One weekend, we decided to tackle the bike path on base connecting Elmendorf to Fort Rich on Grady Highway, with the goal of getting the kids some outdoor play time at Cottonwood Park.
The trail picks up right across from the Shopette/Gas Station, by the Fam Camp, and towards the other side of base. This trail, to date, is still unfinished. There are large swaths of it right after you pass the Fam Camp still in the works...as in trees have just been cut down and all the resulting debris and mud strewn all over the place. At this point, we moved to the shoulder of the highway, which didn't last long for me and Sophie because the cars whizzing precariously close at 45mph was too much for me. Little girl and I went down into the dirt and walked our bikes until we met up with the other three where the trail becomes manageable again.
There is a little footbridge crossing Ship Creek. Here is Sophie excitedly telling me to look at what she spotted at the creek bed.
The playground at the park is HUMONGOUS. The girls ran back and forth between playground sets and forts, whooping and hollering the entire way.
The girls had a great time burning off their limitless energy while the hubby and Dylan played a game of one-on-one.
Roundtrip about 4 miles. One little note about this trail....take the bear bells and the bear spray. This area is full of moose and bears. We spotted a moose munching on some lunch a good 20 feet or so from our trail. Make sure the children know what to do in case of a charging moose (you can't out-bicycle one...best bet is to abandon the bike and get behind a tree) or an angry bear (can't out-bicycle them either...best bet is stay calm and use the spray).
I love that even when you want to stay close to home, there are plenty of true outdoor activities available on post. Love this place!
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