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Nabesna Road, Alaska
23 August 2010 - Monday
We enjoyed a great evening and slept well even though it rained through the night.
Soon after departing our campsite to continue along the Nabesna Road the road surface became gravel. The road was rough and a slow-go. We weren't in a hurry, so no worries.
A grader was maintaining the road at one point and there were numerous hunters out and about as well.
View westward from Nabesna Road from the Kettle Lake campsite at
Mile 16.5 -
N62 35.069 W143 34.014
There are numerous places to pull-off on the way towards Twin Lakes. The ranger at the park entrance had told us the campground at Twin Lakes was closed as it was under construction. So we stopped to check out a roadside campspot by the lake.
View at Twin Lake from the roadside boondock spot at Mile 27.5 -
N62
31.835 W143 15.844
We decided to leave the fifth wheel and continue with just the truck. A park employee pulled in beside us and told us to go to campground and enjoy its amenities. We explained that we'd been told there was no camping there. He responded that the campground was incomplete but funding had dried up, so no construction was ongoing. He reiterated that we should park there.
So we left our roadside spot and pulled into the Twin Lakes recreation site. Found a good spot to leave the fifth wheel, packed a lunch, and headed out with the truck.
The skies were sunny with big cloud banks moving through. It made for interesting lighting.
Looking south west from near Mile 32 -
N62 30.776 W143 10.523
The colours on the mountains were striking.
And the rocky edges were interesting!
Close-up view of the rock-faced mountains to the west of Nabesna
Road
The mountain below was an amazing red colour.
It seemed to
be the rock rather than the fauna.
Colourful mountain viewed from Nabesna Road -
N62 27.645 W143 06.010
Despite the odd lighting, I was loving the photo opportunities through this area!
Mountain view to the west -
N62 27.640 W143 06.007
Towards the end of the road, the skies clouded over.
"Maintenance" must not include keeping the signs upright! -
N62 24.233
W142 59.925
We passed by numerous homes, a B&B, and a handful of bush planes. Then reached a sign indicating the road to the historical mine was private with no trespassing. So we turned around rather than continue to explore further.
As Steve drove back through "town", I took as many pictures of the planes as I could from the truck window. I knew my former-Alaska-pilot friend Joe would appreciate the diversion from the scenery usually displayed here! Joe provided the info about each of these aircraft -- an interesting mix!
This aircraft is a 1968 Piper PA-18-150
See the airfield on Google Maps at N62 23.878 W142 59.709.
A 1951 four-seater Piper PA-18-125 Super Cub, a.k.a. Hulk
Hmmmm - listed as an Ellis Wendell Kirk
Workhorse with a manufacture date of 2007
1946 PA-12
Back near where the State road maintenance ended, there was a lovely spot on the edge of a creekbed. Perfect place for our lunch break!
Looking north from our lunch stop near the end of Nabesna Road
-
N62 24.354 W142 59.899
The peaks surrounding our rest spot were amazing! Even with the misty haze that had settled in, the craggy features created a great lunchroom!
Peaks to the west viewed from our lunch stop
Looking towards the southwest from our lunch stop
Far in the distance to the east were the snow covered Wrangell
Mountains, viewed from our lunch stop
Then back on the road headed north to return to our campspot at Twin Lakes.
View from Mile 35 near the Jack Creek Rest Area
The blue skies returned and the fall colours were highlighted brilliantly.
Looking north near Mile 33.5 on Nabesna Road -
N62 29.279 W143
07.908
Nabesna Road is dirt in some places and gravel in others.
Near Mile 33 on Nabesna Road -
N62 29.434 W143 08.498
Just south of the Sportsman Lodge, the Trail Creek crosses the road. The roadbed was soft but passable when we were there. I was glad we were not towing the trailer!
Trail Creek Crossing near Mile 29 on Nabesna Road -
N62 31.278 W143
12.968
Back at the Twin Lakes recreation site we settled in for the evening.
The parks official who told us we could overnight at the campground came back to let us know he was closing off the gate. He had contacted his "superior" and the decision was made to officially close the campground. Even though it was safe, they were concerned ATV riders would tear up the new gravel roadbase and ruin the progress made thus far. We offered to leave but he said we were okay, and asked that we simply let ourselves out in the morning and replace the gate as we left.
So we had our own little private campground!
Campsite at Twin Lakes on Nabesna Road -
N62 31.785 W143 15.479
Steve, of course, went fishing with the kayak. By 9:30 p.m. he hadn't returned so I headed to the shore to take a look. Took my camera with me as there was still some light in the sky.
Steve coming to shore with his kayak as the sun set on Twin Lakes
Steve caught some grayling. While he cleaned them I continued to take pictures of the setting sun.
Sun setting over Twin Lakes
The sun hit the tree tops and mountains, giving both red highlights. With creative use of ISO640 and 1/80 second shutter speed, I was able to capture a fair bit of detail. I also had to adjust the brightness of the RAW file to reveal the detail.
Looking towards the east from Twin Lakes as the sunset
We had a very nice evening. The area was peaceful.