Alaska Update: Friday: June 20: Solstice

Today is summer solstice, the longest day of summer.

This morning, Shannon Keene, Sara Lamont, and 2006 Teacher Terrie are taking a train from Anchorage to Seward, where they'll spend the day. When they return to Anchorage this evening, they'll meet Target(r) 2009 Teacher on the Trail Cathy at the airport, who will be arriving around 10:10 PM.

Today, I'll be headed over to Iditarod Headquarters to work at the office. I've a list of things to get done today.

Yesterday, Terrie drove me from Wasilla so that I could pick up my rental car. Before doing that, we made several stops, including on to visit with our friends at Wells Fargo Bank. I took Terrie's picture as she stood next to a plaque that hangs on the bank's wall, and names her as a past Teacher on the Trail.

Terrie and I made other stops, too, including REI, Tidal Wave (a book store), and a few fishing/gear shops. We had lunch at Subway.

Last evening, Shannon, Shannon's husband Jim, Sara, Terrie, and I went to the Mother Lode Lodge for dinner. The Mother Lode Lodge is located on the Hatcher Pass road that leads to Independence Mine. You can see from the digital, the clouds were with us, creating awesome patterns around the mountains.

You can read about the Independence Mine Historical Park at the following website:

http://www.dnr.state.ak.us/parks/units/indmine.htm

You might consider visiting this area during your time in Alaska. There is a second place to eat, The Hatcher Pass Lodge, http://www.hatcherpasslodge.com/. You can also drive this road through the pass if you are looking for an incredible and adventurous drive.

This road is not maintained in the winter and is generally closed from late September to July. It has often been the case, however, that the road is open during our conference week. The route goes through high peaks of the mountains and past the historic mine. There are pull offs so you can get out and walk on the tundra and look at the beautiful wild flowers.
"Much of the road is gravel. It’s narrow and often slippery up high, with tight turns, steep grades, and limited maintenance (not recommended for RVs or the timid). http://www.alaskajourney.com/anchorage/hatcher.html

If you are interested in this journey, talk to Sara or Shannon for more details.

Just so you know, then.... I have only seen one mosquito so far. That doesn't mean we won't see plenty of them. The mosquitoes are waiting for the perfect opportunity to meet all of you!