We woke early to a sunny but crisp day. After the usual breakfast routine of coffee and muesli we walked to the end of the spit. A vehicular ferry was unloading and we stayed to watch. Unlike most of the ferries in the Seattle area this one was not strictly a drive on drive off type. The ferry had a large lift or elevator structure that carried vehicles from the hold up to the level of the dock, where they drove off the lift onto the dock. It was interesting but a very slow way to load and unload. It was a beautiful morning, no wind, bald eagles all over the place and sports fishermen getting ready for the days adventure.

On the drive back to Soldotna we stopped at the village of Ninilchik which was founded by a mix of Russian hunters and local inhabitants in the early 1800's. On the beach front near the village there was quite a crowd of vehicles as a lot of people were out on the tide flats digging for clams. On the hill above the village is a famous little church built in a Russian Orthodox style.

Back in Soldotna we did, as predicted, visit Safeway for their wifi.

On the Seward Highway heading towards Anchorage we decided that the Six Mile Bike and Walking Trail was a good opportunity to get some exercise so we spent an hour walking this well made trail. In the process we got an unexpected treat when we discovered a pond with several beaver dams and many trees stumps that clearly showed beaver tooth marks. It's the best example of beaver ponds and tree felling that Nina and I have seen.

The clear day allowed us a good view of Turnagain Arm and the surrounding mountains as we drove back into Anchorage. This town sure is blessed with some great scenery and wonderful outdoor opportunities.

In Anchorage and its surrounds we noticed for the first time on this trip that the Birch and Aspen trees have green leaves. In Anchorage we visited the Captain Cook monument and then headed out of town looking for a state camping ground.

To our surprise the campground we had identified as a likely candidate was full. Full camping grounds and green leaves on the Aspen is a sure sign that spring has arrived and that summer is not far away.

So we headed further up the highway and then onto a 10 miles side trip to Eklutna Lake in the hope that the campground at the lake would not be full. The road out to the lake was narrow and twisty with very steep edges so we drove carefully. It was lucky we did because rounding a corner what did we see but a hedge hog scuttling, well maybe ambling, across the road. I was in the dog house for a hour after that as Nina was not able to get a good photo of him. So we will just have to use our - less than perfect - memory.

The campground at Eklutna was well attended but not full. So we got a spot, cooked dinner and settled in for the night.