2019 Trip 5: Alaska: September 1

Kenai Lake at Cooper Landing, AK

COOPER LANDING FINALLY. Sunday September 1

Cooper Landing, population 286, lodging for this evening. We only had to wait about 15 minutes for the pilot car to lead us on the highway. Rain yesterday and cooler temperatures appear to have brought down the fire threat. Most of the actual burnt areas are west and north of here in the forest. Cooper Landing is still on “set” status; that is, be set to depart if the fire changes dramatically.

Driving to Cooper Landing along the end of Turnagain Arm

We left Anchorage around 9 AM. The rain cleared the skies a bit and we were able to view the southern shores of Turnagain Arm for the first time. Mountain peaks and valleys surrounded us as we drove past the Whittier turn-off onto new road. Cooper Landing came into view as we crossed the Kenai Lake and River with perhaps a dozen businesses. We drove past the rafting company that had to cancel our Saturday evening rafting adventure.

Can you spot Ed having dessert at the Kingfisher Restaurant?

The Kenai Princess Lodge is closed to overnight guests, not sure where Princess Cruises is housing the people who were scheduled to stay there. The Princess Lodge is open for meals, apparently most of their business is for fire fighters. We plan to patronize a small, local restaurant for dinner called the Kingfisher. It is on Kenai Lake and when fire fighting planes load up with water, they do so from Kenai Lake. Evidently it takes about 12 seconds for the plane to fully load as it scoops water from the lake. We are staying at The Hutch, a small B and B here in Cooper Landing.

Paper plate ID, water pumping readiness for fire fighters, Thank you sign

A short walk took us to the outlet where Kenai River runs out of Kenai Lake. With mountains,of course, in the background, it made for a great picture of Alaska. The firefighters have pre-planned their fire stoppage efforts. A pump, hoses, and tank lined each side of the river. Homes and business have temporary identification markers posted on paper plates at the front of each property. Signs are frequent to thank the firefighters for their efforts.

Along one of the walks

Driving back roads near Cooper Landing

We went for a few short walks. The scenery is beautiful. Every now and then the sun would peak out, then the clouds, wind, and a few drizzles show up.

Kenai Lake at Cooper Landing

Ed and Chris. Cooper Landing. September 1. 8 PM