August 27

Awoke to sunshine!!!!!  After 3 weeks of every kind of wet we are getting a reprieve.  Rain, snow, sleet etc. generally do not stop the average Alaskan, they go regardless.  But the incessant rains and low cloud cover have taken a toll on even the most stoic.  We had a great day yesterday and looks like another one today.  Brenna is taking a rest so we are taking our chance to have an adventure.  We set off down the same road as yesterday only this time we take the Old Glen Highway through Palmer and head east.  Denali, the mountain, is clearly seen in the distance, can’t believe it is 165 miles away but clear as a bell. As we travel we see how the Matanuska River is threatening the road.  Glacier river braids change over time with conditions.  They have to build a diversion using rock walls.  We take Fishhook Road toward Hatcher Pass and Independence Mine.  It is an incredible drive following the Little Su River; water color of opal due to glacial source.  We take the dirt road a short way to Summit Lake at 3400 feet. The view is very beautiful with the Alaska Range in the distance.  We are above tree line with fall colors starting on the low growth bushes and flowers.  Hikers are picking blueberries, we watch for bears but can’t see any.  This is their favorite spot too.  We stop at the historic Independence Gold Mine.  Every year they make more and more improvements to conserving the area with more renovated buildings and walk ways.  Everywhere a picture.  We stop down the road at the Hatcher Pass Lodge.  There is a bridal party getting their pictures taken in the fall foliage.  We get a chance to wish the bride and groom best wishes.  Margie and Brian were able to join us up here two years ago.  So we lifted a Free Ride thinking of them. The Lodge is very shabby chic and quaint with little cabins scattered around.  Our view is of the Mat-Su Valley where the fair is going on.  We can also see to the top of Knik Glacier.  Our drive down is equally picturesque.   At the lower levels the birch trees are turning golden with red fireweed plants.  We decide to take advantage of the day so we return to the Glen Highway driving east.  This roadway has been upgraded.  Mostly the very steep areas with no guard rails have been widened.  We follow the Matanuska River up its glacial valley.  It is running swift and very muddy from all the rain.  The silt is very heavy, no fish can live in it.  We can see the Matanuska Glacier below us.  It is a sight that continues to thrill; the long river of ice and moraines showing so clearly.  It is coming out of the Chugach Mountains that have major ice fields, the other side of the road are the Talkeetna Mountains.  They are much lower in elevation but very dramatic in their coloring from erosion showing all sorts of ores and elements in the rock.  Seems we can’t quite escape rain and we have brief periods of it but it always clears quickly. We see a sign for viewing the glacier from the  valley floor which we have never done.  So we take the road that drops to the valley floor.  It is steep, dirt/mud with potholes.  There are signs all along the way saying the road is dangerous.  We have to cross the river over a plank bridge.  A bit unnerving.  We end at a Glacier Lodge.  Mostly it’s a gift shop and privately operated entrance to the face of the glacier.  You must pay for the privilege and sign a waiver saying you don’t hold them accountable for injury.  We decide to do it another time but are glad to take the chance to check it out.  Back on the road we drive another 10 miles to Sheep Mountain Lodge.  It’s a very lovely gathering of central log lodge and log cabins.  This is one of the checkpoints of the Fireweed biking race where Brenna and Seth passed through a few years ago. The restaurant was recommended by Brenna.  The menu is limited.  Chuck gets a hamburger and Pat gets a bowl of chili with a giant yeast roll.  The food is just okay.  Kind of disappointed.  This is as far as we go.  In another 70 miles we would be in Glenallen.  The same town we passed through with Minde.  It’s been another long day but a great day of adventure, beautiful scenery and a few surprises. Make our way back to Anchorage navigating the fair traffic.  Time for quiet and rest.  Night!