The Hatcher Pass Road finally opened on June 28 (it is not maintained during the winter) so we could make our trip from Willow to Palmer.
As we turned on Hatcher Pass Rd. we could see Denali (even though it was overcast today) 166 miles away.
The old bridge crossing Willow Creek
As we approached Hatcher Pass we could see a paraglider.
After landing away from the road and packing up, he walked out.
Most of the snow is gone but Summit Lake near the top of Hatcher Pass gives a nice reflection as well as some ice still floating.
As we watched an instructor gave instructions to a “newbie”
and she really got the “hang” of it
The Hatcher Pass road turns to gravel soon after you turn off the Parks Hwy. at Willow.
and our GPS shows our travel along the road
As we crossed the top of the Pass we were in fog
Luckily this did not last so we got our first view of the valley below
The “Big House” was the mine manager’s home and is now the visitor’s center.
The buildings were all painted a silver color with red trim. He knew that food and lodging would keep miners happy and at work.
The Mess Hall and 2 bunk houses are still standing but now open only if you take one of the tours (when we were here in the past they were open to the public).
The cost of living was very reasonable
but wages were low also.
There were also apartments for married supervisors.
A large generator was used for power which of course Francis found very interesting.
However there was plenty of water to operate some of the equipment
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