Trapper Creek
Alaska - USA 
Airstreaming  2006

Arrive:   July 27
Depart:  July 29
Road Conditions:  Good
Weather:  Sunny
Miles:  122

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Trapper Creek was not originally on our planned itinerary but after moose fajitas and the challenge to visit Michele's Petersville how could we resist. The ride was easy and we hoped to get views of Denali (Mt. McKinley). We stopped at the south viewing area and there it was, the tallest mountain in North America with only a wisp of cloud interfering - pretty pretty nice.

Trapper Creek Inn and Campground was a pleasant surprise. We had full hookups and wifi, got to meet the owners Darin and Jennifer, and admire Darin's very special toy, a 1989 Lambrogini. That's right a pristine white Lambrogini in Trapper Creek, Alaska. Darin and Jennifer sold a previous business and now are working hard to upgrade the inn and campground and I would assume build a smooth super Audubon in Alaska.

We drove to Talkeetna, about fifteen miles away by road or a short snowmobile ride across the river for Michele in the winter. There is a clear love for winter, hunting, snow, and snowmobiles in this area and four wheeling during the warmer months. The town was cute and filled with good food. Tourists visit by car, bus, and rail and if as lucky as we were they see 'the mountain' - we did it was magic.

Ted was still not feeling well so he could not enjoy the adventure to Petersville. Considering the expected road conditions only Ted and I were going to drive;so down to one vehicle just Mike, Sandy, Kath, and I  made the trip. We left early and headed down  Petersville Road. Just a few miles down the trail there it was, Denali, clear and visible for the third time, magic fits but I already used that word. While we were enjoying the view the McKinley Jeep Backcountry Tour scooted by, three jeeps total. They charge a hundred and forty five dollars per person for up to four people per jeep to drive this road with guided narration using CB radio. Seemed like fun to us to follow and listen in, see what these unsuspecting tourists are getting for their money. We followed their dust and Mike found them broadcasting on channel thirteen, let the entertainment begin. They moved along at a good pace while the leader pointed out things like the soft shoulder, railroad ties buried in the road, an abandoned car, a large puddle, and wild lilies (Kath & Sandy confirmed they were really wild iris). We clearly heard the leader warn them not to exit the jeeps because bears were sighted in the area yesterday and within a short time the jeeps passed us heading back to Trapper Creek. The road is quite narrow  and we were stopped as they inched by us so we asked how they liked the excursion. Customer reaction was mixed, the first jeep driver thought it was a joke the second driver sounded much more enthusiastic although his passengers had that get me out of here look. We arrived at Cache Creek their turn around spot and found a cardboard sign taped to a damaged chair warning of bear. What a scam, they didn't have to pan for gold or serve lunch there as advertised. We did exit the vehicle, took pictures, watched for bears and had a good laugh knowing our tour was free.

We did stop at Michele's house which was boarded up for the summer season. She had given us a note to present to her friend Chuck so he might show us around. Chuck's dog was there in a red truck and we think Chuck was asleep in a nearby tent but we did not disturb him and I would guess we and Chuck are better friends for that.

The Forks Roadhouse is still operating here on the Petersville road about eighteen miles from Trapper Creek. We stopped there for lunch and a chat. Both happily provided by another Chuck who seemed a touch lonely being there all alone. Apparently the busy season for the roadhouse is wintertime when the snowmobiles are lined up and the drivers bending elbows.