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Hikers stand next to the 5 mile marker on the Gold Mint Trail at Hatcher Pass, Alaska.  This week I was joined by Evelyn Bunch, Jen Scott and Mary Mystrom.  This group is very fit and I had to work hard to keep up with their pace.  We hiked a total of 10 miles which is a milestone for me this summer.  The wildflowers are blooming in profusion, beaver ponds dot the side of the trail and the sight and sounds of the nearby river make this trail exceptional and one of our favorites!

Gail Niebrugge, Alaska artist

This week five of us tackled the first three miles of the Gold Mint Trail at Hatcher Pass.  Not pictured (taking our photo) is Mary Kate Mayer, and from left to right; Carol Turner, Sue Mues, me, and Mary Mystrom.  What started out as a cloudy cool day turned into perfect, sunny hiking weather.  We all decided that our goal by the end of summer will be to hike all the way to the glacier, a total of nine miles making an eighteen mile round trip.  It was agreed that Hatcher Pass is awesome!

Gail Niebrugge, Landscape artist

The Gold Mint Trail passes alongside a chain of many active beaver ponds. The calm, clear water created perfect reflections of the surrounding alpine peaks perfect to include in a future original landscape painting. We hiked for two hours and vowed to come back soon for a longer trip. The trail was in very good condition and easy to navigate. A great outing!
Gail Niebrugge, Alaska Artist

The Gold Mint Trail meanders up a beautiful valley and follows the Little Susitna River, eventually ending at the headwaters. It was a crisp, overcast day and the sounds of rushing water and birds chirping filled the air. What a wonderful hike! I found many beautiful landscape scenes to photograph for use in future original paintings.
More tomorrow,

Gail Niebrugge, Alaska Artist

The well kept Gold Mint Trail crossed the clear flowing water of Archangel Creek with a beautiful bridge built by volunteers using funds raised by junior middle school classes. We were the only people on the trail this morning. The scenery was spectacular.

More tomorrow,

Gail Niebrugge, Alaska Artist

Just 25 miles away is the scenic alpine country of Hatcher Pass, in the Talkeetna Mountains, and the beautifully maintained public recreation area of Alaska State Parks. At this elevation Spring is two weeks behind, so we dressed a little warmer for our morning hike along the Gold Mint Trail. Since the trees were not fully leafed out, I should have a good opportunity to photograph the landscape along the way for inclusion in future original paintings.
More tomorrow,

Gail Niebrugge, Alaska Artist