AUGUST 12TH, PALMER AK

This morning, we car-pooled to town and visited the Visitor center and Colony house. Palmer was a New Deal town that was created in 1935. App. 200 families were selected from a draw and given the opportunity to move to Alaska and receive 40 acres of land and a loan of $3500 to build a home to homestead this valley. Of course they suffered many hardships and some left but those who stayed started what became the agriculture center of Alaska. This is in the Matanuska Valley and with all the sunshine and fertile ground, they grow most of the vegetables and a lot of beautiful flowers for Alaska. There is also one dairy here. The Matanuska creamery. We had a delightful lunch at the Colony House and then a free afternoon.

Denny and I went into Wasilla to the Wal-mart for supplies and to get me a new pillow. It is the largest one in the state. After that, we drove around Wasilla to check the area out. We lucked up and found where Sarah Palin's house was but of course, we wouldn't think of invading their privacy, also we value our lives and could get shot if we trespassed ( you know she can shoot :-). Wasilla is very spread out, but pretty large, especially for Alaska. Palmer and Wasilla are only about 10 miles apart.

Back at the campground, we had a fish fry that was to die for. All the salmon and halibut fishermen donated some fish and others brought side dishes. Our WM fried the fish with a beer batter his wife made that was scrumptious. She shared the recipe and I can't wait to use it when I get home. Denny made some barbecue baked beans that didn't last long. They were gobbled up fast and I made some hush puppies that also seemed popular although I thought I cooked them a little long.

It was another fun day but tomorrow we leave again at 7:30 to travel 265 miles to Valdez, so its another early night :-) No problem, we are so busy we are ready for early nights.