Alaska 2001
John and I spent 90 days in Alaska during the summer of 2001 working for the Alaska State Parks System. We worked at the Independence Mine State Historical Park near Wasilla and Palmer, in the Talkeetna Mountains. We constructed a geological interpretive panel for the park that will eventually be in the Hatcher Pass area of the park and also improved 8 miles of the Gold Mint Trail during our stay. Above is a picture of the managers house, where we lived when we were not staying out on the trail. The trail that we worked on was mentioned in the magazine "Backpacker" in May of 2003 (page 42-43) as a great trail to try in Alaska. We are personally rather pleased by this article, thinking that we may have played a small part in the improvement of the trail!
Independence Mine State Historical Park
John & I enjoying the deck
Hiking around the park
View from the Mill Loop trail, June 17, 2001
The arctic ground squirrels are little beggars! From the minute we entered the park they were wanting things from us. They would take anything, even a lit cigarette! (May 27, 2001)
On the Gold Mint Trail
Lama Packing down the Gold Mint Trail in early June. Lamas complements of Lama Buddies owned by Pam Murphy. I am with Cusko (above), and John with Suede.
Anna Jahns, John and I working to divert water off the Gold Mint Trail (June 14, 2001)
Our kitchen tent built out of 5 or 6 bamboo poles, 1 big tarp, some twine and a lot of duck tape!
Having a bite to eat at camp on the Gold Mint Trail. I am with our ranger and leader Mr. Pat Murphy
John & I digging the latrine
Along the Gold Mint Trail on August 1, 2001: Montana Peak in the distance with fireweed and the Little Susitna River
August 21, 2001: Mint Glacier on Montana Peak with the Little Susitna River
My very full pack our last day on the Gold Mint Trail
Dave, John, Jeff, and Big Bertha the potato gun
John, Sarah and I with Monks from Anchorage
The sunset from our window (Friendship Pass)
Fault inside the Hatcher Pass Mine, cutting through the gold bearing quartz vein
John & I at the water tunnel entrance to the Independence Mine
Gold Cord Lake
In Gold Cord Lake
John
Dave, Gumbo & Chavez
Dave, John and Jeff on our last day, at the Motherload Lodge
Myself, Ranger Dennis, Ranger Pat, Ranger Rob and John on our last day in Alaska
John and I had a great time at working for the state parks that summer and hope to return there sometime in the future! The park is a wonderful place to visit if you are ever up that way. Be sure to stop by the Motherload Lodge on your way up the mountain and don't forget to stop at the Hatcher Pass Lodge once you reach the top!