We then drove the last mile or two into Talkeetna before stopping for coffee and lunch, then went on a walking tour. The sealed road in Talkeetna is basically L shaped, entering from the top of the 'L', so to speak. There's a railway station, and I gather it is a popular place for tourists to visit during summer. We were there before summer, so mostly had it to ourselves. This is also the last place in the USA where there is a "stop and let me off/pick me up" type train service - as the line heads inland from here.
Talkeetna's welcoming sign. It's located where the sealed road turns left in the 'L'. I received the distinct impression that this town does not take life too seriously.
From the end of the road in Talkeetna. The sign in the above image is at the far end of this street. As you can see, Spring has still not arrived here yet.
A tourist shop selling bird houses and other nick nacks. It wasn't open for the season, although some of their wares are certainly around.
Another business, in a cute log building, of the pioneer style. Even in Washington state, there are companies building houses in this style. I don't know how well insulated they are, and thus heating them might be a bit of a challenge.
Kelly being kissed by a moose! And is she happy :-) Here's what is really happening.
We also spent some time (and money) in the tourist shop, and then had a tour of the museum connected to the shop. We were not charged admission to the museum, as winter visitors get in for free, and this was still officially winter!
Our enjoyable visit to Talkeetna was up, so we hit the road again, returning (via the one road in and out) to Alaska Highway 3, with our destination being the Princess Lodge in Denali State Park.
North to Mount McKinley
Alaskan Tour