Leading up to this trip there was one big question, would it even happen? The pandemic has been going on since early 2020 and the recent Delta variant has caused a surge in cases. I booked this trip at the end of October 2020 using a out of Anchorage. The advantage to me was having one point of contact if I needed to cancel and travel protection to be able to get a full refund. Fortunately, Alaska is still open to visitors who are in desperate need of a vacation after sitting at home since March 2020!
I like to be to the airport early as I dont like to be rushed through security and have to sprint to get to my flight. My dad dropped me off at OHare at 6:30 and it was face mask on from that point until I got into my hotel room in Anchorage. And then it was smooth sailing the entire way. Bag check had no line, security had a small line, Starbucks had the longest line and then I had time to sit and read at my gate. I used my credit card points to book my roundtrip flight
on Alaska Airlines. If you want to see one of the best airline security videos go look them up on YouTube. This is the first time I have flown Alaska and I would them to anyone based on this flight. The plane was clean, the crew was very friendly and the legroom was more than enough. An even bigger plus, there was no one in the middle seat so I had extra personal space. Meals were ahead for a fee so I brought my own PBJ. They around twice with drink service and once with cookies. Very little turbulence made for a nice flight. I read 2 books and then we were landing. Got to our gate early and my bag came out shortly after I arrived at baggage claim. The best part about landing was seeing the mountains. I love mountains and its been a while since Ive seen any.
A short shuttle ride later I was at my hotel for the night, the Comfort Inn. This hotel is not in the heart of downtown but is right by the train station so convenient if you need to be there at 5:45AM! Check in
was quick and my room is just down the hall from the front desk. I took some time to have a snack and look at the map to find somewhere to grab dinner. The nice shuttle bus driver took me downtown to grab a sandwich at Alaska Gourmet Sub. He circled around while I waited for my smoked salmon sub to be done and took me back to the hotel.
Ship Creek runs behind the Comfort Inn and there is a really nice walking path with a few viewing platforms. The main attraction here is the salmon. They are busy swimming upstream to spawn and die. I watched them for a bit at both spots and enjoyed the sounds of the rushing water and the crisp air. Its 55 here and the other day it was 95 at home. Just slightly different...
Took a quick walk through the Ulu Factory gift shop. I guess this is a knife that is popular. Not really sure but a tour bus had stopped and all the older people were inside getting a demonstration. And then back to the hotel to eat and relax.
The room could use some upgrades but its clean so thats all that matters. The wifi is very spotty so not ideal. And my room faces the train tracks so its a bit loud. There are also no open restaurants in this area so you need to walk downtown, request a shuttle or do delivery.
Tomorrow is what I have been waiting for, riding in the dome car on the Alaska Railroad. I cant wait. Happy early 40th birthday to me!
