It has been a busy few weeks in July. After Joanne left we drove up to Willow and camped in a very nice older campground. It was called the Mat-Su. It was run by a very nice woman a bit older than us and her son. Her son lives in Florida but comes up every summer to help her run the place! I would recommend it to anyone! Very quiet.
We drove down to Hatcher pass and drove that gravel road almost to the other end. There were some old mines, beautiful views, creeks, and NO wildlife. Oh I guess we did see a Marmot. the little river that ran along was the Willow creek and there were a lot of claims and no trespassing no mining signs along the way. We also drove in to the area of Willow that had a huge fire earlier this summer. It was devastating to see the burned area. You could still smell all the charred trees, yet the fire weed was in full bloom. I think over 50 structures were lost. A lot the the people were mushers. They were already working on rebuilding the houses.
We also drove to Talkeetna a cute little Alaskan "tourist trap" But it was a very nice afternoon we spent there and got some great views of the Alaska Railroad Trains! We spent some time out on a gravel sand bar along a river. We worried a little as Chuck (our cat) had some kind of episode and we were concerned for Kristin as she is taking care of him. But he seemed to come around the next day and seems to be doing better!
We drove to Cantwell for our next campground and all I can say is UGH! not a great place to stay..but you win some you lose some. We only stayed one night. Our next day drive was rough literally and figuratively as we made our way to Fairbanks ( actually North Pole) and stayed there for several days. They say that Alaska has 2 seasons Winter is 8 months and construction is 4 months long! They know what they are talking about! We did all the North Pole things like going and mailing post cards. We saw Santa Claus House and the reindeer. Santa was not in but he did promise to write a letter to Gavin now and in December. We drove up to the Dalton and actually drove a mile on it but it was total mud! And scary the truckers drive extremely fast.
On Wednesday we went to Gary and Sarah's for dinner! A wonderful home cooked meal and then we went out for ice-cream and a tour! Many many thanks to them for their hospitality! . We stayed in Fairbanks area until Sunday , we went to the botanical garden and Chena Hot Springs . Saw a few moose on the way to and from the hot springs.
On Sunday we drove back to Denali National Park. We camped inside the park at Riley Creek. Sophie was in her glory so many squirrels so little time. We loved it there. When we arrived there were no campground spaces Except for those with a reservation! I had the confirmation on my phone and it was a good thing because the system was down and they could not look up anything so if you didn't have it on paper or in email TOUGH LUCK!The next day we took the bus tour to Eielson Visitor Center which is 66 miles out on the Denali road. We saw lots of bears 2 coyotes some caribou . But McKinley was in the clouds and not visible. However, the next day we drove out the 15 miles and were able to see her in all her splendor! I promise I will post pictures! All in all I was very glad we spent a few days there! It is just awesome and UNTOUCHED for the most part. We were able to see the Alaska railroad there as well. I would go back if the opportunity arises ...someday.
We drove back to North Pole on Wednesday and spent a few more days there. We went to Big Daddy's BBQ the most northern southern BBQ. It was pretty good. We also went on the river cruise and saw the float plane demo, sled dog demo by Susan Butchers daughter and an Athabaskan village . It was very educational and a lovely day on the river!
Sunday the 26th we left Fairbanks area. More on that drive later! with pics of Valdez and Wrangell St Elias National Park.
For now I am tired and we just had a small earthquake here.....
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