Wednesday, June 20, 2018
I have reached the point in my life where a good night's sleep sets my energy level for the day. Feeling wonderfully refreshed after a deep slumber at the Rudd guest accommodations it gave me the real shot in the arm I needed. After a nice hot shower and quick breakfast we visited with Curt and Renee Rudd before heading south to Soldotna.
Every now and then I am blessed with an incredible weather day. Blue skies, puffy white clouds and brilliant sunlight always make for some fabulous photos. On a scale of 1 to 10 today was definitely off the scale!
The drive along Turnagain Arm was absolutely stunning, but we needed to keep moving for our appointment in Soldota. Getting into position for the southbound Glacier Discovery at Bird can be pretty tricky. Terry took the easy route while I fought with the more challenging path. As is usual, her photo turned out much better than mine. While scampering back to or car I heard the friendly honk of a car. I didn't know until much later it was railfan Steve Katkus driving a black limo.
Extraordinary. No other word can adequately describe the scenery along the Sterling Highway. Mountains, sparkling lakes, glacier-fed streams, and wild flowers were everywhere. The song "Roundabout" played on the radio and I was bemused by the coincidence of the lyrics, "In and around the lake, mountains come out of the sky and they stand there". The views were so striking I just had to stop and stare. Several times I sent text messages to Mary Krull asking her permission to blow past our appoint time. She was very understanding and told me to, "Enjoy!"
We stopped for an easy geocache at the "Welcome to Kenai" sign, crept slowly though the flooded roads at Gwins Lodge and got an ice cream cone at the Northern Lights Delights.
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Whistle Hill is a train lover's empire. The immenseness of it, the sights, the sounds and the smells, is absolutely magical. The only way to really appreciate Whistle Hill is to visit.
Mary Krull and her family had been bewitched by trains for years - toy trains, model railroading and eventually her son having hands-on experience with a steam locomotive. Her dream of starting a business melded with her love of the bygone era of trains which in turn lead to a small town mecca. I'd been corresponding with Mary for well over a year and was looking forward to immersing myself into her vision.
Mary was a charming host and her excitement was contagious. She'd acquired gallery coach 602, moved it to her business at "Whistle Hill", welded it to tracks and gave it a fresh coat of paint. With an eye to preserving history Mary refurbished the interior, even keeping the orginal seats, while conforming to various building codes. All of this was challenging to say the least, but Mary's enormous resolve kept the project moving forward. Finally, she gave life to #602 by partnering with SteamDot Coffee Roasters (whose origin began in Anchorage’s historic rail yards, where they fired up their first roaster in a red shed across the street from the tracks) and thus brew@602 was born. Ah, but that wasn't enough. How about serving unique waffles and hand-dipped ice cream as well! The business is environmentally friending by using all compostible paper products.
It was so cool sitting in the gallery flippable seats, Terry sipping her Midnight Sun while I enjoyed an Italian Soda Float with mango sorbet. I didn't stay seated for long as I enjoyed strolling upstairs, as well as viewing all the framed Alaska Railroad posters, custom artwork and historical displays. I proudly got my photo taken along side the historical display I helped Mary create.
Ah, but that wasn't enough. Mary attached a replica of a depot to #602 Inside the depot is Frames and Things which is the Kenai Peninsula’s largest picture framing store. They also feature Alaskan artwork, puzzles, gifts and intrigingly enough Glass Float (found on Alaskan beaches).
Ah, but that wasn't enough. Mary wanted more. So she crafted the Addie Camp Dining Car eatery and wine bar. This two phase project began with the purchase of a 1913 railcar Addie Camp. After shipping it from the Black Hills Central Railroad, Mary began the section phase of the project. She had an attached kitchen and bar with second floor seating constructed. While Terry and I were there the project was well underway and commencement of Addie Camp refurbishment was close at hand.
Ah, but that wasn't enough. Mary obtained the last remaining F7A in Alaska and placed it beside the restaurant with the intention of adding pavillion seating. Her husband Henry jumped into the foray by adding on Fresh365 (FB page), a hydroponic farm providing a year round source of fresh romaine lettuce, premium leaf lettuce, kale, spinach, basil, mint, dill, chive and cilantro and thyme for the restaurant and surrounding community.
Other references:
- Soldotna area woman plans to open businesses in railroad cars
- Upcoming Soldotna restaurant chooses ‘Alaska from Scratch’ author as new chef
- Alaska woman to transform railroad cars to businesses
- Whistle Hill (1, 2, 3)
- Fresh365: Fresh lettuce, fresh ideas
- Whistle Hill: The Making Of
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Henry and Mary are ever the accomodating hosts. After our tour they invited us to their Kenai riverside home to spend the night. When we first pulled into the driveway the first words out of our mouths were, "Wow!' Upon entry I got the feeling of a rustic yet very modern home. I could go on and on about the splendor, but the best way to emerse yourself is through this extensive article. After a wonderful dinner of lasagna Mary showed us to our luxiorous private bedroom in the basement. I fell asleep with that feeling you get from warm Alaskan hospitality.