After departing Denali we took a much needed break from dry camping and booked three nights at Big Bear RV Park in Wasilla, just outside of Anchorage. This was the Taj Mahal of facilities, Alaskan style. We have mainly camped in locations without water, electrical power, flush toilets (or any toilets), and no showers. This place had it all, including a laundry room with affordable washers and dryers. Although parking the Scamp right next to the bathrooms is typically not our first choice we were thrilled to have actual flush toilets, sinks with soap, and paper towels - located right outside our door. The bathhouse was spotless and our showers were hot! After spending many cold, wet days on the road this little piece of camping heaven was just what we needed to recoup. After getting all cleaned up we made a camp version of Shepard’s pie, which warmed the heart and soul, and enjoyed a local IPA. Of course it did rain during our stay there, but this is Alaska!
We decided to take a hike at Independence Mine State Historical Park, about an hour drive from our campsite. During its time of operation this mine recovered over 150,000 ounces of gold between 1936-1943, operating year round. We could still see snow on the surrounding mountains and imagined how difficult it must have been to live there throughout the winter season, although inside, the mine remained a constant temperature throughout the year. On our drive up the mountain we were warned of avalanche danger - just one more of nature’s curveballs in this already treacherous terrian. Even though it was another rainy day the scenery was beyond spectacular with misty panoramic views of lush hillsides, abundant vibrant flowers, and distant snow capped mountains.
It was incredible to see this timeworn piece of history. Buildings which created the “town” for the miners, and some families, have been maintained by the park system and offered a glimpse into the lives of a working mining community. The eerie vibe was definitely ‘ghost town-like’, especially with the foggy misty conditions that day!
The dilapidated mining structures had long since collapsed and the mountain surface was covered with rusting debris and rotting wood. The intention of the park is to allow for the remaining artifacts to wither away naturally. Steve actually noticed a piece of iron from a steam pump that was manufactured in Buffalo, NY and General Electric produced the batteries for the locomotive ore train! We loved exploring this decomposing landscape, possibly termed “industrial antiquity(?)”.
On the drive back down the mountain we stopped to admire the beauty of the Little Susanna River which descends from Mint Glacier. Fun Fact: Recreational gold mining is permitted along the river. Dust off those old gold pans and let’s go!
Anchorage, Alaska’s largest city, was next and also about an hour from our campsite in Wasilla. We decided to stop at the The Alaska Zoo (showcasing Alaskan Wildlife), had lunch at the 49th State Brewery, and walked around the city.
Just a few of my favorite photos from the zoo - mostly taken by Steve - Wolverines, Bald Eagle, Musk Ox, Brown Bear, Black Bear, Polar Bear, Christina and Steve!
View of Anchorage Port from the 49th State Brewery
Every region we have visited so far in Alaska has been amazing with each different in landscape and what is available to explore. Our photos cannot truly represent what we have been able to experience, natural beauty beyond words. My heart has always been drawn to the ocean though so our next destination, the Kenai Peninsula, should be the icing on the cake!
Coddiwompling “To Travel in a Purposeful Manner Towards a Vague Destination”
“I like to think the miners looked up and sighed when they emerged from the maze of tunnels and saw the moon rising as bright as the gold they blasted from the unwilling rock, gold that kept their families from the cold. I like to think one or two stooped to pick a handful of berries for their children while they followed the moon’s light down to the boomtown they called home, berries as ripe as the full moon now spilling its light like honey from a spoon.” - Tom Sexton
https://www.alaskarvpark.net Big Bear RV Park
http://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/units/indmine.htm Independence Mine State Historical Park