With a couple days off, Derek had arranged for us to take an overnight trip to Cooper Landing. He booked a night at the Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge. This was a kind thing to do, because it’s not easy for me to get out on days off. It was nice to have plans.

The drive was stunning. Alaska never disappoints with scenery.

The lodge was beautiful. It felt rustic without feeling like camping. Something neither of us like to do.

When we were checking in, I noticed a tiny terrier dog walking around. I tried to pet him, but he was on a mission. It turns out he lives here with his Momma. One of the workers rounded him up and brought him over to me. I thought this was very kind. I felt like the employee knew I needed the therapy of petting a cute dog. He I petted the dog a bit as the employee and I chatted. The dog’s name was Oliver.

Our cabin room had a nice front porch and a back porch complete with rocking chairs, looking out into the forest. There also was a wood burning stove with wood provided for free. It wasn’t cold so we didn’t use it.

After settling in, we walked down to the river. The river is a gorgeous hue of turquoise that makes one think they’re on the Bahamas or other tropical paradise. The trail was a steep hill, but at the bottom, you could call to arrange a ride back up.

We saw numerous berries too. I had intended to get into berry picking because there are so many varieties here. However, on a page I followed, someone posted a picture of a berry that had worms. This is common in high bush cranberries, according to this site. And I am no longer interested in berry picking. lol.

We walked back up the hill and went to eat dinner at Two Brother’s Roadhouse. The food was delicious! I have to say that when in Alaska, one has to get used to pretty basic restaurant interiors. There isn’t alot of ambience. This was the case here.

Afterward we went to Cooper Landing Brewery for an adult beverage. While this was a nice building, it lacked in customer service. Which is something else you have to get used to in Alaska. It’s very much a take-it-or-leave-it mentality. The bartender that took our order was the only bartender. He was not busy at all. Yet he never said one word to us. We ordered. Paid. Then I noticed that our cider and beer were ready. Nothing was ever said. I’m not a fan of that. It doesn’t make one want to go back.

We then went back to the lodge and tried a drink in the company owned bar. Again, the same treatment. So we drank our drinks and went back to our room.

Since we don’t have cable, we took the time to enjoy the channels and watched some TV.

The next morning we enjoyed breakfast at the lodge before heading back to Anchorage.

Here are a few photos to enjoy.