If you don’t know much about where I am going – here are a few facts you might find interesting.
The history of Kennicott began in 1900, when prospectors spotted a patch of green hillside that looked like good grazing ground for their pack horses. The grass, as fate would have it, turned out to be the green glint of copper ore. From that incident, a boom town was born. Just 4 miles down the mountain is McCarthy. It has a very colorful history! Since no gambling or drinking were allowed in the mining town of Kennicott, McCarthy evolved as a diversion for the miners, providing saloons and a red light district. At its peak, McCarthy provided services to the area's 800 residents. When the mine closed in 1938, McCarthy, like Kennicott, became a ghost town. Unlike Kennicott, however, McCarthy has always had a few hardy soles who have made it their home.
Location:
The Kennicott-McCarthy area is at the end of the gravel McCarthy Road across the footbridge and 60 miles from the end of the pavement in Chitnia. You can pick up a few supplies in Chitnia, but for real shopping, medical services, gas and the post office you have to go to Glennallen about 125 miles from Kennicott-McCarthy. On a good day it takes 3 to 3 ½ hours to drive from McCarthy to Glennallen. Anchorage to McCarthy is approximately a 6 to 7 hour drive.
Weather:
Alaska can be very changeable. The lodge is at 2200' elevation and sits right next to a glacier. It is in a cul-de-sac surrounded by mountains on three sides. The summer weather is generally good and they get very little wind. On sunny days the temperature may get up to 80 degrees F, with nighttime lows in the 50's. On rainy days, however, the 25 mile long icecube in front of the lodge cools things off to the 40's very quickly! May through August temperatures run 40 to 80 deg. F, and September runs 30 to 60 deg. F.
Clothing & Equipment:
Casual and comfortable clothing is the order of the day here. Outdoor clothing that can be layered for warmth works great. Lightweight hiking boots or walking shoes are suitable, unless you want to do some serious ice or rock climbing. Llight weight rain gear is a must. A hat, gloves, and sunglasses might be welcomed out on the glacier.
Stores:
There are no grocery or general merchandise stores in either McCarthy or Kennicott. There are gift shops, but items like batteries, cigarettes, groceries, and toiletries are not available.
Communications:
McCarthy gets mail service twice weekly (Wed. & Fri.) flown in from the post office in Glennallen. Stamps are not available at Kennicott.
The history of Kennicott began in 1900, when prospectors spotted a patch of green hillside that looked like good grazing ground for their pack horses. The grass, as fate would have it, turned out to be the green glint of copper ore. From that incident, a boom town was born. Just 4 miles down the mountain is McCarthy. It has a very colorful history! Since no gambling or drinking were allowed in the mining town of Kennicott, McCarthy evolved as a diversion for the miners, providing saloons and a red light district. At its peak, McCarthy provided services to the area's 800 residents. When the mine closed in 1938, McCarthy, like Kennicott, became a ghost town. Unlike Kennicott, however, McCarthy has always had a few hardy soles who have made it their home.
Location:
The Kennicott-McCarthy area is at the end of the gravel McCarthy Road across the footbridge and 60 miles from the end of the pavement in Chitnia. You can pick up a few supplies in Chitnia, but for real shopping, medical services, gas and the post office you have to go to Glennallen about 125 miles from Kennicott-McCarthy. On a good day it takes 3 to 3 ½ hours to drive from McCarthy to Glennallen. Anchorage to McCarthy is approximately a 6 to 7 hour drive.
Weather:
Alaska can be very changeable. The lodge is at 2200' elevation and sits right next to a glacier. It is in a cul-de-sac surrounded by mountains on three sides. The summer weather is generally good and they get very little wind. On sunny days the temperature may get up to 80 degrees F, with nighttime lows in the 50's. On rainy days, however, the 25 mile long icecube in front of the lodge cools things off to the 40's very quickly! May through August temperatures run 40 to 80 deg. F, and September runs 30 to 60 deg. F.
Clothing & Equipment:
Casual and comfortable clothing is the order of the day here. Outdoor clothing that can be layered for warmth works great. Lightweight hiking boots or walking shoes are suitable, unless you want to do some serious ice or rock climbing. Llight weight rain gear is a must. A hat, gloves, and sunglasses might be welcomed out on the glacier.
Stores:
There are no grocery or general merchandise stores in either McCarthy or Kennicott. There are gift shops, but items like batteries, cigarettes, groceries, and toiletries are not available.
Communications:
McCarthy gets mail service twice weekly (Wed. & Fri.) flown in from the post office in Glennallen. Stamps are not available at Kennicott.
