Old Kenai

Our RV park is right on the bluff overlooking the ocean, which in and of itself is awesome.  We can sit in the RV and watch the seals dive up and down, the birds dive into the water, and the tide come in and out.  It is also located right next to Old Kenai.

Now Old Kenai is really not old, even compared to other areas of the US.  Most of the houses date from the early 20th century, because prior to that, the native people lived here, and they did not build buildings.  Each of the houses in Old Kenai was a hand-hewn log cabin.  The logs fit tightly together - at least generally - and where there were holes, they chinked with moss.  Each of the corners came together perfectly dove-tailed, rather than sticking out like cabins in our area.  Here is a picture of how the corners come together.  This house has been caulked, but we thought it showed the dove-tailing much better.

The docent at the Cabin Park greeted us as we entered and explained the different parts of the park to us.  As we talked, we realized that she worked with Don's cousin who used to live here. Small world again!

On our way to the park, we passed around this lovely home.  It, too, is built of hand-hewn logs and is historic, but it has been well preserved.  I could live there!

The Russian influence in Kenai is obvious, and they celebrate it.  The little Russian Orthodox Church, sky blue and white, interested us greatly.  It will not hold many people, and those that do attend stand during the worship.  Hard core!  It is painted sky blue and white because those are the colors of the Madonna.  And the chandelier on the ceiling dwarfed the rest of the building.  It came from another church that burned down . . . a much bigger church.  Light came from candles, so they only use it on very special days, but it was an interesting piece.

During the walking tour, we stopped at Veronica's Coffee House for berry cobbler and chai tea lattes.

I have to admit, their chai teas were pretty darned good!  The Old Kenai walking tour is a lovely way to spend several hours in Kenai.