Wildflowers & Glaciers

Dear Family & Friends,

Heather & Branson Hatcher Pass

Kitty writing this time:)

We have had a wonderful week. Our youngest daughter, Heather, and her new husband, Branson, came for a visit Wednesday. They were married last August and are expecting a baby boy at the end of October. We saw them at Christmas and it is wonderful to visit with loved ones. We have missed them. We wanted to see some new places and take them to a few of our favorites here in Alaska. 

Portage Lake

We decided to drive to Whittier and take a day cruise. We stopped and took this gorgeous untouched picture at Portage Lake. It was incredibly green, again due to the amount of rainfall. We then drove thru the 2.5 mile Whittier Tunnel. 

Whittier Tunnel going SouthEast

It's the longest highway tunnel in North America. It's a single lane cement road with curbs on both sides and an embedded railroad track. It is lit and there are safe rooms spaced every 1600 feet. It typically goes NorthWest on the hour, SouthEast on the half hour, and the train goes in between times. We queued up in lane one along with all the other cars, trucks, motorcycles, boats, etc. You only pay to go to Whittier and since it's at the end of the line there is no add'l charge to come back. The speed limit was 25mph. It was an experience. That is one huge mountain.

Foggy and green in Whittier

It was rainy and foggy when we left port. We were blessed with some sunshine at one of the 26 glaciers. The crew was great. We met a couple from Heber City, UT while waiting for the tunnel, and a young man serving on the cruise that will be attending BYU Idaho next semester. Everyone is always so polite and friendly. 

Glaciers in Prince William Sound

The boat was quite large, fast, and comfortable. I didn't take anything for seasickness or need to wear a patch. They served salmon chowder for lunch with a roll, butter, coleslaw, fruit snacks, and a peppermint patty. We did see quite a few waterfalls, birds, bald eagles, and sea creatures including otters, whales, Steller sea lions, and harbor seals. Unfortunately, due to the weather it was not quite as spectacular as our other day cruises.

Waterfalls in Prince William Sound

Fishhook Trailhead view

The ride up to Hatcher Pass was just beautiful. It was quite chilly, but we dressed warm. The wildflowers are everywhere covering entire hillsides. The lupines are gone, but red ones have been added to the mix of yellow, purple, pink, & white. 

Independence Mine

There is an old mining town that is now Independence Mine State Historical Park. Many buildings have been restored, but much of it has fallen into disrepair over time. A gold miner was paid $1.04 an hour when gold sold for $35 an ounce in the 1940's. 

Hatcher Pass

It is hard to imagine how green it is here in the summer. It reminds me of what Ireland would look like. The pass is closed in the winter and it looks totally different covered in white. We are so grateful for a Divine Creator and this beautiful world. We heard it's also beautiful in the fall, so we will be back.

Summit Lake Hatcher Pass

We have our report to write tomorrow, Monday, for the Temple project. It is supposed to rain all day, so it was good timing. 

Our dear friend from Mapleton UT, Gary Peterson, passed away Tuesday. He died shortly after being diagnosed with cancer. His three wonderful daughters and their families are in our thoughts and prayers. It comforts me to know he is in Heaven with his wonderful wife, Marilyn. They adored each other. We knew when we left on our mission that we may never see some of our older friends again. We received a notice that meals were being brought into Gary. Farrell reached out to our dear friend, Larry Larsen. He told us about Gary and other ward members. Gary had been texting back and forth over the months here. I sent him a text at 9:40 AKDT that night, "Dear Gary, You are in our thoughts and prayers! Thank you for your valiant testimony. We have enjoyed your friendship over the years. God bless you until we meet again." At 6:02 MST his daughter texted: "This is Kristen. Thanks so much. I read him your text last night. He passed away this morning." I feel so blessed I was able to say goodbye. It is still hard, but we know we will see them again someday. 

We pray you and your families are doing well. Keep in touch. Give your loved ones a big hug tonight. Life is short. #ThinkCelestial

Love always,

Elder & Sister Badger