It was cool and rainy when we flew into Anchorage, but sunny and warm when we left.  We had two one night stays at the downtown Anchorage Aspen hotel.  It was a nice place to stay -- we enjoyed our meals at the Downtown Deli (the Reindeer stew and Halibut sandwiches where very good), and the Sourdough Mining Company. 

Lot's of interesting shops - purchased an amber bracelet at a Russian gift shop but saved most of my $$ to use later in our trip.  We really enjoyed the Saturday flea market -- couldn't resist the beaver slippers and the native Alaskan decorated Christmas ornaments.