These images show what we encountered on May 13, when we first tried to visit the Independence Mine outside of Palmer. (snow!). I'm glad we went back today, June 3, (right) to actually visit this site. Since it was active from 1936 until 1941 when the government shut it down because it was not essential to the US war effort!!, this was a very productive gold mine. The manager was a keen historian so much of the history of this place remains in pictures, ledgers, bills, etc. It is a state site and the information signs are excellent as well as access to what remains so this was really interesting. At the Wasilla Visitor's Center we met a young woman who was caretaker herein the winters of 1991, 92. The 12 mile road in was not paved and electricity was by generator, etc. She loved it! Still lives here in Palmer.. and says you get used to the DARK winters! I think that would be harder to get used to than the cold.
Interestingly, neighboring Wasilla (hear me Sarah!!) is the ONLY Alaska town we have passed through that does NOT have WIFI access at the library!!! We're back in Palmer before we head to the city - ANK - and then to Nome on Thursday. Yay!! New birds!!!
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