Kenai & our Tour Farewell

Kenai & our Tour Farewell

This is our last stop with the Alaska RV Tour and caravan.

It has exceeded expectations, and combined with the uniqueness and beauty of Alaska, left us with lasting memories.

 

 Once all the rigs were settled in the park, we walked a couple of blocks to visit one of the oldest Greek Orthodox churches here in Alaska. We were to be met by and guided by Father Thomas, the current parish priest. Instead we were greeted by a lovely, long time volunteer, who was visibly upset. She explained that just two hours before, Father Thomas had received word that his son had been killed in a plane crash.

Our guide rose to the occasion, in fact I believe it helped to take her mind off the tragedy, even if for a short while.

Cultural custom dictates that the area behind the ropes is only accessible to the male congregation, and the altar behind the center doors is only accessible to the priests.

The congregation generally stands, but there are a couple of benches for those not able to stand.

This magnificent chandelier was ordered from Russia when the church was built in 1894. Back then, one did not order by specific size, but accepted what was shipped. This one is larger than most other Orthodox churches, and at a weight of 2000 pounds plus, is not in keeping with the scale of this small church.

This delightful church is a National Historic Landmark.

 

Our Pot Luck Farewell, Awards & Entertainment

Tour Co-ordinator Spike presents Linda (Wyoming) with a gold nugget for first prize for the Alaska quiz.

 

 Carline (Louisiana/Minnesota) receives the "Roadkill Award".

 

 Stories & tales with Derek (New Hampshire) & Ed (New York).

 A little, or a lot of wine is just fine.

 Chris & Larry (Hawaii) entertain us.

 Our faithful Tail Gunners, Harold & Gail (Michigan).

 Our friend, deaf/DEF Dick. Dick purchased a 2017 Palazzo coach, to ensure a trouble free trip.....or so he thought! He had daily DEF faults and codes and all kinds of trouble. Roger, our mechanic was his salvation, and kept him going for the trip.

 Dear John (Texas) what a prince of a guy. He was kind, humorous and most entertaining. Cheers to our fellow Texan.

 Spike, Tour Co-ordinator and Roger, mechanic & genius, enjoying the final evening.

 Lots of laughs. Charleen (Florida) & Cathy (New York).

Roger! What would we do without your smile, laughter, good humor, and mechanical skills?

Thank you. 

 Carlene (Louisiana/Minnesota) & Tike (Louisiana & Spain) entertain Mardi Gras style.

 Our Tour musicians - Steve & Darlene (Nebraska).

 Gerrie, (New Hampshire).

 An enthralled audience.

Sunset in Kenai. 

 Sunset & a fitting farewell for Alaska RV Tour #2.

 

 Safe travels everyone, wherever you may roam.

Thank you ALASKAN DISCOVERY TOURS  www.rvalaska.net

We are adventurers at heart and quite capable of planning and executing a successful trip to Alaska on our own, but  elected to take this tour based on the glowing recommendation from one of the members at our Sun City RV Club.

Spike, our tour co-ordinator and owner of ALASKAN DISCOVERY TOURS  is an Alaskan resident, who has organized these caravans for almost 20 years. He is an avid historian, nature lover and collector of facts. Each rig is issued with a hand held VHF radio and Spike narrates as you travel.

 While we visited many of the same places as every other tourist, it was the interesting, very unique and special people that we met along the way that made the difference.

Looking back, we realise that had we made this trip alone, we would never have done or experienced many of the unique things that were part of this tour. Alan is very technical and mechanically astute, but is was reassuring to have Roger, our smiling, happy and accommodating mechanic with us. His services were invaluable to many.

And so ends another of life's chapters.

We are homeward bound tomorrow.