August 1st and 2nd, Nebesna Rd to Kendesnii Campground

Today after breakfast we took the loop road through Copper Center. We checked out the museum and some of the original buildings. The history of this area, like the entire state is extremely interesting. Human perseverance through incredible hardship was the order of the day.

Next we were off for the short 8 mile drive up the Richardson HWY to Glennallen for gas. The gas station was a zoo with cars everywhere waiting in line. We saw a gas sign on the highway so we continued north for easier access to gas. Almost a giant mistake! The station the sign was touting 200 yards north was closed for business! About 15 miles up the road in Galkana, where the Tok Cut off turns east, our MilePost assured us of another station. Off we went. Soon our low fuel light came on. Bob began to worry that we wouldn't make it back to Glennallen if there was no gas at Galkana. Not to worry! The station had gas, no lines and even a few cents cheaper than Glennallen. A nice elderly woman was running the store. She lamented the loss of many small stores and stations to the bigger boys. I question how much longer this place will be in business.

With no further excitement we were off to the northern entry point into the Wrangell-St. Elias (WSE) National Park (NP)and Preserve. A quick stop at the ranger station for info and a stamp, then down the Nebesna Rd. to free camping! We just had to go slow enough to allow this Prickly Porcupine to cross first. August 2nd, 2014 Today our plan was to take a hike of several miles. We wanted a hike that would allow us improved views of the beauty surrounding us. There were several options available. We settled on the Caribou Creek Trail.

This trail is 3 miles each way. It ends at a public use cabin. There is a relatively easy 800 foot rise along the way. The parking area is .3 miles from the trailhead. It seemed relatively easy but for some reason we were both pretty whipped when we were done. One reason may have been the mile plus section of trail that was full of tree roots. You definitely had to pick up your feet. We also had to cross a stream bed 2 or 3 times each way. The cabin at the top was very nice There was also an outhouse up away from the cabin. There was a bench on the front porch. Bob took the bench while I chose sitting on the porch steps with my legs resting more comfortable on the stairs. We sat and rested enjoying the view for a good while. I took a few more pictures. We both were very glad to get back to the camper. We cleaned up and cooled off and headed back to the Kendesnii Campground. A 2nd quiet night was anticipated. We made an easy supper and walked over to the pond just over the hill. We quickly spotted a bald eagle fly over our heads into the tree tops. This eagle and another in the area watched us and kept an eye out over the lake below. There was a family of Trumpeter Swans with 3 cignets across the lake. (always on the other side!)

We then walked over to the ampha-theater for the Saturday night Ranger Talk. This was on Lt. Allen who was the first to successfully survey the region and name principle peaks and rivers. While sitting in the talk a man approached from the side and pointed to me (come here gesture with bending finger) Me??? Yep, he had scoped out our campsite as the only one with a dry flat area in the dry tundra beside the parking area/picnic table and firepit. He asked if we were willing to share! Well, we said yes and he and his two sons pitched their 2 tents. It was relatively quiet. They left quietly at 8am sharp ( when quiet hours were 10pm to 8am here).

We lingered over breakfast then headed back down the road to it's entrance back on the Tok Cut-off. We dropped off our Informative/discriptive CD at the Ranger's station we had listened to pertinent facts along the way. Wondering if Aaron knows if these mushrooms are edible?