Yesterday, after getting set up, we drove the Hatcher Pass which was famous for mining in the 1920s - 1950s, although there are still some smaller operations. The glacier valley is popular for trails/hiking in the summer and snow activities all winter. We spent a few hours at the Independence Mine State Historical Park. This mine was the second richest in Alaska and was know for the silver buildings with red trim. There was a complete city--bunkhouses, an apartment building, school, engineering offices, general store, mill and assay office. There is a 1/2 mile hike up to the rail yard where the ore cars would come out of the mines - it was an area where you could spend all day trying to get images! This one I took from the top of the trail and it shows some of the building along with the deteriorated wooden mining structures.
The second bunkhouse fire escape. This one was about half the size of the other bunkhouse.
When we were in the arctic, we learned about the Palsas--permafrost cases the earth to thaw and freeze then refreeze, which results in "bumpy" soil. It is sponge like and has the definite order of damp dirt. On the pass, since it is a glacier valley a lot of the land had these palsas as evidence below. That is snow on July 1 which hasn't melted. Many locations high and low altitude still have snow.
The Alaska Department of Game and Fish closed the King Salmon season after midnight tonight for this area, so John is going fishing after the Ford dealer changes the oil in his truck. We have fishing carters for the 13th (halibut) and the 16th (salmon) so he's not too concerned about this closure.
Found out the fireworks display starts at 11:59 pm on the 4th. Go figure, these two seniors won't be going to that event!
Wow. Really neat mining towns! OK, so tell me, how many photos have you taken thus far on your trip? You must have a LOT! I know I would being in places like that!
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