Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Everyday for 7 Weeks–Day 17–Fairbanks to Palmer

I left Fairbanks early in the morning after many goodbye’s. I hopped on the Parks Highway and headed south towards Anchorage. It was a bit cold, but there really wasn’t much wind. The bright sunny, blue skies were a nice treat.

Everyday for 7 Weeks - Day 17 - Fairbanks to Palmer

The Parks Highway aka AK 1 isn’t a highway in the sense of highways in the lower 48.

Everyday for 7 Weeks - Day 17 - Fairbanks to Palmer

In fact, really none of the roads that bear the name “Highway” are the four-lane divided sort that someone from Minnesota might be used to. They are almost all two lane roads with a speed limit between 55 and 65MPH.

Everyday for 7 Weeks - Day 17 - Fairbanks to Palmer

As the Parks Highway leaves Fairbanks it climbs up into the hills and winds its way south along the ridge line. There are great views on either side into the valleys. The East side is the best since it has beautiful snow covered mountains.

Everyday for 7 Weeks - Day 17 - Fairbanks to Palmer

I watched those mountains until I got to Denali National Park. Then they were quite close to the road, and the “big one” was directly ahead.

Everyday for 7 Weeks - Day 17 - Fairbanks to Palmer 

From the moment I saw it, I thought, “Wow, that is a big mountain. It looks good too.” It wasn’t until a few more miles down the road that I realized I had been staring at Denali aka Mt McKinley for so long. From the north I could just make out the top peeking out through the little clouds. The view from the southern viewpoint is best however.

Everyday for 7 Weeks - Day 17 - Fairbanks to Palmer

I stopped for a lunch break at the Chatmon rest ( think that was the name anyways).

Everyday for 7 Weeks - Day 17 - Fairbanks to Palmer

I followed the road to the back in search of a picnic table to enjoy my tastiness. I found one after crawling over a eight foot snow bank and wading through four feet of snow. I didn’t realize the snow was so deep, until after my third step at which time I sank up to my waist.

Everyday for 7 Weeks - Day 17 - Fairbanks to Palmer

That’s when I found out that motorcycle boots and pants work great as snow gear. I didn’t get any snow in my boots! I sunk up to my waist many more times until I made it the 40 feet to the table.

Everyday for 7 Weeks - Day 17 - Fairbanks to Palmer

It was in the sun with a great view of two mountains and a little creek. Awesome. Even better, I had the whole place to myself since everyone else stopped at the main area near the road.

Everyday for 7 Weeks - Day 17 - Fairbanks to Palmer

I also visited the Alaska Veteran Memorial. It was nice with a great view of the mountains. See the full flickr album for the writing on each sign.

Everyday for 7 Weeks - Day 17 - Fairbanks to Palmer

I spent the night with my family in Palmer.

Everyday for 7 Weeks - Day 17 - Fairbanks to Palmer

A really beautiful area just north east of Anchorage and surrounded by mountains.

Everyday for 7 Weeks - Day 17 - Fairbanks to Palmer

After dinner, we went to Hatcher Pass and got these more shots and video.

Everyday for 7 Weeks - Day 17 - Fairbanks to Palmer

a small creek nearby

Everyday for 7 Weeks - Day 17 - Fairbanks to Palmer

love the berries in this shot.

Everyday for 7 Weeks - Day 17 - Fairbanks to Palmer

 

Day 17 Full Flickr Album (110 pics!)

 

Today's Route:


View Larger Map

 

Video: Lunch in Denali State Park

 

Video: Hatcher Pass Near Palmer Alaska

8 comments:

  1. Looks like great weather. Today, I got rain and snow for 170 miles before it cleared up. I did get to see the top on McKinley from the viewpoint south of Denali State Park. I can't wait to see the Seward pictures...

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    1. I did have great weather. Some of the best of the trip. A shame you didn't get to enjoy a whole day of sunshine as well. I found your snow today on the way to Tok. you can have it back. haha.

      Seward... just wow.

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  2. Isn't the world a wonderful place? And did you have a gorgeous view. Denali always gets me! We booked a float plane ride from Anchorage and flew over. It was fantastic! Thanks for the memories, and safe continued travels.

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    1. It is. I saw the the float planes on the lake near Anchorage. I was tempted to hire one to fly me around. Next time, and then I'll get my wife to pay. hehe.

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  3. Chris:

    beautiful scenery. I liked the flowing water shots. I'm getting cold just looking at them. The roads look so empty

    ride safe
    bob
    Riding the Wet Coast
    My Flickr // My YouTube

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    1. Alaska is chock full of great scenery. Such a great place.

      The roads were empty; I like it. I am expecting a big shock when I get stuck in Vancouver/Seattle traffic.

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  4. Sinking into the snow makes me think of being in Northern Alberta and taking off snowshoes and sinking up to the waist with the first step. Good times.

    It is nice you were able to have the place to yourself for lunch and could just enjoy the serenity.

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    1. I had to laugh when I sank the first time. I was pretty tired though by the time I made it to the table. I was more careful walking out and made sure to smoosh the snow before stepping on it, so I didn't sink.

      Loving the beautiful scenery/serenity moments for lunch.

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