North in Alaska to Palmer and the gold mining district of Hatcher Pass. Gold was discovered in the late 1800's. Guess Mr. Seward, the secretary of state, who pushed for the purchase of Alaska from the Russians for $7 million. It's hard to imaging the conditions in this remote area in the 1880's and 90's. The little mining community and caretaker's house-turned-museum seemed so tiny and remote.
The road wound by glacial streams. We were surprised by the ice blue color of the water. The glacial melt carries with it lots of minerals. Never seen any water like it.
The first 5 miles were a great 6% grade. Nice, steady, even. Then it turned to 10-14% grade. Work going up but fun coming down.