This is a favorite spot to drive through... Chickaloon. I think this is the first time I've been a passenger and able to take a couple photos.
Matanuska Glacier off in the distance...
Driving through the Copper River Basin...
A quick stop at the visitor center before we head into the park...
Ah, the open road.
Blurry photo, but it's what I call a "record shot"... we were here. :)
Another record shot... getting started on the McCarthy Road.
This wasn't the only place where there was construction, but we did wait at this spot for quite awhile. Pilot cars are very popular around here... apparently we cannot find our way through a construction zone without one.
One of the neat bridges along the McCarthy Road... The sign says it's the Kuskulana Bridge, built in 1910, for the Copper River and Northwestern Railroad, Span 525 ft, Height above River 238 ft.
The Kuskulana River... pretty cool view!
The bridge itself...
Travel buddies!
Side view of the bridge...
Right by the bridge, there are some handy dandy pit toilets strategically placed. Miller is finding it difficult to play with his tennis ball while his mom is behind that closed door!
Part of the McCarthy Road... getting closer to McCarthy itself.
No need to wonder which side is the National Park and which side is the National Preserve!
Monk's Hood flowers along the way.
I can't seem to find the name of these flowers. If anyone knows, please leave a comment below... thanks!
More monk's hood...
The Gilahina River
And the Gilahina River Trestle.
I had to join the jumping fun. :)
Still more McCarthy Road... getting closer!
Hello there, Mrs. Moose!
I think she might know we're here...
Heading back toward Anchorage now... we had a beautiful day for the drive back.
Another pit toilet where Miller isn't a fan of the closed door and mom on the other side of it! He's so patient and loyal!
Since I had to start some midnight shifts, we were leaving our decision when to drive back (leave in the evening and break it up again or stay 'til the following morning and do the whole trip back in 1 day) until the last minute. In the end, we decided to drive it all in 1 day. It was nice to have pretty weather for the drive back!
As we got closer to the highway, we pulled off to check out the fish wheels on the river. This is one way people can do subsistence fishing here. Usually at least a couple people own a wheel together... sort of like a time share. The wheels aren't "on" all the time... only when someone is there to turn it on and later process the fish. They can let the wheel work for 8 to 12 hours before it is necessary to process fish.
Ah, back to the highway. Paved road. Seems luxurious! :)
We found a neat place to pull off the highway and have lunch... this place reminded me a lot of the Appalachian Mountains in NJ/PA. Very pretty!
More awesome scenery through the Copper River Basin heading back toward the Matanuska Glacier...
And there's the glacier again! Almost home.
It sure was a fun trip... I'm so glad we did it! We made lots of memories and shared some great experiences along the way. Can't wait for the next adventure!
'Til next time...
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