On The Meandering Road: July 1, 2017

We rode with Richard and Eileen to the Musk Ox Farm where we went on a guided tour to see musk ox up close.

Richard

From left: Ron, Kathy, Bob & Clair

Tour Guide

Two Musk Ox babies

Musk Ox

After the Musk Ox tour we four went to Hatcher Pass to visit Independence Mine State Park. The Milepost book mentioned that the entrance fee for each vehicle was $5 PER VEHICLE, but the gate attendant said it is $3 PER PERSON. After a quick discussion we all decided not to go visit the park.

Eileen and me on top of Hatcher Pass Summit

Richard & Eileen

Independence Mine State Historical Park

After making a u-turn at the state park Richard took the primitive road to visit the Summit Lake. Jaw-dropping views of the summits. There is a trail you can walk on to reach the summit. We did not have much time because there is another tour in the afternoon. We just went out to walk about for a bit, took a quick look at the surroundings. There was one hang glider at the Summit Lake. I can imagine how exhilarating the view is from the bird's eye view.

On way out there were two more hang gliders getting ready to land at a parking lot. Richard found a spot to pull over, so we can eat lunch while enjoying the view.

We made it to Palmer Visitors Center and Museum 2 minutes before the tour began. We, along with the caravan members, went on a walking tour with Richard, the tour guide. He explained history and story of some attractions, such as The United Presbyterian Church and Alaska Picker that has the funky junk of all kinds. After we came back to the visitors center we went to a a beautiful garden next door, and there were lots of flowers we had never seen before. It is amazing to see how thriving the flowers are after a harsh winter which was "officially" over around Memorial Day.

Steve & Karen, our wagonmasters

The United Presbyterian Church, also known as
The Church of a Thousand Trees

There was a wedding in progress, so we
did not go inside the church

Alaska Picker

This Kochs barber chair was manufactured
between 1890 to 1902. It was also used as
a dental chair

Sperry & Hutchinson Company, also known as S&H Green Stamps
Trading stamps that started in 1930 and continued until late 1980's

Locomotive No. 5 was built for the government in 1910.
It was part of three locomotives that were used for
construction of the Alaska Railroad

Ron taking time to smell the roses

Richard and Eileen asked us if we would be interested in going to the Reindeer Farm with them, so we went out with them. We were anxious to see caribou/reindeer up close. The admission fee for Seniors to go on a tour is $7 per person.