Monday, June 24, 2018
After a much-needed sleep-in (alarm set for a luxuriously late 8:00 a.m.!), and a quick breakfast, we were ready to embark on another Alaskan adventure. Before we could even back out of the driveway, however, we were greeted by our ever-curious friends, Curt and Renee. They’re always eager to hear the tales of our travels, and we happily obliged, recounting yesterday’s happenings and teasing what today had in store: a southward journey to the legendary Kenai Peninsula.
The promise of a 62º sunny day fueled our excitement as we set off. The Kenai Peninsula is a veritable playground for outdoor enthusiasts, boasting world-class fishing, exhilarating river rafting, abundant wildlife viewing, and countless photographic opportunities. Unfortunately, a slight delay in our morning routine meant we had to bypass some tempting photo stops along the way, promising ourselves we'd try to grab a few on the return trip.
Our destination for lunch was the magnificent Kenai Princess Lodge (KPL), where we were meeting our friend Brian LeRoy. Brian had recently transitioned from his role in Denali to become the head of maintenance at this crown jewel of Alaskan Lodges. Described by Princess as “perched on a ridge above the dazzling Kenai River,” KPL offers stunning views of the turquoise waters and surrounding mountains. The bungalow-style rooms, complete with wood-burning stoves (firewood included!) and private porches, promised a serene wilderness experience – a definite upgrade for Brian!
We were treated to an unforgettable lunch on the lodge's picturesque deck, overlooking the Kenai River and the majestic Alaskan mountains. It was wonderful to reconnect with Brian, whose enthusiasm for his new job was palpable. The bungalows looked so inviting; we vowed to book a stay in one of them sometime soon.
Brian explained KPL was originally built as a church camp in 1980s. Princess purchased it and there are now 50+ acres, 86 rooms all with fireplaces, 4 full time employees and 6 seasonal employees. This lodge stays open later for fishing charters. In the winter they get 15-18 feet of snow!
The food was simply divine! Brian started us off with an amazing salmon spread appetizer that was to die for. I opted for the Alaskan cod fish & chips, while Terry indulged in the Alaskan halibut tacos. Both dishes were absolutely sensational. As we savored the delicious meal, Brian shared insights into his new role, mentioning that there were even several geocaches hidden on the KPL property. Never one to resist a treasure hunt, Terry immediately volunteered to locate them all. What a delightful bonus! Brian then gave us a brief tour of the grounds, allowing us to capture a few photos of the stunning setting.
With lunch finished and adventures beckoning, Brian had to return to his duties. We continued our southward journey along the Sterling Highway, heading towards Soldotna, already dreaming of the wonders the Kenai Peninsula still held in store.
The drive to Whistle Hill was a feast for the eyes – sunshine dappling through the trees, majestic mountains rising in the distance, and wildflowers painting the landscape in vibrant hues. Arriving just after 2:30 p.m., we were greeted by Mary Krull, the undeniable heart and soul of Whistle Hill. Mary is a true force of nature, a whirlwind of energy with a constant stream of innovative ideas and projects bubbling to the surface. After catching up and receiving the latest Whistle Hill update, it was clear that things were as dynamic and captivating as ever.
Mary said she has now bought seven properties for a total of 10 acres and has 50 employees. Her family is deeply involved in the Whistle Hill vision. Her daughter, Elan, has taken the reins of Brew@602, Whistle Hill's unique train-themed espresso and waffles café. Meanwhile, her son, Anton, runs Peninsula Solar, a company that, with the help of federal funding, has spearheaded the transition of Whistle Hill to solar power. This forward-thinking initiative not only makes Whistle Hill more sustainable but also allows them to store excess energy in batteries and even sell surplus power back to the grid.
But the energy efficiency is just the beginning. Mary's passion for trains is evident in every corner of Whistle Hill. She's expanding her collection, recently acquiring a boxcar slated for a stunning transformation into a luxury guest suite, complete with a vintage claw foot tub. [4/6/25 update from Mary Krol: "Old insulation was removed and the wood interior was salvaged and will be reinstalled after plumbing and electrical are complete. Framing is done and windows have been cut out."]
Fresh 360, Whistle Hill's innovative hydroponic farming operation, is expanding with two new containers, one dedicated solely to mushroom cultivation. And even the Tesla charging station has been upgraded to the "First-In Alaska Tesla Supercharger."
As if all that weren't enough, Mary has also purchased the Kitchen car from the Harbor Train Station in Seward, envisioning it as a potential speakeasy. This addition brings the Whistle Hill rolling stock inventory to a truly impressive list: Gallery car #602, Addie Camp, F7 #1514, RDC #701, boxcar #10635, and now, the fall 2025 arrival caboose #1084 (more in a minute).
