Friday July 12th 2019
After being crammed in at our last campsite this campground was a nice relief. We were the only ones there for a couple of days.
We took a long day trip into Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. It was a 60 mile gravel road to Kennecott Mill Town. The road ended at Kennecott river. Most people then walk across the pedestrian bridge and get a paid shuttle for the 5 miles to Kennecott. After the grueling road trip we decided to ride our bikes for a little exercise and also save $30. It was 5 miles uphill a gravel road, although I must admit it was a gradual climb. The ride back was a cinch!!
Kennecott was a thriving copper mining town in the early 1900’s
After the copper petered out in the 1930’s the whole place was pretty much abandoned. The National Park Service acquired most of the town and surrounding area to make Wrangell-St. Elias the largest National Park in the United States. With massive mountains and glaciers this park is over 20,000 square miles and 25% larger than Switzerland.
The National Park is slowly restoring some of the old buildings.
The best part of the day was lunch and beverages at the lodge.
We were really looking forward to Seward since we had such a good time visiting 5 years ago. However a huge wildfire in the area has created a very smokey environment. The smoke did not deter the Halibut fishing. Every day we watched the charter boats come back the with the days catch to be filleted, frozen and shipped off to the lower 48.
Seward is a busy port in the summer. Cruise ships sailed in most nights and stayed a day or so. Cargo barges haul everything from vehicles to food. This day we could see a bit of the snowy mountains 2 miles across the bay.
The next few days we had this view.
We had a nice hike in Kenai Fjords National Park even though there was quite a bit of snow to slip slide along. We finally hiked above the smoke! Time to take a few deep breaths.
There were so many glaciers.
Finally after 5 miles and 3000 feet elevation gain we made it to the top. We had a nice long rest on that bit of grass before heading down.
11 pm and the path in front of our camper is still bustling. Everyone is waiting for the July 4th firework display at 12.01 am. Since it was still pretty light at midnight the fireworks were not very bright.
We enjoyed watching the annual Seward Marathon race. It is a 5k run to the top of Mount Marathon and back down with a vertical gain of 3022 feet.
Nearly 20,000 people come to Seward for race day.
Since we still consider ourselves Oregonians we were happy to see a young man from Bend Oregon win the mens race in just over 43 minutes.
All the runners got a hose down to wash away the mud and blood.
These seagulls were feasting on salmon fingerlings making their way to the ocean.
Moving on to Homer.
THE BUS STOPS HERE 
Great pictures and narrative. A part of our world we won’t get to visit. So thankful to you and Dean for the postings! We love to get them. Travel safe you two!
Alaska is such a huge state and so much to see. Just hope the wildfire smoke dies down.
So happy to see you are having a great trip this time. Not good about the smoke but it looks like you at least haven’t had the rain! Take care and thanks for letting us live vicariously with you through your amazing photos!
Yeah! No rain so far although they really need it here to help with the many wildfires popping up.
We really enjoyed Kennocott too. Stayed at the hotel. Ma Johnson’s. Have fun. Rod
On Fri, Jul 12, 2019 at 9:16 AM THE BUS STOPS HERE wrote:
> Rose and Dean’s Travels posted: ” Friday July 12th 2019 After being > crammed in at our last campsite this campground was a nice relief. We were > the only ones there for a couple of days. We took a long day trip into > Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. It was a 60 mile gravel road ” >
We rode our bikes around McCarthy. Took all of 5 minutes. Cute though.
We visited Alaska. Part by boat and part by bus. Your way of traveling is very insightful. Which we are not able to make it in this life. Thanks for taking us with you by your posting. We eagerly await
for it.
I bet your trip was wonderful.
Keep the lovely photo’s coming you two, you certainly don’t let the grass grow under your feet. I’ve just woken up to the 13 July in Sydney. I’ve got just over a week left before travelling back to UK and the English Summer. It’s cold at night here, as there not geared up for central heating like us and carpets on the floor, but to see the grandkids it’s worth it. Travel safely you two, lots of love Gina. xx
I believe your Aussie family is going to miss you terribly when you leave. The nippers are so lucky to have a grandma like you.
You have such wonderful adventures. Thanks for sharing!
Hope we get to catch up when we pass through GP in late September.
Thanks for another adventure. We always enjoy your pictures and feel like we are s part of that adventure. It’s good to see you are both in real good shape. I know all the hikes are a major part of your well being. Keep going and keep sharing. See you soon. M&M
The hike up to the glacier really took a toll on my knees. It was harder coming down than going up. Several adult beverages and an ice pack helped get me back on track.
Thank you , Thank you for this wonderful Post…..You 2 are so special, and do not know “HOW YOU DO IT” Such interesting travels……The Marathon race , was so interesting as I lived at Brad Carrols place in Bend,, and do believe this is second year not competing, and winning in that same race…He is now 73,….Going to see if this can be forwarded to him, some way.Such tough people….Unreal…..Love your posts.
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You know so many people Pat. We sure gave a good loud cheer for our fellow Oregonian this year. By the way I think they are all a little bit bonkers to even attempt the race.