Linc, look! I pulled over slowly and fumbled with the buttons trying to open his back window. He had to boost himself up to see what I was talking about. My first thought was- why are you so short? (He’s not really. He’s just 6 and sinks into those back bucket seats.)
Anyway, it was a moose!
Out fetching donuts, this guy was just having some breakfast himself along the road. We watched him for a sec, Facetimed Brian and the girls, and decided to move right along when he started towards the car. It’s cliche but I was honestly surprised at how big he was- like a horse with a 70s chandelier on its head.
Back in the room, we crammed everything back into the suitcases and drove to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Area. We were first in line at the gate which gave me time to think overly critical thoughts about their poorly designed entrance. I now wish I’d taken a picture so you could see too.
Back to the important part, the AWCC is this massive zoo-like park with native animals and more signs (slightly better designed and edited) on work conservationists are doing to manage the wild populations and bring back endangered species like the Wood Bison. Linc and Baya loved it. Marin tolerated it for a while and then ended up in tears because the wolves were napping when we finally got to their enclosure. Sigh.
We then drove for 3 hours to Homer giving us all a chance to nap a bit. We got checked in and explored the Spit—the longest road into the ocean in the world with (what must be) a record number of RVs camping on both sides of the beach.
Ending the day, we cooked in, Brian and Baya started a puzzle, and fell asleep watching a movie.
Things I want to remember:
The excitement of seeing a real live moose on the road (safely from inside our car.)
Linc proudly acting as our guide at the wildlife park. It was all in pictures so he could read it and direct us.
Stunning pink and red wildflowers for hundreds of miles on the road to Homer.
The kids easily agreeing to elbow noodles after loudly fighting all the way through Safeway about spaghetti versus rotini. (Actually, I just let that memory fade. I have many other similar ones.)