With Mary off on errands, we explored Brew@602, soaking in the unique train atmosphere.
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| This is a MUST when you visit Soldotna! A very cute shop with warm and friendly employees. | Of course, I am a big sucker for Alaska Railroad artwork. |
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| The Alaska railroad dining car had upper and lower level for seating. Yup, I wanted to be on top. | I am not a coffee drinker, but Terry loves it. What I think is super cool is the Latte art. |
Afterwards, we embarked on a walking tour of the grounds, cameras in hand, capturing the charm and quirky beauty of Whistle Hill.
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| The gallery car 602, known as Brew@602, is next to a depot serving as a gift shop and art gallery. Frames and Things provides custom conservation framing as well as celebrating Alaskan artists and craftsmanship with unique, locally made gifts, jewelry, and art that tell the story of the Last Frontier. | Brew@602 offers coffee from SteamDot, a local craft coffee roaster as well as Belgian waffles. "With a variety of sweet and savory options, all the stuffings or toppings are either cooked on top or inside the batter so they can be eaten with your hands, kind of like a donut. Made from scratch and fresh to order, they are the perfect addition to a cup of coffee or hot chocolate." | "Unique, fresh, local food is served from the kitchen in the attached building. The building also features a full bar and craft cocktails, and a 2nd story dining space that looks directly to the Kenai Mountains. An outdoor patio and 2nd story deck allows patrons to enjoy the offerings outside on those lovely summer days." |
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| Addie Camp, whose name comes from the old Addie Mine in Hill City, South Dakota, is truly a vintage rail car. Built in 1913, Addie is 111 years old and retains much or her original condition. | EMD FP7A #1514 was built in 1953 (b/n 19066). The Alaska Railroad acquired it new in 1953 and retired it in 1983. After an unsuccessful stint at Kim's Forest Bed and Breakfast, the Krulls acquired it in February 2018. It is the the last FP7 built by EMD (December 1953). | Dan Coe created beautiful artwork depicting three of 1514's distinctive liveries throughout it's service. |
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| "Fresh365 produces a variety of greens, lettuces and herbs. Our varietals includes gourmet lettuce (Salanova, romaine, red leaf), greens (kale, arugula, and chard), herbs (genovese basil, thai basil, chives, mint, dill, cilantro, thyme, parsley, rosemary, sage, tarragon), microgreens, and gourmet mushrooms (blue, golden, and snow oyster, chestnut, lions mane, and plopping)." | This boxcar will be transformed into a luxury guest suite, complete with a vintage claw foot tub. | Tesla Charging Stations - "Two 50A pay-per-use Level II chargers are located on the backside of the depot (Frame’s ‘N Things). Four V3 Supercharger stalls capable of up to 250kW charging rates are located in the parking lot behind Addie Camp." |
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| Peninsula Solar began in 2021 by Henry and Anton Krull, as a father-son team. They formed Peninsula Solar in order to organize efforts to provide renewable energy systems to homes and businesses, including a very lofty project for our Whistle Hill development. | Here is the initial solar field powering part of Whistle Hill. | "In early 2023, we worked feverishly on design for “Electrify Whistle Hill, Phase 2”, a 200kW expansion, adding 375 more solar panels, and an additional 450 kWh of battery storage and backup that, when completed in summer 2024 will meet ALL of the electricity needs for ALL of the Whistle Hill businesses." |
Suddenly, a vehicle unlike any other pulled into the parking lot. Heads turned as a Tesla Cybertruck, looking like something straight out of a sci-fi film, parked before us. Henry Krull emerged, instantly becoming a local celebrity as a curious crowd gathered, pelting him with questions about the futuristic vehicle.
After a brief chat and confirming our dinner plans with Henry and Mary, we ventured into town for a bit of geocaching. Returning to Whistle Hill, we met Henry and Mary at Addie Camp for a delightful dinner. I opted for the Brakeman’s Burger, a delicious elk burger with fries, while Terry savored the Maple Mustard Chicken Salad. The grilled chicken was perfectly cooked and perched atop a bed of fresh greens from their hydroponic garden. Henry and Mary's daughter Alyeska is the front-house-manager at Addie Camp, and responsible for the cocktail program along with her husband, Braeden, who is our Whistle Hill Operations Manager.
