Talkeetna

Sunday, June 29th - Driving, Downtown, Biking, Float Planes & Daisies

Today we drove from Denali to Talkeetna, about 150 miles. Nothing to exciting on the way. We did stop at the Culvert Honey Hole and picked up two more Grayling. I think Mike has had enough Grayling pics so no pics on that one.

We pulled into the Talkeetna Camper Park around noon. We were blessed by getting a site as someone had cancelled. It is pretty cool as the train tracks and depot are less than 150 feet from our campsite. It will be super easy to take the train tomorrow.

We set up camp and headed into town. The Main Street is exactly the same as it was 20 years ago, but the town has spread down the highway. We stopped at the historic Driftwood Inn, had a beverage and did a bit of site seeing. The Historic Roadhouse is the same and we got a famous Cinnamon Roll for Breakfast tomorrow.

I loved the pictures of John Denver and the Hot Tang by the Moutaineering Guide.

After our visit to town we took a 16 mile bike trip to a small inlet on the river to check out the float planes. Before we left we needed some chips - so you are all looking at a $10 bag of Fritos. I guess they can get it at Nagley’s as it is the only store in town. The picture of the clouds is actually a picture of Denali - the picture doesn’t show it, but you could see the snow on it.

If you know me then you know I love Daises. Not only because my Great Grandma was named Daisy, but because they are happy flowers. I came across a field of them on our way home. Enjoy :)

Monday, June 30th - Biking, Trains, Homesteaders, Campers & Moose!

We began our day with a bike ride and looked at the airport and the river. This is a great town to bike in. It is quite eclectic which I love. It reminds me of Hayward, but about 1/10 the size.

We boarded the Hurricane Turn Train at 12:45 pm and got back at 7:30 pm. This is the only train in America that is a flag stop train. This means that it has to stop and pick up or drop off people on its 55 mile run. There were several homestead communities and campers along the way that we dropped off nad picked up. When Alaska Railroad (owned by the state of Alaska) bought this section of track and the service from United States it was parts of the deal that they would always run this service for the homesteaders. So cool! Sorry so many pics - but it was so beautiful!

We took the train to the Hurricane Bridge (which we couldn’t see from a distance, but it was made in 1922! We had some beautiful shots of the river, but the coolest one was the one of the shadow of the train on the ground. It is called Hurricane because the winds get up to 96 mph (aka Hurricane force winds).

During our ride, the crew was waiting for us to get off the tracks so they could begin work. The begin work at 7:30 pm and work until 6:00 am. They are installing new ties. They probably have 50-60 men working on the project and they live in the bush in campers and tents.

On the way back the train stopped as the conductor spotted a Moose in the water. In the same area there was a Beaver house and a family of swans.

Heading to Homer tomorrow!