California to Alaska: The Puppy Dog Edition is an eight part series. If you missed the start of the trip, Day One, click here. For notifications, subscribe to the Retirement Monkeys Newsletter.
Today’s Itinerary
Morning play at AirBnB
1st Stop: Chanshtnu Muldoon Dog Park, Anchorage
2nd Stop: 3 Friends Dog park, Soldotna
Lodging: Homer Home
I had plans to get up early and hit the road, but the morning is so lovely, I get up early and enjoy coffee on the deck. After a leisurely cup of joe, we are on the road by 8:30 am. Interestingly, this whole trip, it didn’t seem to matter when I got up, I always seemed to pull away about 8:30 AM. Today is no different and we even had an extra hour with the time change from Canada to Alaska. We are on the final leg of our trip.
I have never spent much time in Tok. Normally, we stop at the store and then drive through. It was nice to spend the night here. After the rough road and relative isolation of the Yukon, Tok feels like “civilization” and the stop here gave me some much-needed unwinding.
We stayed at a super AirBnB. The pups had room to run and play ball. I had time to sit on the deck and take in the view. All in all, a very pleasant stop.
Go West!
But it is time to leave the Alcan and head west on the Tok cutoff road. If you want to finish the Alcan, head North to Delta Junction. It is a great trek and worth the journey but today, I am heading home to Homer.
The Glenn Highway – Tok Cutoff is some of the most spectacular stretch of road in Alaska. From snowy peaks to glacier valleys, around every curve of the road is a scenic viewpoint. There is a 50 mile stretch of the road near the summit where you will have 360° views of four mountain ranges: the Chugach, the Talkeetna, the Alaska Range and the Wrangell Mountains. A section of the highway follows along the Matanuska River with panoramic views of the Matanuska Glacier visible from the road. Keep your eyes open for moose, dall sheep, and mountain goats. Trumpeter and tundra swans are often seen dotting the lakes in the area.
Not in the Yukon Anymore
We are not in the Yukon anymore and the number of cars on the road picks-up as we near Anchorage. We will make a stop at the Chanshtnu Muldoon Dog Park. Every time I go here, I get lost. Apple maps always directs me to the wrong place. Then I try to remember on my own and go up the wrong roads. I usually drive around for 30 minutes before I find it and this time is no different. Once I find it, I vow to remember for the next time but inevitably I know I’m going to forget.
Theoretically, if you don’t spend 30 minutes driving around looking for it, the park is just a few blocks off the highway. The direct way to go is to take Muldoon exit, turn left onto E 11th Ct, Right on Boston St. then left onto DeBarr Rd. The park has a large and small dog section. It can get pretty muddy when it rains. It isn’t the largest park but it does the trick for a quick stop.
Back on the Road
After some running and playing (dogs not me!), we are back on the road to Homer. I’ve done the drive from Anchorage to Homer many times and it never fails to disappoint. No matter the weather, sunny or cloudy, it is a beautiful drive. Potter’s Marsh, Turnagain Arm, Kenai River, and Coopers Landing are the scenic highlights for me.
Soldotna has a great, though small, fenced dog park called 3 Friends Dog Park. It is conveniently located off the Kenai Spur Highway at 320 N. Aspen Ave. The park is about an acre with separate big and small dog areas. There are lots of trees and a little path you can walk. It is a great stop for a short visit to stretch you and your dog’s legs.
Homer Sweet Homer
On the final stretch, the last 60 miles from Soldotna to Homer, Alaska does not disappoint. To the west, we have great views of the Cook Inlet volcanoes. Our childhood acronym for remembering their names pops into my head: DAIRS – Douglas, Augustine, Illiamna, Redoubt, and Spur. The sky is crystal clear, and they are spectacular. Along the road, we see an abundance of moose, some with a calf or two. Eagles perch in the trees and soar overhead. A black bear munches on dandelions on the side of the road.
As we pull into Homer, that breathtaking view of the Homer Spit and Kachemak Bay unfolds. We head straight to Bishop’s Beach so the dogs can do a run on the beach, and I can feel the sand on my toes. After 3,326 miles, we are home!