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| Terry and I having dinner with Henry and Mary Krull. | Addie Camp menu cover | The history of Addie Camp |
During dinner, I mentioned to Mary that caboose 1084 had been sitting idle in the Anchorage yard for years. I suggested contacting ARRC CEO Bill O'Leary. Mary's excitement was palpable. Fast forward a month, and Mary reported incredible news: "Bill O'Leary and his family dined with us a couple of weeks ago. I mentioned caboose 1084, and that it had been sitting in their yard for years. He said he would look into it. Well, he did! The forest service is no longer interested in it, so once they formally release it back to ARR, it will be available! Unfortunately, Rob Walker wants to put it in a surplus sale, which means it will probably go out in a sealed-bid auction." Despite the hurdle, Mary remained hopeful. And, ultimately, her dream came true. Several months later, she secured the winning bid for caboose 1084!
After dinner, I had the opportunity to experience the Tesla Cybertruck firsthand. Henry took me for a spin, explaining the unique features of the vehicle. The stainless steel body proved remarkably resilient, flexing and snapping back into shape after a punch test. The doors opened with a simple touch of a button, or through a smartphone app. The massive "Armor Glass" windshield provided a panoramic view and exceptional noise reduction. Inside, the 18.5-inch touchscreen controlled everything from mirrors to vehicle height.
Henry then floored the accelerator, launching us from 0 to 60 mph in a breathtaking 4 seconds. He even demonstrated the advanced driver-assistance technology, briefly taking his hands off the wheel while the car flawlessly tracked the road. Henry waited four and a half years for his fully-loaded Cybertruck, one of only four in Alaska. With its 121 cubic feet of trunk space and 11,000-pound towing capacity, it's a true powerhouse.
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| Although many of my friends don't like the appearance of the Tesla Cybertruck, I think it is fantastic. Jim Carroll, the former Chairman of BBH London, said that aerodynamic testing has made all cars look alike. He would love this one! Very unique indeed. | My beautiful wife Terry posing with Henry's Tesla Cybertruck. | Henry said, "Let's go for a ride." Well, heck yes! |
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| From Wikipedia, "Introduced as a concept vehicle in November 2019, its body design is reminiscent of low-polygon modeling, consisting of flat stainless steel sheet panels." | The cargo bed features a Tonneau cover, LED light bars, power outlets, two L-tracks with standard fittings, anchored tie-downs and an under bed compartment. | The Tesla Cybertruck has a stainless steel exterior made of flat panels, a unibody chassis, and is designed to be resistant to dents and dings. |
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| The interior was spacious and airy while the seats were super comfortable and have heating and cooling ventilation. | This massive 18.5-inch touchscreen is the jaw dropping feature of the Cybertruck's interior. It serves as the display for the speedometer, driver assistance systems, infotainment, navigation, back up camera and more. | Here is the Cybertruck windshield in all its massive glory. It gives an incredible commanding view and the tinting blocks heat and glare. It lamented properties deadens road noise. |
While I was captivated by the Cybertruck, Terry received a tour of RDC #701 from Mary. Currently undergoing refurbishment, #701 is destined to become "Ms. Elsie’s Vintage Boutique", the brainchild of Elan, featuring vintage merchandise along with a small selection of new apparel, gifts, and perfume.. Mary had even installed 50 feet of track purchased from Jeff Casey in Fairbanks in preparation for its arrival. The renovation of #701 includes removing the old seats, shelves, refrigerator, and stove, as well as installing a new HVAC system and an exterior lift. A team of 12 employees will even work to polish the exterior to its former glory in exchange for food, lodging and fishing trips. This work may begin in September. [4/6/25 update from Mary Krull: "701 is gutted and we are in the process of installing a HVAC system for heating and cooling. The original lighting has been restored, and we are waiting for the entry stairs to be fabricated."]
From retired ARRC employee Edmund Ausman, "If you look real close, the Grey Antenna Cover, on top, underneath, has the prototype series one of the Alaska Railroad move to P.T.C. The RDC Cars posed quite a challenge for us. The stainless steel roof was quite difficult to drill thru. We wore out two Greenlee Step-Bits just drilling a hole to pass 3 cables thru. I worked with Mark A Mastre, in the ARR Telecom Shop when we did two of the ARR RDC Cars. #701 and #702. I think, we may have also worked on the #711 and #712. I know the ARRC kept one RDC which went to the Company Work Train Section. They took the motor out and just used it for a Crew car."
