August 4th, 2024 Travel to Palmer and Knik Road

We woke to clouds and some rain, so we packed up and headed north:

Love the clouds on the mountains:

Past glacial rivers:

It is amazing to me how much the weather changes from one mountain range to another.  We went thru the Chugach Mountains and now it is beautiful in the next valley!

We are now in the Mat-Su Valley.  This is the area that grows those HUGE vegetables!:

One of the lakes south of Palmer:

We made our way to the Palmer Moose Lodge and set up.  Right now, we are the only ones here:

After setting up, we decided to head to the Visitor Center for information.  There are a few things that I want to do here.  One is the Independence Mine and Hatcher Pass - but only if the weather is good.  In 2009, we tried to explore but it was fogged in and very wet.

The other item on my list is to learn more about the town of Palmer.  Palmer was a supply center for some 200 farm families who were relocated to Alaska from northern Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin as part of the Resettlement Administration under President Roosevelt.

So we will start checking those things tomorrow.  Today was a road trip around Palmer and the Old Glenn Highway.

First stop was the Mantanuska River - a glacial river coming from the Mantanuska Glacier about 60 miles away.  Notice all the debris that has been carried down the river: 

It was running fast.

Some flowers near the viewing area:

From there we headed to Knik Road that parallels the river for about 8 miles.  It ends in a lodge/restaurant near the top of one of the hills.

View from the road - that is it Knik Glacier in the background.

The Knik River - another glacial river:

Not a bad road and many people have homes throughout the hills:

Notice the wooden bridge:

A "pond" near the river - many folks fishing, kayaking, swimming and just enjoying the day:

Oops, must have  got caught in a flood.  We did see a few vehicles along the riverside that had seen better days - in other words, not working anymore.

This turned out to be a "bluebird" day.

We made our way back to the Lodge and paid our fees ($10.00/night for electric - not bad.)  Since they were not having any food sales, we decided to go the Elks Lodge in Wasilla.

We stayed at this lodge in 2009 - it is a beautiful lodge that is located on a lake and very active.  

We had a great supper and a great time and headed back home.

(I know I am going to be asked why I did not stay here instead of the Moose Lodge.  The only reason is cost.  The Elks Lodge was $35/night  - includes electric.  The Moose Lodge was $10.00 per night with electric.  Neither one has a dump station but the Elks did have a water hose at the building to use.  We did not need water so we did not ask at the Moose.

The power situation is better at the Elks and they have a picnic table for each site so there is that.  But we are happy where we are staying.)

What a wonderful day!

Stats for today:

Miles Traveled: 41 Miles

Routes Traveled:

Alaska: Hoyt Street; Debarr Street; Bragaw Street; Glenn Highway - AK3; West Evergreen Avenue; South Cobb Street