It started raining shortly after noon and has rained on us most of the trip. Jeff reported a little while ago that it was going to get down into the thirties tonight and remain there tomorrow as well. We will break out the heavy coats again.
There were turnoffs to view the Matanuska Glacier. It heads in the Chugach Mountains and trends northward 27 miles. Some 18,000 years ago it reached all the way to the Palmer area which is about 60 miles. The glacier's average width is 2 miles; at its terminus it is 4 miles wide. The glacier has remained stable the last 400 years although I would have sworn it had receeded since we were here in 2010.
We stopped at the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park visitors center learned some interesting facts and watched a film about the park. It is the largest national park and much if it could only be seen from airplanes etc. Jeff and Marcella are considering a hike in the park. It isn't looking like the weather is going to cooperate.
The fireweed is beginning to bloom and was shining along the road even in the rain. The road had many frost heaves and pavement breaks so driving was a little more stressful and we had to open the doors to the cabinets and refrigerator carefully when we got set up.
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