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SueAnn Help Advisor, Banner SponsorAug 22, 2006

Hmmmm - well, our trip is close to being over.  Today we are visiting Hatcher Pass which has some of the very loveliest scenery.  We also visited a non-working deserted gold mine there.  A sign located at one of the scenic spots told us we were situated on top of a fault line . . . eek - hoped an earthquake wasn't going to be one of our adventures!
This was only one of the very many incredible scenes we saw in this area . . . photos do not give justice to the beauty.
The next two photos are of the Susitna River that runs through Alaska.  Actually there is a Little Su (short for Susitna) and a Big Su.  This is the Little Su.
This pic is of the camp buildings at Independence Mine.  I am located on the trail up to the mine. 
And this is the crumbling remains of part of the mine itself.  Don't know why it hasn't been kept from deteriorating and I'd love to see it restored. 
Next photo is of the little train that carried the ore out of the mine.
This next pic has a little story behind it.  I was a little ahead of Paul and my bro-in-law (Paul's sister stayed behind at the camp) in my touring the minesite and I found a trail that went straight up one of the "hills".  I shouted to them that I was going to check it out, not making sure they heard me.  So I started up the mountain and as I got higher, the further I wanted go.  It was raining lightly (of course) so the trail was a little slippery, but I trudged on.  Toward the top, or a flat part of the hill, I saw a MARMOT!!!  I'd never seen a live one and this was exciting.  I did get a picture before he jumped off the rock, but it's very fuzzy and I'm not showing it.  I'd been gone awhile, so thought I should think about going down and discovered my trail was now a little creek.  Aaaarrrrgggghhh!  I took this photo before I started my descent.  I put the word 'people' on it . . . those little dots with a black rectangle by them . . . so you could get an idea of how high I was.    Since I had to pick my way down, I just followed the "flowing trail", but off to the side of it amid the vegetation.  I did focus very hard and pretended to be a mountain goat so that I didn't get distracted.  I finally made it down to the trail to the mine and met Paul coming up the same trail.  He forgot to be mad (turned out he hadn't heard me say where I was going) since he was so glad to see me.  They had spent a lot of time searching for me . . . even in the river.  EEEEEK!  So, the moral of this story is to always make sure your hubby hears you when you tell him you're going up the side of a mountain!
Tomorrow - our last day of adventure - will have some photos you will like, I think.  That is - if you like animals!

lapousmor Aug 22, 2006

I love marmots.
I saw quite a few the year we went on holidays in the Alps. I even managed to get some pictures of them. Yeah! A shame I left them at my parents'!
They make sounds that are very similar to birds... how bizzare!
But after hearing a few of them, I got used to the noise they made and was able to locate them quite accurately. That was in 1994...

Thanks for the pictures.

I am happy you managed to find your way safely that rainy day!

Beary hugs,
Sophie.

Judi Aug 22, 2006

They had spent a lot of time searching for me . . . even in the river.  EEEEEK!  So, the moral of this story is to always make sure your hubby hears you when you tell him you're going up the side of a mountain!

Well, Sue Ann, I am just going to have to remember that!

I envy you and your fabulous trip.  I LOVE the scenery you are showing us...just fantastic.  Breath taking really.

Can't wait to se the animals.

Stellajella Aug 23, 2006

Sue Ann, gosh! I´m glad you didn´t get lost in Alaska! 
What a wonderful landscape- reminds me a bit of British Columbia, which is a place I love 

Enjoy the rest of your stay and have a pleasent tip back home!

Gaby

Stellajella Aug 23, 2006

Sue Ann, sorry,
I wasn´t thinking of a TIP to go back home  :crackup:
I´m still working on that silly wireless keyboard where I have to type rreeeaaalll slllooooowwwwlllyyy  :twisted: otherwise it eats up my letters!

So have a pleasent trip back home!

Gaby

patsylakebears Aug 23, 2006

Sue Anne what fantastic photo's, I too am glad that you didn't get lost there..

doodlebears Celebration AmbassadorAug 23, 2006

What wonderful views Sue Ann. Poor Paul must have been so worriedand so relieved when he found you.
Yes I doo love animals so I'm really looking forwards to your last day of adventure. Thanks again for sharing your wonderful holiday with us.

Hugs Jane. 

Eileen Aug 23, 2006

:crackup: always make sure your hubby hears you when you tell him you're going up the side of a mountain! :crackup:

That'll teach him to listen!!

Sue Ann, I think you've discovered the answer that women everywhere have been searching for!

And I can't wait to see the beasties

rufnut Aug 23, 2006

Wow those photos are awesome, thanks again Sue Ann :clap:

WildThyme Aug 23, 2006

Oh Sue Ann.... this is SO Neat!  I've never been to Alaska, but I do hope to someday!  GORGEOUS photos!!!!!!!     :hug:

Kim Basta
Wild Thyme Originals

matilda Aug 23, 2006

Alaska ismy all want to see places. I've dreamt of an Alaskan holidays for most of my life. :redface:
It looks so beautiful in your pics Sueann.
Wendy

Shelli Retired Help Advisor, Banner SponsorAug 23, 2006

Sure is beautiful there; reminds me of some train rides I've taken thru the Swiss and Italian alps.

I thought this statement was entirely hysterical:

I did focus very hard and pretended to be a mountain goat so that I didn't get distracted

Somehow, I just don't picture someone with your grace and beauty as a stinky ol' mountian goat, all nay-ing and bray-ing!!

I can see the water beaded up on the sign in your first photo.  It DOES look like it was a damp day!

Beautiful!