When the rained let up around noon, Jeff, Marcella, Glen, Gayla, Gary, and I went on a drive over Hatcher Pass. It was a very scenic drive with many switch backs and mountain views. We could see the remains of several old mines. Gold mining was done in this area in the late 30s until 41. We had visited the Independence Mine which is being partially restored a couple of weeks ago.
At the pass, I decided to go on a 2.2 round trip hike up the mountain. It wasn't too steep and had switch backs. It all went great until we reached an narrow slanted area covered with slushy snow. Marcella and I chickened out and went back down. Jeff went on. He said the view was awesome but but very windy and he did not go to the end of the trail because of snow. Marcella and I chose to hike over a "small" mountain to Summit Lake and around it. There were "crazy" kids walking up and sliding down a section of snow. Oh to be young! The only wildlife we saw was a ptarmigan, a ground spuirrel , and a bird named yellow legs.
This evening, Jim and Dee fixed salmon burgers for all of us. We also enjoyed relaying the activities of the day.
Ptarmigan (may not be the right spelling but that is why Alaskans named a name Chicken)
Remains of an old gold mine. How did they decide to go up there and dig for gold?
It must be a pastime to shoot signs in Alaska. Almost every sign has bullet holes in it. We were amused by this one.
Ready to start on our hike up.
A little way up the trail
The alternate hike. Looks more awesome than it was.
Marcella and I on our alternate hike
Summit Lake. Kids were sliding down the snow on the other side.
Old wooden bridge along the way
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