Independence Gold Mine,
(an Alaska State Park near Wasilla,
about an hour due North of Anchorage)
This is a view along the road. The rental car had temperature gauge, the OAT being in the high 50's (F) when I started out.
As I proceeded up the mountain, it got gradually colder. Just before reaching the entrance to the mine, the OAT was reading in the low 30's (F). More and more snow appeared, the higher I went up. This area had just gotten the first real snow the night beforehand.
This first snow of the season is called Termination Dust. Back when... that signaled the day that the miners were given pink slips and outstanding wages... until Spring.
This is when I should tell you that the park was closed for the season. I decided to go anyway. I was able to park near the gates, and then walked about a mile uphill to the mine. If you look carefully in this picture, you can see three things:
1. The miners barracks and mess (white buildings).
2. The mine and mine train (higher up, dark wood structures)
3. Yes, that is a cloud touching the tip of that mountain.
You could literally have your head in a cloud, and feet on the ground.
So, it can be done.
Here's a view of where I came from, having walked half-way up.
Almost there. At this point, I'll let you know that I am completely alone. There is absolutely sound at all. There is no wind, either- I guess it is a combination of altitude and being shielded on three sides by peaks.
The newer buildings are the Visitors' Center and cafe. They're closed. The older buildings are barracks, workshops, and the like.
About this time, I notice a man in bright blue sweater walking up the hill. I am thinking- great, here comes a ranger, and I'm going to get yelled at. It wasn't a ranger. It's a guy from Australia who is semi-retired and spends six months every year traveling to places all over the world. He been doing this for years, and has never been to the same place twice. Must be nice!
He mentioned that he saw me taking pictures on the road earlier, and if you take a look at the first picture in this post- on the left about half way up- you'll notice a bridge that I had just crossed in my car. The guy is standing on the bridge.
After talking with him for a little while, I took a few more pictures, and went somewhere else... to be continued...
about an hour due North of Anchorage)
This is a view along the road. The rental car had temperature gauge, the OAT being in the high 50's (F) when I started out.
As I proceeded up the mountain, it got gradually colder. Just before reaching the entrance to the mine, the OAT was reading in the low 30's (F). More and more snow appeared, the higher I went up. This area had just gotten the first real snow the night beforehand.
This first snow of the season is called Termination Dust. Back when... that signaled the day that the miners were given pink slips and outstanding wages... until Spring.
This is when I should tell you that the park was closed for the season. I decided to go anyway. I was able to park near the gates, and then walked about a mile uphill to the mine. If you look carefully in this picture, you can see three things:
1. The miners barracks and mess (white buildings).
2. The mine and mine train (higher up, dark wood structures)
3. Yes, that is a cloud touching the tip of that mountain.
You could literally have your head in a cloud, and feet on the ground.
So, it can be done.
Here's a view of where I came from, having walked half-way up.
Almost there. At this point, I'll let you know that I am completely alone. There is absolutely sound at all. There is no wind, either- I guess it is a combination of altitude and being shielded on three sides by peaks.
The newer buildings are the Visitors' Center and cafe. They're closed. The older buildings are barracks, workshops, and the like.
About this time, I notice a man in bright blue sweater walking up the hill. I am thinking- great, here comes a ranger, and I'm going to get yelled at. It wasn't a ranger. It's a guy from Australia who is semi-retired and spends six months every year traveling to places all over the world. He been doing this for years, and has never been to the same place twice. Must be nice!
He mentioned that he saw me taking pictures on the road earlier, and if you take a look at the first picture in this post- on the left about half way up- you'll notice a bridge that I had just crossed in my car. The guy is standing on the bridge.
After talking with him for a little while, I took a few more pictures, and went somewhere else... to be continued...
