Hatcher Pass to Talkeetna

Camping at Gold Mint campground along the Hatcher Pass road

      After our fishing charter in Homer we worked our way back up to Anchorage stopping to shop for supplies. We then headed to Hatcher Pass road that runs between just north of Palmer west to Willow Alaska. It is a very scenic drive with several gold claims still being used along it's 40 some miles. Gary and Janet stopped by their nephews place in the Eagle River area and met us at a campground in the Willow area. We, along with Steve & Leanne, camped at a state rec campground (Gold Mint) Friday night before meeting up with Gary and Janet near Willow. We enjoyed a nice meal of Halibut while camped together Saturday night. Sunday we were scheduled to take the Hurricane Ridge ride on the Alaskan Railway.

On the way across just a few miles beyond the summit of Hatcher Pass we came to the old Independence Mine which has been restored and is now a park. I'll write more later about the mine.

Independence Mine

 Enjoying a nice Halibut supper

Very yummy!

     Sunday we headed into Talkeetna and visited the quaint little town. We were scheduled to depart on the Hurricane Turn rail trip at 12:30pm. We grabbed a bite to eat before getting on the train. The train trip headed towards Hurricane Gulch, about a 3 hour plus trip, located in or near Denali State Park. The trip was very comfortable with lots of great scenery and a very informative conductor named Earl. Earl was a lot of fun and truly enjoyed his work. The trip was a very worthwhile adventure that I would consider doing again someday. Gary, retired from the railroad, was able to spend some time riding up front in the engine. 

 Alaska  RR

Hurricane Gulch

 The upper deck crown car has great views

 We stopped along this stream for a leg stretch

The cars had nice large windows and comfortable seating

     After we returned to Talkeetna around 7 we drove on up to Beyers Lake to camp for the next couple nights before heading to Denali NP. We settled in by 9:30 and went down to the dock and saw these 2 kayaks just heading out. As you can see it looks like mid day when it would be nearly dark back home.