SUMMER 2002 - TUESDAY


The nice weather continues and on this day our guest are going to visit an old abandonded gold mine. It is located about 65 miles northwest of Anchorage.

Robert Lee Hatcher discovered and staked the first lode gold claim in the Willow Creek Valley in September 1906, and others soon followed. But lode mining was expensive for an individual operator; it required elaborate tunnels and heavy equipment, so companies merged to pool resources and reduce expenses.

For more information about this old mine, click below.

Independence Mine


HATCHER PASS ROAD


Hatcher Pass Road has recently been renovated, but still follows the Little Susitna river which twist and turns its way between the tall mountains.



























Gold was first discovered in 1902 the mine operated till 1943. It is located high in the mountains (elevation 3,500 feet) with very severe winters. Still today that road is impassable during most of the winter.

A panoramic view of the sourrounding area.













Made from higher on the mountain.
An overview of the buildings.


















Richard thinks maybe, a gold nugget or two was overlooked!











Some of the group took the hike up to the old gold shaft - A nice little hike!






Brent and Vicki thinks the hike was invigorating.




















Amanda perched on a rock surveys the beauty.



Amy explores -






















Another picuture of the buildings.
The bunk house where the workers lived year round.











Another Panoramic view











Tuesday evening we all went out to dinner at the Sea Galley. It was a very hot evening and we were seated in front of some glass windows, with the sun burning through. But the food was delicious -












Brian had this photo taken just for his parents!




He says "Dad I ate the whole thing"!
and "yes, Mom I know you taught me table manners".
I think I need some help to get to the car!!!














It was indeed a fun evening!
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