Haines, AK

August 7th, 2014 Today after breakfast we lingered over our coffee. I saw the ranger drive through the camping loop and heard him stop. He knocked on our door! Apparently we hadn't posted our paid camping receipt on the proper hook. It was on the dashboard of the cab instead. Not a problem, and we had a friendly chat comparing wolvarine like dog prints in our site. We secured the camper and headed down to the boat launch in the inlet below us. From the ranger's station viewing deck we could see the mountain peaks and more glaciers in the depressions between them. Down below at sea level we hiked around the stony beach and picked up some drift wood in hopes of a campfire soon. We started driving back uphill, stopping about half way up at a parking area for the Seduction Point Trailhead. We were overdue for a good hike. Although the trail was 7 miles long to the point, it looked like we could get back along the inlet within a mile or two.

The trail through the woods (Western Hemlocks and Sitka Spruce) was dark and moist but well maintained. It had several stream crossings most of which had wooden bridges, boardwalks or steps up muddy inclines. It seemed almost tropical. After about a mile we came to Moose Meadows which opened up to the Chilkat inlet. We continued for another 1/4 mile or so to sit on a large driftwood tree trunk wedged in the shale stones, taking in the secenery. We had our lunch snack (a granola bar) and lots of water. We were rather sweaty and the cool ocean breeze dried us quickly. We decided we had gone far enough. It became about a 2 hour hike once completed. With a 14% grade to exit the campground Bob used the 4 wheel drive. We easily climbed the hill to the exit. It was the first time we had the truck in 4 wheel drive!

In town we headed to the information center. I got the scoop on a big vegetable and fruit sale in town. We stopped in for a few items on our way to the Radio shack. Once at the Radio Shack, I discovered that our issue was not with our charger. We had apparently blown a fuse in the camper. Next we were off to the Haines Brewing Co. It is located on the old movie set which was built for the 1991 film White Fang in the Haines State Fair Grounds. The Fair was just last weekend!

The Haines Brewing Co has 4 regular brews and 4 additional barrels on tap at present. We sampled all 8. All were very good. Their most unusual was called Spruce Tip. The flavor comes from a developing bud which would become a cone. Bob thought it was a bit strong tasting but I enjoyed it. There beers were so good we ended up buying 2 one liter mini growlers, the Spruce Tip and a Black Fang which is a wonderful porter/stout. During our visit the Mayor of Haines and one of the states US Senators (both women) stopped in. The Senator is on a committee trying to bring sensible laws to micro brewing. She is a Republican but Bob still enjoyed listening to their conversations. I stay out of all politics. Instead I enjoyed the young man who was so excited about his finding prime Boleet mushrooms that he shared with anyone who was interested in a few. Check out the T-shirt of the darker haired recipient of these treats! We headed to the opposite inlet and Chilkoot Lake State CG. Very nice! We will spend the next 4 nights here.