireplaces alone are works of art, and I can totally see myself parking my tuk-us in front of one to nap; err, I mean
read the paper some
long winter's evening.
We left by 10:00 A.M. on the hunt for the
Wild Alaskan Blueberry. I think that we found about a half a gallon; certainly enough for some Blueberry Vinaigrette. We need to find much more, for hotcakes!
Let me just say, wild blueberries are the
best thing for vinaigrette!
Yum!!!
Anyway, if you're ever in the neighborhood and want to visit a beautiful place just stop into The Lodge At Black Rapids Glacier. Tell 'em Vikki sent you!
(Of course, they'll say, "Vikki
who?!!)