On today's agenda was a drive North to Hatcher Pass and the Independence Mine State Park. If you get a chance, google this mine - it has a pretty interesting story as was VERY profitable in the early-mid 1900's. The Mine is at roughly 3,700ft in elevation so those tall mountains were holding tight to some clouds and completely blocking out the sun which made for some chilly temperatures. It was beautiful to see those clouds dropping snow at the peaks though! I have also enjoyed historical sites/attractions so this was great - the Mine was abandoned in the 1950s and it was literally just left as is. Over the years work has been done to it since it is now a State Park but the ruins of the majority of the 27 buildings that they had on site are still right there and filled with a lot of mining tools/equipment. The car ride up was fairly steep and windy so it amazes me that men in the early 1900's made it up there and were able to build all of the structures that they did. Here are some of my favorites from the Mine.
On the way home we stopped for lunch in Palmer - nice little cafe right across the street from the Alaska State Fair Grounds. On our drive we encountered some beautiful sights... raging rivers, eagles, MOOSE (didn't get a picture though) and Reflection Lake which is sooo appropriately named!
It's hard to believe that two years ago when we were here we were on our "babymoon" (our 2nd trip to AK) and I spent the week terrified that we would get "the call" from his birth mother saying that he was on the way and now here we are taking his TWO YEAR portraits?!? Time flies when you're having fun! :)
After nap-time for Oliver and some relaxing for Jason and I we were paid a visit by John - the owner of the home that we are staying in. He's a really nice guy - he took care of the one issue we were having even though we really weren't worried about it and then was on his way. After that we headed south for dinner at one of our favorite restaurants in Anchorage - Glacier Brewhouse. The food was DELICIOUS as usual - they never disappoint.
Queso & Chips Appetizer
Oliver & the duck that I bought to entertain him because he was CRANKY and I had forgotten all of his toys at the cabin.
The AMAZING seafood chowder that I had (Jason had a Ceasar Salad)
Jason and I decided to split a meal - filet, alaskan prawn, halibut, king crab, oven roasted tomatoes and garlic mashed potatoes. Oliver had some delicious pasta with fresh marinara and a big bowl of fresh fruit. We took dessert to go - their bread pudding is the best I have ever eaten (we're getting ready to eat it now) and Oliver had an ice cream sandwich made with fresh made cookies that he has been munching on since we got home.
After a stop at Cabin Fever (practically the only shop where you can find made in Alaska items) and Walgreens (I have done something to my foot that is not allowing me to put much pressure on it - which makes hiking/walking a bit painful) we headed back to the cabin for cuddles on the couch!
Our little guy is just now going to sleep and I am not far behind him! Hopefully we can all get a good night's rest because we have an exciting day planned tomorrow - we're going out on a boat!! :) We're supposed to see 26 different glaciers and wildlife in the 145 miles that we will be out in the Prince William Sound.
Goodnight all!!
No comments:
Post a Comment