Post 6-23 Monday -Wednesday, June 23/24/25, 2014 Talkeetna

Post 6-23 Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, June 23, 24, 25 .2014. Talkeetna

Talkeetna  and the railroad was built by the pioneers: trappers, miners, prospectors and adventurers. It's at the junction of three rivers, the Talkeetna, Susitna and Chulitna. The word "Talkeetna means  "where the rivers meet"  in the Athabascan language. The "na" means river in Athabascan

                                     

We arrived on Monday and found a camping spot at Talkeetna RV Park just blocks from the town. It was walking distance, but with my deteriorating hips and back it's a bit much for me so we drove the truck. Plus a lady told us we wouldn't be able to manuver the RV through Main St because of it's size. The trip from Denali State Park North Viewing Park where we spent the night was good. The weather stayed clear and beautiful.We stopped at a Veteran's Memorial and gave our respects to all honored there.

there was one for each branch of service including the Coast Guard and Merchant Marines and another  for the Alaskan Defense Force the remained behind for  WWII

The back of below statue.

*^^&*(&$# Vandels broke the arm. Grrr!

First on the agenda was to make reservations for a flight out to the mountain and land on a glacier. We did that through K2 Aviation. They are one of the larger companies that provide tours out to and around the mountain and land on Ruth Glacier.  Many of the mountain climbers and hikers use their services to get started and be picked up. They also provide flight services for any needed rescue, medical emergencies and flying in supplies to residents who contract for them as well as  planes with pontoons for lake landings. In other words, they have some of the best "Bush" pilots around.

One of  a  few flying services available

Our first sojourn was to drive into town and just see what was there. It's a small quaint town (village), only three blocks long.  But it is the prime location where hikers and Denali mountain climbers meet to fly out to their starting point at the 7,000 ft level. It is one of the few towns that do not completely close up for the winter. There is a distillery in town as well as the lodges for full service accommodations on the outskirts. Almost everyone in town has a room or two for visitors and you share the bathroom and toilets. Everyone is "aware the bears" conscious and keep food services clean. The town is noted for artist of all types, painters, musicians, etc. We heard a harmonica playing and saw a group with a mandolin. Inns (bars) have signs to "not tie your dog to this establishment" posted. Our campsite was by the railroad tracks (Anchorage to Fairbanks), and we were surprised at the number of buses at train time.

One dining room

The stairs behind us lead to the upstairs rooms, plus there were two on first level

Our lovely waitress

We had heard so much about the Talkeetna Roadhouse which has a varied and different menu. It was to soon after our meal but we had to have a sample.  We were told to please try the Cinnamon Rolls when we got there. They were out of them so we had mushroom/spinach quiche (Jesse) and bread pudding with caramel syrup (Anita).  So good.  .The breakfast following the Flightseeing (glacier) trip  was the greatest. There was a "standard" which consisted of eggs, potatoes-fried with peppers/onions, caribou sausage (uumm, delicious) very thick slice of toasted bread and all the coffee you can drink. You only dared to order the "half" size. Jesse could hardly eat all of it. Nita had the huge  14 inch hot , cake with syrup. Another fine  restaurant, located  behind the general store, featured King Crab legs, Pacific Cod and other exciting meals.. We had the Pacific Cod meal and a salmon dip appetizer. Both were delicious

                                     
                                                         Behind the general store

A Wooden Bear Decor

Mandolin player and fans

We took  in the museum which was separated into four sections. One was the regular history in the little red schoolhouse, one for the railroad, one about mountain climbers and Don Sheldon who was famous for establishing the glacier landing strip.  He was also recognized for his many rescue missions in the area.

Little Red School House Museum

The mountain chain. McKinley is the tallest (yellow-south peak, blue-north Peak), the two peaks are two miles apart.

Don Sheldon's House in the middle next to  amphitheater landing glacier(on hill) 

                                                   History:

Don Sheldon, a master glacier pilot who was revered by the climbers he flew into the Range, intended the Mountain House as a modest shelter for mountaineers, skiers, photographers, and wilderness-seekers. Don tied lumber to the wing struts of his Cessna 180 and Super Cub, making numerous flights into the Gorge before he had enough materials to build the hut. It was constructed in 1966 by two Talkeetna locals. The Mountain House sits on a five-acre rock and ice outcrop located at the 6,000 foot level, in the middle of what is now known as the Don Sheldon Amphitheater of the Ruth Gorge; perhaps the most scenic and spectacular spot in Denali National Park & Preserve.

Moose & Caribou chair used for 25 years, built by Don Sheldon

Don Sheldon's Wolf guns. Couldn't figure out how he used them. May have been mounted on his plane or dog sled

Generator older than me.

The mountain chain. McKinley is the tallest (yellow-south peak, blue-north Peak), the two peaks are two miles apart.

fuel strainer used by Don Sheldon

A home made ice cream machine. Vanilla, chocolate, coconut or banana walnut.  Alaska sells more ice cream per person, than any other state. These little ice cream huts are everywhere.

                                 The Roadhouse dining room and Bakery in the next room.

The General Store. since 1927

We happened upon a modified Air Stream Trailer by one of the Artist & Gift stores, selling Spinach Bread. Just had to try it. It was prepared by a lovely young lady named Mollie who was an actual native (born & raised here). She's attending college in Colorado Springs and working here at home in the summer months She is actually holding down three jobs. One here, one with the Zip Line and one in the artist/gift store.  Wishing you all the very best Mollie and if you ever find yourself in our territory, wherever that may be (only GOD knows) please contact us. Would be wonderful to see you again.

                                      

Mollie

That Airstream has a mighty reflection, like looking in a mirror

We walked down by the River and met a nice young family.  The oldest daughter was telling us about the pygmy goats.  We fed them and took the picture, didn't take one of the family, Duh!.  Isabel Owens, the mother, was making birch baskets and they were so beautiful and well made.  I had to have one and she autographed it for me.  We also bought some caramelized pecans. Yummy.  She also had jewelry and other crafted items.  She was from Mexico and her husband, Jeff, reminded me of Mike. He walked out of the woods with antlers from moose and caribou. They have been in Alaska for three years and came here from North Carolina.