We leave Denali in the rain but as we lose elevation we lose the moisture and it turns into a lovely day. We have no hope of seeing “the great one”. She’s covered in clouds and they look locked into place. There are many mountain viewpoints as we head south. We stop at several and then give it up. It’s enough to know the mountain is there.
Railroad tracks cross the highway at several points and each crossing signal is powered by small solar panels and wind generators. Ingenius!!
A 14 mile side-trip on a spur road brings us to a dead end in the tiny community of Talkeetna. This small place is a blend of tourism and serious business. The two block main street is lined with gift shops, artist’s galleries, and cafes housed in old, restored log and clapboard buildings. We look at earrings made from porcupine quills. Jim asks how the jeweler got them….the answer: “road kill dude.”
This wee village also provides aviation support and serves as a supply base for McKinley climbers. Mr. Stubbs, a yellow tabby cat, was officially elected mayor of Talkeetna by write in ballot. Look for him on the 2012 Republican presidential ticket.
A stop at the Flying Squirrel Bakery adds a loaf of freshly baked multi-grain bread to our trailer pantry.
We pass through Wasilla, a surprisingly modern small town, (Population 7028). We look eagerly for Russia
We take a break from RV lots and pull into Eagle River Campground in Chugach State Park , a few miles north of Anchorage
Wildlife count: 0
Airstreams: 1
Miles: 258
Gratitudes: PKB: river music and baby bok choy JMB: back to nature in a state park
Gin Score: J: 1665 P:1440
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| Talkeetna |
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| Happy Camper |
A city with a cat mayor! I love it. How could you have missed Russia? Why are aren't Alaskans putting their duct tape to better use?
ReplyDeletePS: that happy camper is pretty cute.