Independence Mine and the Musk Ox Farm

A less strenuous day today.  We drove up the Hatcher Pass to Independence Mine.  The drive is lovely as the road follows the Susitna River up the Valley.

The gold mine was started in the 1890's and active until WW11.  Many of the buildings remain but the working areas have fallen to ruin.

We picked up lunch from the supermarket and had it on the balcony of the B and B ( yesterdays title picture) before heading off to the Musk Ox farm.  It was started by a single man bringing Musk Ox over from one of the western Alaskan Islands to see if they could be domesticated and made profitable.  Today they are used for their undercoat - qiviut ( a great scrabble word until I realised you still need a "u"  for the "q") this is then spun and made into wool - gram for gram it is said to be 8 times warmer than sheep wool and also much softer.

Two month old Musk ox

We are having a bit of down time this afternoon to regather our strength for more touristy things to come.

Colette, the owner of the house took James down to see her sheep and feed the lambs.  She collects their wool, spins it and sells at the Alaskan State Fair.

Dinner last night was at Turkey Red in Palmer. After a diet of family restaurants this was a welcome change.  The food was fantastic - I had chicken marinaded in sherry and figs and sauted veggies (very moist and tender) and James had a ham and portobello pizza ( wonderful crust).