Matanuska

July 22, 2012  Matanuska

We packed up and left the Black Spruce campsite this morning in a chilly rain, but the weather improved greatly as we traveled east on the Glenn Highway.  We stopped in Chugiak for fuel because Gary had discovered that it was 18 cents cheaper there than in Anchorage.  That was quite a savings!

The scenery along the Glenn Highway was beautiful, especially the closer we got to the Wrangell-St. Elias Mountains. 

We stopped to look for Dall sheep on Sheep Mountain, but couldn’t find a single one.  

Sheep Mountain along the Glenn Highway

There was an overturned truck and U-Haul trailer along the side of the road, but it appeared that no one was badly injured so we pushed on.  I did call 911, but they had already been notified.  

We stopped for the stunning views of the Matanuska Glacier which is 27 miles long!  

The Matanuska Glacier

There was a nice 1 mile hike up to a couple of overlooks so we took the dogs and headed out.  It was a fun hike and great sightseeing, but it was VERY buggy!   A pleasant surprise was running into Jim and Lana, a couple we have crossed paths with at several points on this trip.  They are from Tampa.  It was fun catching up on their adventures and sharing ours.  After we finished our hike we had lunch then headed down the road again.  

At the Matanuska overlook

On the trail.

Happy hikers!

We are camped tonight in a turnout about 15 miles from Glennallen.  There is nothing here but woods and animal trails.  I walked a short distance into the woods and found some animal bones.  That made me decide to return to the RV and forgo any more exploring.  

With no hookups, no internet, and no TV, we turned in early and will head for Valdez tomorrow.