Talkeetna
We are happily settled at the Topnotch log yard about four miles from the center of Talkeetna. Topnotch is owned by Arthur Mannix and his brother for whom Carlisle works. We have been so lucky to have blue skies and sunshine. Bucky has been busy designing our cabin and picking up materials at the local hardware store. He has had a bit of sticker shock with the cost of lumber, but the folks have been most helpful. Tomorrow or the next day, Sam, said to be the most handsome man in Talkeetna, will begin working on the driveway. I'll let you know my opinion. Once the drive is in and a pad created for the Greyhawk, we will be able to relocate onto our own land. In between planning for the cabin, we put Lisle's boat into the Talkeetna River where it stays moored. The large rivers in Alaska are primarily glacial fed so they carry silt caused when the glaciers begin their summer melt. This makes them look much like concrete. In the Fall, when the glaciers lock-up or no longer melt, the rivers clear and look more like VT rivers.
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| Arthur and Bucky on logs Carlisle peeled. |
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| Lady , Carlisle's 13 year old Alaskan husky helping out. |
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The glacial flour of the Talkeetna.
At present, the salmon are few and far between. The escapement of King Salmon has been very low which has meant the closing of many rivers for King fishing. The Sockeye numbers are said to be high so we anticipate some good fishing once the water goes down. On my trip to the post office this morning I took a few quick pictures of downtown. I think there are better ones in the archive. Town is crowded with tourists looking at Denali which has been white against the blue sky.
Denali looking down on me as I head across the tracks into Talkeetna.
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Main Street Talkeetna and the famous Roadhouse. It's here that we can take showers, use the internet and between certain hours, use their washing machines. It's a great place for coffee and baked goods and has been lodging and serving travelers since the Gold Rush. In the distance, is the equally famous Fairview Inn which has been aiding to the alcoholism of Alaskans for at least as many years.
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| One of the original and oldest cabins in Talkeetna being restored by Arthur Mannix |
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| A typical cabin in town with the 4 wheeler used to get around rather than a car. |
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Looking at the swollen Susitna River which lies at the end of Main Street. Talkeetna was settled where the Sustitna, the Talkeetna and the Chulitna Rivers meet.
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| The dreaded tour buses and train ferrying tourists for the day. |
