Day 95--July 31, 2013

          Today we drove about 40 miles to the City of Kenai.  (Pronounced key-nigh)

          When Russian fur traders first arrived in 1741, about 1,000 Dena'ina lived in the village. The traders called the people "Kenaitze", which is a Russian term for "people of the flats". This name was later adopted when they were incorporated as the Kenaitze Indian Tribe in the early 1970s.

Timeline of important events for the City of Kenai:

          1791--a Russian trading post, Ft. St. Nicholas, was constructed in the middle of the village for the purposes of fur and fish trading. It was the second permanent Russian settlement in Alaska.

          1797--the Dena'ina attacked Fort St. Nicholas, later dubbed the battle of Kenai. Over one hundred deaths occurred from all involved parties.

1838--the introduction of smallpox killed one half of the Dena'ina population.

1869--United States Army established a post called Fort Kenay. It was soon abandoned.  Parts of it are still standing today.

1888--a prospector named Alexander King discovered gold on the Kenai Peninsula..

1894--the Holy Assumption of the Virgin Mary Russian Orthodox Church was built in the village. Here’s a picture of it as it stands today.  It is still in use.


Russian Orthodox Church, Kenai, Alaska

1990’s--shipping companies were established, which broadened Kenai into a port city. Canning companies were established and helped fuel the commercial fishing boom that was the primary activity through the 1920s.

1937--construction of the Kenai Airport began.

1940--homesteads were opened in the area.

1953--A military base, Wildwood Army Station (later Wildwood Air Force Station), was established, and served as a major communications post.  Presently it serves as the Wildwood Correction Complex. 

1957--oil was discovered at Swanson River, 20 miles (32 km) northeast of Kenai. This was the first major oil discovery in Alaska.

1992 and again in 201--Kenai was named All-American City of the Year.
 

 

 After we got back to Cooper Landing, Brian and Samantha rafted down the Kenai River.  We have never done that, but we might.  They really enjoyed it.  I'm sure it is special to float in that aqua water and watch for wildlife along the way.

Brian and Samantha geared up for the raft ride

Ready for the adventure

 

Bon Voyage

Chase and Travis waiting on the bank for Mom and Brian to
float by--Cute story.  Samantha had just announced to the people
on the raft that those were her boys.  As they got closer, Travis hollered
"Mama, Chase stepped in dog poop!"  Samantha said, "I'm mistaken, those
aren't by boys."  LOL

This picture was taken from the front of our bus
as Brian and Samantha floated by.  They saw a lot
of eagles, adult and juvenile ones.  The water is
beautiful here.

 

  When they got home, we celebrated Travis' 9th birthday.  The real date is the 5th of August, but we wanted to be part of the celebration here in Alaska.  He was really surprised.

   Tomorrow we move back to our friend's place in Anchorage.  The members of the third installment of the best vacation ever leaves tomorrow night.  The time goes so quickly.  I've enjoyed spending time with Brian, Samantha and the boys.

  BTW, several people have asked why we didn't bring the whole family up here all at one time instead of doing it per family.  There are two reasons for that.  #1--Our adult children run our business.  Brian manages the body shop.  Ryan manages the towing business.  Tiffany manages the office and tries her best to manage the body shop manager and the towing business manager.  :-)  They can't all be gone at the same time.  #2-the best way to sum this up is to tell you to watch the episode of Duck Dynasty where they all go to Hawaii for vacation.  It says it all.  LOL

 

Until next time,

Dolores