Talkeetna

We waited for a clear day to make a trip up to Talkeetna (about 2 hours north of Anchorage) where we hoped to see Mt. McKinley aka Denali but it never came. Smoke from forest fires and haze from the record heat (highs in the lower 80's) kept the mountain hidden. So, we went to Talkeetna anyway for the Moose Dropping Festival. There are no moose being dropped so I'll let you figure it out. You can thank me later for not purchasing any moose dropping earrings for gifts!

Talkeetna is the town where those attempting to climb Mt. McKinley come to get flights to base camp. The U.S. Ranger Station is located in this building. Inside they have some memorabilia, a video about climbing the mountain, and the boards tracking all of this year's climbers. Climbing season runs from June through mid July when the glaciers get too soft. All climbers are registered and trained here. They track all climbers and any coordinate any rescues. They also maintain camps on the mountain for first aid and other assistance. Mt. McKinley is the highest peak in North America at about 20,000 ft above sea level. It is truly unique because Anchorage, just 100 miles south, is only a few hundred feet above sea level.

Talkeetna is a charming town with several restaurants and pubs and lots of flightseeing operations. They were packed with patrons during the festival. It was a beautiful day and a delighful little town.

Alaska's answer to Sonic. I never did figure out where to drive-in but the picnic tables were full.

This is the Roadhouse. It is well known for great pies and sourdough bread and is somewhat of a legend. We ate lunch here and it was very good.

The walls are covered with tshirts and flags signed by Mt. McKinley climbers and search parties. This is the place they all come to eat. There are also rooms for rent with shared baths and a bunkroom.

There were fun, decorated moose around town that were later auctioned off to benefit the Historical Society of Talkeetna.

This is definitely a "green town". The town announcements are posted under a roof of grass!

There was live music all day in the town square. We really enjoyed listening to the Anchorage Scottish Pipe Band.

The bagpipes weren't keeping this cutie awake!

Or this little rock hugger.

There were lots of fun and unusual booths with Alaska made products.

When can you stand outside eating ice cream cones in Houston without making a mess????

When it's Houston, Alaska! Miller's Market was a great ice cream stop.

We stopped in Wasilla but all we could find was suburbia.....

with mountains in the background......

I think Sarah really is a soccer mom!

The smoke and haze kept us from seeing Denali but they created a fantastic view from the deck where mountains were once in sight.