I told the kids on Sunday that we were going to do something on Monday. I wasn't sure what or where but I wanted to give them the heads up that they were following me somewhere to do some type of outdoor adventure. Even though there was mist in the air, rain in the forecast, and the Talkeetna Mountains were barely visible from our kitchen window late Monday morning, I decided to go ahead with my plan and load the kids into the truck for a trip to Independence Mine in Hatcher's Pass. They were there 10 years ago, but of course they don't remember and it is one of those historical landmarks in their backyard that are easily overlooked and never visited by the local population.
 |
| Gus at an abandoned mine shaft. |
Wyatt grabbed a friend to come along, and they lead me around the mining ruins. Like true Alaskan kids none of them complained about the drippy weather, but when I suggested another trail to check out, they suggested we "save" that one for another day. I guess the key to keeping it fun is to wrap it up, before the whining begins, so I agreed and we headed back into Palmer for a late pizza lunch.
 |
Wyatt and Braiden walking toward Independence Mine
Located in Hatcher's Pass, Talkeetna Mountains |
 |
| Gold was mined here in the 1930's - 1940's. |
