AK P 23

JOURNAL #19

31 JULY 2007 HOMER TO SOLDOTNA

Since, as usual, we were to depart last, we took our time at breakfast. We left Homer about 10 o’clock for Soldotna about 90 miles north. We had an appointment for lunch. Ruby Kerr had contacted a number of Model A people in Alaska and told them of our tour and out itinerary. A Barbara Dilly, in Soldotna, contacted Ruby and invited us for lunch. Her late husband had been a Model A aficionado and she wanted very much to meet us. When we reached Mile 103, we started to look for an “RV Parts” sign and some colored balloons. We saw them and drove into Barbara’s yard and saw her husband’s A and most of the tour A’s already assembled. .We were greeted by the Mayor of Soldotna and we were rewarded with a pin of the city. We reciprocated with a Model A Touring Club pin. Our friends were partaking of a fine repast of sandwiches, crackers and salmon spread, pie, cake, cookies and much else. Barbara’s cabin, though rustic was finely finished and furnished. We met her daughter and friends who had gathered to greet us. We loitered for quite a spell as we were in no rush. I engaged the Mayor in a lengthy conversation. He was a retired school teacher, originally from Southern California, but had lived and taught high school history and coached wrestling in this area for a number of years. Ruby presented Barbara with a copy of our tour license plate and some tour patches and club pins as a token of our appreciation for her warm welcome to Alaska. It was a very pleasant way to spend a few hours and meet the people of Alaska.

As all good things must, this came to an end and we were the last cars to depart. It was only a few miles more to the center of town and our motel. After checking in, most of us went to the Fred Meyers store down the road for a shopping experience. Some purchased souvenirs, while others, like ourselves, bought some things for supper, since we had a microwave and were still full from Babara’s picnic lunch.

I tried to get an Internet connection, thinking that I now had time to download my web site as a file and possibly be able to get it updated. However, the hotel only had WiFi and not a high speed, hard wire connection. I had to be satisfied with checking my email on the hotel’s computer. So, I read and finished the book I had started on the ferry on the trip up.