Talkeetna

This was our first train day. We had to have our bags out and ready early but once we had the kids in their day clothes, they could go back to sleep until it was time to hop on the bus (Gus).  After a quick ride, it was time for us to board the train to Talkeetna.

Our breakfast on the train was outstanding and quite fun to eat with a white table cloth, real silverware, and dishes. The kids ate with my folks in their own little cubby. Shawn and I had a "romantic" two seater booth facing in reverse. It was all quite old fashioned and proper.

Our train ride was filled with critter sightings:  several swans and 3 moose. (Yes, the plural of moose is moose).

Once we got to Talkeetna, we walked around the town. We went into a few shops and looked at all of the local artsy goods. And of course we had to go into the Fairview Hotel.   Shawn sampled local and IPA beer.  We ate reindeer sausage dogs from a young college age kid who cooked them on the street/in his front yard.  And topped that off with homemade ice cream.  

John Moose next to John Deer

Grandpa feeding the local wildlife. 

Later that evening we all planned on meeting for dinner at 7:00 at the fireplace lobby. Nicholas and I sat by the fire and read our books. He finished his and I made about 20 pages of progress on mine. 

When my dad came down he got me a drink at the bar and as he was walking out of the bar he hollered, "What in thee hell are you doing here?!?"  It turns out that one of their Vero Beach friends was staying in the very same hotel.  So, we all talked and discussed how ironic!  

But then...a little local three piece band showed up to play music in the lobby and there was Andy King!  I know of only one person who lives in Alaska and that is ANDY KING!  

What are the chances that my folks would see someone from Vero and we would see someone from Kentucky all in the same place?!  And to make it even more bizarre...this was our only night in Talkeetna and this was the first gig Andy had ever played in this lodge. Meant to be?  Who cares!  Bluegrass is good music in Florida and in Kentucky and in Alaska...especially when played by a friend from Alaska by way of Kentucky (with his new wife of only three weeks) and being listened to by two couples from Florida by way of Kentucky...or is that Kentucky by way of Florida?!  Who cares!  Rocky Top!  Jambalaya! 

I've heard the Bloody Mary on the train is really good. I'll be needing one.