Talkeetna

We have traveled from Homer back to Anchorage and then north to Talkeetna on our way to Denali National Park. We had dinner with Sharon (Jordan) and Ed while we were in Anchorage - they live in Eagle River - it was nice to reconnect with Sharon and meet her husband.

We have a new member to our extended family - Timber - Judy's adopted bear   isn't he cute?

Saw this "moose on the loose" along the roadside!

Talkeetna is a popular stop for the Alaskan Train and cruise ship excursions - restaurants and souvenir shops all within a short walking distance. We went on a jet boat ride on the Susitna River - not much scenery because the mountains were covered in clouds but, interesting to hear some history of the area. Talkeetna is the place for climbing Mt. McKinley, or "Denali" as the native Athabascans call it. "Attemptees" are flown to base camp from here between mid-May and mid-July - earlier or later is too cold or too warm - for the 2-3 week excursion. The total cost is around $10,000 including fees and equipment and only 57% of about 1,200 made it to the top this year.

Homesteading was possible around here until the early 1980's. In the 1950's you could claim 5 acres of land, live on it for 5 years, pay around $100 property tax each year and then it was deeded over to you. Of course, there were no roads to your property, no utilities, no water!

I saw a sign that read "Gifts and Hair Salon" - haven't had my hair cut or colored since early May - you can just imagine!! So we checked into it and Desi ended up doing Roger, Judy, me and then Pam and then Dorothy's hair. Quick, convenient and she did a good job!