Seward to Palmer, Alaska

On our travels thru Wasilla, and Knik we met and had a great time with Will's niece Vickey and her family.  We didn't have enough time together so we decided to stop back on our way out of Alaska because Vickey wanted to show us the real Alaska.  WELL DID SHE EVER!!   She took us up to Hatcher Pass and Independence Gold Mine in Palmer.  The day was let's say when you just want to stay in bed. She drove her 4 wheel drive (good thing) and took us up. She took us so high that we were in the clouds - you could not see a thing!!  Not only was it cloudy/foggy but the roads (if that's what you want to call them) dirt and gravel -  they were steep, narrow, rutty, switch-backed with potholes and washboards - need I say anymore  - well Will felt right at home since these are the kinds of roads he went on to install microwave on top of mountains!)  Good thing I was in the back seat with a hand grip!  Anyway, here are some pictures of that "adventure"!

                  Can you see how dense the cloud is in the background - well imagine driving in it!!

                                             We thought this might have been a generator??

This is Summit Lake - can you see the cloud just settling in well we turned around for 2 minutes and looked back and you couldn't even see the lake.  

                          You see those little roads down there - well that's where she took us!! By the way Will's in seventh heaven about now.

Then off Vickey goes walking up this huge mountain.  I asked where she was going - she says "I'm going to get you some snow!!

                                                                         And there she is!!

 

          And there it is!   She handed it to Will and you know what he did - gave it to me kind of - ouch!

                         Here Vickey is kind of panning thru dirt (I called it mud) that comes down from the mine.

Here she is picking up this large piece of moss - which she is going to take home and dry out then you burn it and in the ashes you find GOLD!! 

                                 I thought this was a squirrel but I guess it's a woodchuck - isn't he cute!!

These are replica's of the real vegetables that they grow in Palmer.  Vickey said that the pumpkins are the size of a Voltswagon!!  The vegetables grow this big because of the soil and also because of the duration (light all day and night) of the growing season.

Vickey we can't thank you enough for showing us around and wow what a knowledge of Alaska you have - thanks for sharing we really had a fantastic time.