1

My wife and I are in Soldotna now and have been in AK since 9/4. We were welcomed by the "strongest winds in 30 years " and weathered them in a tent! Lots of trees fell and power was out for many. The weather 's been far from perfect with lots of rain and wind, but not everywhere all the time. Luckily,we caught three really fine days in Denali while Seward was getting drenched and the resultant flooding. We narrowly avoided flooding around Talkeetna and Eagle River on our way back to ANC, but did get washed out of our tent in ER on the first night of that particular monsoon. While N of ANC was dealing with the deluge, we laid down the plastic and got a room ($65) for five nights and hiked local trails and biked the Coastal Trail (12 miles of great sights and even a bit taxing) .These past two days have been intermittently soggy and I'd love to see a stretch without rain these final two weeks, but it's not been quite so bad as you've read. AK is absolutely gorgeous, the wildlife phenomenal, rather pricey, but a must -see if you love nature.

2

I'm glad that you are still enjoying your trip! Girdwood is somewhat protected from the winds because it is in a valley, and a dense hemlock and spruce forest; however, there is no tent-camping. There is the Alyeska Hostel, which does have a private room for couples. There are many trails and lots of wildlife, including moose and bears. There is a long, paved bicycle path from the Alyeska Prince Hotel about 4 miles through the forest and alongside Alyeska Highway. It connects with a bicycle trail along Turnagain Arm for another 10 miles north. There are two bike rental shops in Girdwood.

3

Trekker, Thanks. Girdwood seems more a ski town, hip but not much for camping. Rain will not cease. Here in Seward the camping is great but very wet for cycling tho there are a few good trails. Some roads are washed out owing to the flooding likewise around Kenai. Hasn't affected us radically only altered our schedule. Really beautiful. Rain, rain go away!

4

I was about to suggest Homer, Ninilchik, Skilak Lake, Cooper Landing, Portage Valley, since a mountain range might block the rains. They all have tent-campgrounds on the Kenai Peninsula.

5

On a dry tho not warm day (45) I biked the Coastal Trail again and saw 15 moose! Bulls, females, even a mom with a foal. When in ANC do the Trail.

6

In October and November, it is rutting season and you may see bull moose clashing their antlers fighting over territory and cows. Kincaid Park and Connor's Bog have lots of moose.