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“We just have an affinity for train cars. We are saving a piece of history.” - Mary Krol "RDC 701 is supposed to be delivered next month! The foundation is complete, and I’m waiting to hear back from Jeff Casey about tracks for it. Hopefully he will be able to salvage the 2 motors underneath it since we don’t need them and they add too much weight for transport. No plans yet about what we will do with her!" - Email I received from Mary on 9/12/22 |
"The Last Budd Can. 701 is an RDC-3 and was acquired by the Alaska Railroad in 1985 and was retired from passenger service late 2008. From 2009 to 2015 it was used as a caboose/crew car for MOW use and for a time could be seen on the end of a work train...Today the 701 stands in the Seward yard and word is it was bought by an American company in Brazil." - Dave Blazejewski Well Brazil reneged and Mary snagged her up! |
"Numbers 701 and 702 were rebuilt along the lines of the BCR units. They have 300hp Cummins, 6cyl.and Voith transmissions. They were built as RDC4 converted to RDC2 by NH&H then reconverted from RDC2s and have larger baggage areas than the RDC3 711 and 712." - Frank Dewey, ARRC Locomotive Engineer |
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| Terry was kind enough to hop into 701 and take plenty of photos for me. It shows the current efforts to strip the interior in preparation for the boutique. | Baggage area | The bathroom will become a changing room. |
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| Anyone interested in acquiring some walk over seats? | The City of Soldotna was difficult to work with so Mary hired an architect to overcome all issues. | In 2009 RDC #701was modified so it could be drug around with the work trains unpowered as shoving platforms and tool sheds and warm up areas for the guys on the gangs. |
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| Does Mary Krull hustle? When she comes home and takes off her shoes, they run another mile without her. | "They went right into flag stop service and passenger service to Whittier because they were self contained. No power cart needed and they could stand alone. They became control cabs the last few years on the push pull passenger trains." - Patrick Durand | "My understanding is that the first two RDC's were purchased to replace the locomotive and cars used on the winter Anchorage-Fairbanks run. The first (701) started 1-18-1986 running north on Saturdays, south on Sundays, plus one round trip on weekdays twice a month during the winter. It was called "Rail Diesel Car Service, Dayliner". During the Summer, one was to be used for local service, two round trips a week Anchorage-Denali Park. The second would be used Anchorage-Seward round trip on Summer Saturdays." - Don Marenzi |
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| Mary spoke with a gentleman who said his employees could polish #701 to its original mirror finish. Before agreeing to the deal, Mary want a demonstration of his skills. Terry used her iPhone to catch her reflection in the section polished by the worker. It looked amazing! | RDC-3 Budd was built in 1953 for the New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad as #126 and has revenue seating of 56. The Alaska Railroad acquired it in 1986 and then rebuilt it in 2001 The Alaska Railroad retired it in October 2008. | On June 29, 2000, during my very first Alaska Railroad railfan trip, Randy Thompson and I took RDC #701 from Talkeetna to Hurricane Gulch and back. This trip was absolutely magical for me and I won't forget it for as long as I live. See also Budds on a Bridge. |
Whistle Hill is more than just a destination; it's an experience. It's a testament to the vision, energy, and passion of Mary Krull and her family. From its sustainable energy initiatives to its unique collection of railcars, and now, the futuristic Tesla Cybertruck, Whistle Hill is constantly evolving, offering visitors a glimpse into the past, present, and future, all rolled into one unforgettable package. It's a place where dreams take shape, innovation thrives, and the spirit of Alaska is alive and well.
The call of Anchorage beckoned us north and we were eager to explore the vast and stunning Kenai landscape. However, about 20 miles north of Soldotna, a little orange light on the dashboard threatened to derail our plans: the dreaded gas light.
Now, we were in a particularly scenic stretch of road, the kind that makes you want to stop every five minutes to snap a photo. But, being unfamiliar with the area and uncertain of the availability of gas stations further along, we opted for caution. We made the call to turn back.
It felt like a small defeat, retracing our steps, but safety first. We drove the 11 miles back to Sterling, filled the tank to the brim, and breathed a collective sigh of relief.
The funny thing is, as we continued our journey north, we did eventually spot a gas station, a mere 25 miles beyond the point where our fuel light had illuminated. We could have made it! But looking back, we both agreed that turning around was the right decision. The thought of pushing our luck, driving with dwindling fuel reserves through an unknown area, wasn't appealing. It would have been a nerve-wracking experience, undoubtedly detracting from the beauty surrounding us.
With our fuel gauge safely in the green, we continued our drive, basking in the breathtaking scenery. Even though it was getting late, the Alaskan daylight held firm, painting the landscape in hues of gold and purple. We've quickly grown accustomed to these incredibly long summer days. It’s still a novel experience to be pulling into a driveway at 11:30 p.m. under a sky that's still bathed in light.
Finally, we arrived back at Curt & Renee's, our home base, tired but happy. Another full, rich day in Alaska had come to a close. Tomorrow, we'd be ready for whatever adventure awaited, our tank full and our spirits high.