Sam And Saundra's Second Time Around - Part 70

Sam And Saundra’s Second Time Around – Part 70

 Alaska

8/4/11-8/19/11 – Talkeetna

Silvers are not in. We decide to do some sightseeing.  We check out the Hatcher Pass turn off from the Parks Highway, but the clouds are too close to the ground to make that worthwhile.  We will try that one a little later.  We drive towards Fairbanks to see if the mountains are on view in that direction.  Spying Mt. McKinley is still on our ‘To See’ list.  Unfortunately, the clouds are not going to leave us alone. The mountains have taken a vacation from prying eyes.  I begin to feel like we have our own personal rain cloud.  So, we turn off on the road to Talkeetna.  Talkeetna is famous for being the home of ‘The Daughter’ of Pete and Judy.  More great friends from the Mexico caravan group.  (They did not make it to Alaska this year – but are regulars.) Talkeetna is a village, so by definition, can nestle. Nestle between the Talkeetna Mountains and the Susitna River.  The road that goes into the village is the same one that leaves it. It really is in the middle of nowhere. The village itself is a mix of old, older and new-that-is-made-to-look-old rustic buildings. Some are residences, some are regular businesses, but most are local arts and craft shops, sprinkled with specialty food stops. 

'City' Sign

Sam and I were on a quest to find ‘The Daughter’.  We have no idea what her name is, or the name of the shop. Memory lapse. Armed with the names ‘Pete and Judy’, we start the walk down the main village roadway that ends at the riverbank. We window shop, almost buying a quilted wall art piece that included absolutely beautiful and amazing … salmon.  We discussed, milled around, talked and finally asked ‘How much?’  We did not buy.  But thought about it.  We ended up buying some almonds, mainly because the sellers little girls were so cute and very good at drawing your attention to their stall. We knew that ‘The Daughter’ was an artist who did quite well with her sales from the art shop.  There were several art shops.  We walked into one some distance from our starting point.  It appeared to be a fairly new large building, as the boards were unpainted but not weathered.  A cardboard sign told all that it was an art shop.  We entered.  Really nice art work of all sorts.  Water color, oils, acrylics, wood, cloth, woven, beads, jewelry, Wall hangings, cards, and lots and lots and lots.  Good, good quality. Looked and looked.

 The young girl at the counter finally became free and we asked her if she happened to know Pete and Judy.  And she did!  She was their granddaughter.  We were stunned that with so many options we walked into the right shop first time.  We talked for a short time.  Her mom was not available, but she was adorable.  We did not think to ask her name.  Gotta tell you Pete and Judy – what a very beautiful, articulate and plain nice granddaughter you have.  We told her ‘Hi’ from you.  We finished off our Talkeetna experience with a famous cinnamon role from a café and rock-hunting on the rocky shores of the river.  Pockets, arms and tummies full, we return to camp. Good day trip.