Hatcher Pass

We kept very busy today.  We packed a bag lunch, jumped in the truck and headed to Hatcher Pass.  We started the trip by visiting the Independence Mine State Historical Park.  It was a gold mine that operated from 1938 to 1941.  The park includes several buildings and old mining machinery.  The restoration of the buildings is an ongoing project.  You are allowed to pan for gold on the site without getting a DNR permit, but we didn't have the equipment to attempt panning.    Beyond the Independence Mine is the Hatcher Pass road.  It is an unpaved road the that rises sharply till it crosses the summit of the pass at 3,886 feet, one of Alaska's highest road passes.  The road continues to twist and turn for another 31 miles till it reaches the town of Willow.  Along the way we pulled beside Willow Creek and ate our bagged lunch. 

On the way back to the camper we explored Nancy Lake Recreation Area.   Then we stopped at a Walmart to purchase some groceries, get some ice and exchange one of our 3 propane bottles that we carry.

A little later in the afternoon RoxAnne and I both got haircuts and Annie got her toe nails clipped at Petco.  Our evening meal was delicious.  Steaks on the grill, curly fries in the air fryer and corn on the cob in the microwave.  It was a good day.

Independence Mine

Fireweed (very popular in Alaska)