One last day trip before leaving Alaska. Tonya decided to take us to nearby Hatcher Pass Summit. It would be an easy ride from the house. Tonya must have scripted the day for this road trip as it was clear and beautiful, which made this trip all the better. Hatcher Pass is a montain pass between the towns of Willow and Palmer running through the southwest part of the Talkeetna Mountains in the Mat-Su Valley. Elevation 3,886 feet. It is named after Robert Hatcher, a prospector and miner. In my opinion, this was one of the more beautiful and picturesque drives of our trip. The pass is open officially from July 4th to October 1st ish...and as long as the road is clear from snow.
Hatcher Pass Lodge is a popular place to stay if you want to take extra time for hiking and exploring this area.
As beautiful as the drive getting to the summit was, it kept getting better. This is one of those spots where you are obliged to have your picture taken. So we did.
Letting go the magic!
At the top of Hatcher Pass is Summit Lake, a glacier fed lake that is turquoise colored.
Driving away from the summit, we spotted this hang glider. How awesome that would be.
Shortly after returning from this wonderful day trip, Boone and I would be driving to Anchorage for the night and making ready for an early morning flight for the 13 hour trip home. I am not sure how I would do in Alaska when daylight only last a little more than an hour a day and the temps are frigid, but I would come back this time of year in a heart beat. Tonya and John were the perfect hosts who showed us Alaska only as locals can by combining touring with life as they live it. I could not have scripted this better.
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