Day 5 Downtown, Flattop and Lake Spenard

This morning we set off for the Alaska Native Heritage Center.  Unfortunately it was closed for the season.  The Center's website explains:

'Alaska's native people are divided into 11 distinct cultures, speaking 11 different languages and 22 different dialects.'  

'Alaska natives represent many languages, creeds and philosophies, but we share common goals, values and the challenge to embrace modern changes in such a way that we can be full participants in this new era.  We build upon the traditional cycle of knowledge that has helped to perpetuate native societies for hundreds of generations.' 

Ten Universal Alaska Native Values

SHOW RESPECT TO OTHERS
Each Person Has a Special Gift

SHARE WHAT YOU HAVE
Giving Makes You Richer

KNOW WHO YOU ARE
You are a Reflection on Your Family

ACCEPT WHAT LIFE BRINGS
You Cannot Control Many Things

HAVE PATIENCE
Some Things Cannot Be Rushed

LIVE CAREFULLY
What You Do Will Come Back to You

TAKE CARE OF OTHERS
You Cannot Live Without Them

HONOR YOUR ELDERS
They Show You the Way in Life

PRAY FOR GUIDANCE
Many Things Are Not Known

SEE CONNECTIONS
All Things Are Related

From there we headed downtown, parked the car and stopped in at the log cabin Visitors Center.

We had a lovely chat with two gracious and engaging golden girls.  With their directions we found restrooms at a nearby cafe, had coffee and brunch.  We shopped (for Ashley and the boys) at the Polar Bear Gifts, where I met a very tame magpie who came into the store.

We also walked along the beginning of the Ted Knowles Coastal Trail.

A quick stop at the hotel enabled us to grab a few more layers of clothing, water bottles and backpacks, and then we were off to Flattop Mountain.  Mom was apprehensive about the narrow winding road up to the trail head; but she was a trooper!  Both the parking lot and additional parking were FULL!  This provided encouragement about how worthwhile the place was.  The hike was invigorating and empowering.  We met many dogs and even talked with a few of their humans.

No rails on edge of trail 

View to the east - Anchorage & Cook Inlet

Parasail!

Spent the sunny September afternoon on Lake Spenard.  The lake is said to be the largest floatplane harbor in the world.  The Fancy Moose lounge at the Millennium Hotel had outside seating.  We had drinks and an early dinner while watching many float planes take off and land.  Mom had "The Local" (of course!) aka steak sandwich, and I had fish/shrimp/crab tacos.