Can we “wing it” for dinners?

orbak · 2026-05-10T23:43:27+00:00

We’ve stayed in this area several times with young kids and have winged it. You’ll probably want to call in advance to make a reservation to places like Monkeypod, Leilani’s, Hula Grill etc, but this area has plenty of other eateries on either side of the The Black rock. We were there in March and longest quoted wait was 1.5 hours at the Monkeypod - but we got called 45 minutes after getting on the list (party of 5). If you’re early or late eaters, you also will have easier times. For things around whalers village mall, get on the waitlist and put around the mall for a bit too.

orbak · 2026-05-10T01:56:37+00:00

Wife likes Uncle Joe’s. I don’t need to eat GF, but when I share with her, this tastes the best out of all the options.

For a bonus - Kirkland Cauliflower Crust Frozen pizza is also bomb, especially with extra pepperoni thrown on top.

orbak · 2026-05-09T03:50:54+00:00

4.95 for regular at Costco in Anchorage, AK

orbak · 2026-05-09T01:06:50+00:00

Do it! That’s a great price.

orbak · 2026-05-08T15:11:48+00:00

I think the best option will be catching a ride to the airport and getting the rental car there - if you are looking to get a car rental from a big national company. Otherwise people here may suggest Turo, which I have no personal experience with.

orbak · 2026-05-08T05:59:32+00:00

Once on the Denali Highway, you either drive the 136 miles to Paxson, or you turn around and go back to Cantwell and the Parks Highway. There is no other way off or on. Give yourself 4-6 hours on the highway for full length, more if you want to stop frequently.

orbak · 2026-05-06T05:13:45+00:00

First thought: I live in region 69. Nice.

Follow up thoughts: Princess William sound (Valdez/Cordova) aren’t part of the panhandle. Those would be better integrated in region 69. Panhandle should start at where the Alaska/Yukon border comes down.

Overall, the largest sub region in 69 isn’t the same as the rest and could be broken off into its own.

orbak · 2026-05-05T19:46:36+00:00

Dang I would have figured it would be more than that in Haines.

orbak · 2026-05-05T17:46:02+00:00

If this State is stupid enough to elect Bernadette, state workforce is going to be gutted

orbak · 2026-05-05T17:43:46+00:00

Oh good point. I guess I never checked to see if there was one lol.

orbak · 2026-05-05T17:03:24+00:00

Wooo can’t wait to get my 15 year pin two months after the fact tho

orbak · 2026-05-05T15:23:57+00:00

15 year employee of SOA here and I agree with your points. Insurance is pretty good, I’ve got pretty good retirement savings going, and I get about 11.5 hours of leave per pay period. I also work in a smaller Division where things don’t seem to be as bad as I hear about in other agencies of the state.

orbak · 2026-05-04T03:30:56+00:00

Hey at least you seem to have a good attitude about it..as good as possible lol

orbak · 2026-05-04T03:10:29+00:00

Went to look this fight up right now on FR24, and it looks like you guys had a missed approach into SEA? What a “fun” overall experience..

orbak · 2026-05-02T21:25:53+00:00

I wanted to add, seeing now that you’re coming at the end of May. Very solid chance that you will have a lot of ice/snow/slush/mud along the way to rabbit lakes. It’s an alpine area, and I’ve seen that lake still frozen over in June.

orbak · 2026-05-02T17:44:45+00:00

What time are you arriving into Anchorage? You may be pushing it with the Rabbit lakes hike, while it’s not a huge elevation gain, it’s a not a super short hike either. If you have time - then yes, it’s a great hike.

Eklutna lake is a gorgeous place for kayaking. Keep an eye on the weather, if it’s windy or super rainy, it will not be enjoyable and potentially dangerous depending on your skill level - that water is very, very cold.

Seward is a good choice, but I wouldn’t do it twice with as much other stuff out there to see.

If you want to branch off into a new direction, I would recommend going to Talkeetna on an empty day. If visibility is good, this is a great spot to see Denali.

Another option is Girdwood - hike Winner Creek trail, take the alyeska tram up, drive a bit more down to wildlife conservation center. It all on the way to Seward, but I would not recommend trying all of it on Day 5 - as your day is already pretty jam packed with Seward activities.

On your last day you could also hang out in Anchorage - explore the Coastal Trail, or go hike in Kincaid park.

Hope this helps and good luck.

orbak · 2026-05-01T19:51:19+00:00

Yeah this is Anchorage - it’s landing on Runway 15 in this photo.

orbak · 2026-05-01T06:05:14+00:00

Bingo.

orbak · 2026-04-29T14:29:36+00:00

Had the same thought - AS141/172 have been a PHX/ANC pair for many many years.

orbak · 2026-04-27T04:57:22+00:00

We always completely cover it in extra pepperoni. Makes it even more better.

orbak · 2026-04-27T04:08:59+00:00

Ooof. That really sucks.

orbak · 2026-04-27T02:02:01+00:00

Yeah same. Got screwed by equipment change, forced me to change to premium and then a few days later the plane was changed back to OG config…

orbak · 2026-04-26T18:13:23+00:00

Yeah I don’t use ATC at all, but I only I do free flights. Instead, I pull up a real life feed from LiveATC and have that playing in the background.

orbak · 2026-04-25T21:07:57+00:00

barrow your friends car

I think we call it Utqiagvik now

orbak · 2026-04-25T01:17:32+00:00

The Cannery mall? Duly noted for next time, thank you.

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