Day 55: Chena

June 8, 2014

Today was partly cloudy and pretty warm this morning. We didn't look at the thermometer but was probably in the 40s. It got up into the 70s today and most of the day was nice. There were a few thunderstorms but nothing severe or long lasting.

Our plan for the day was to explore Chena Hot Springs Road – about a 60 mile drive one way - hike, cache and see what the Chena Hot Springs Resort was all about. The road was in good condition. It did have some frost heaves but was not a problem in the truck. If we had been in Fred we would have had to slow down a bit more. It is a very pretty drive, some nice views of mountains, mostly a marshy area close to the road – good moose territory according to everything we had read. However, we did not see any moose.

Sign on community bulletin board at store along the road

We did some caching on the way out and then stopped at the Angle Rocks day use area to hike. We did the Angel Rocks Loop Trail – a little over 3.5 miles – up to the granite outcroppings – elevation increase of 900 feet. The lower portion follows the river and we watched some fisherman caching some small trout. The views from the top were great.

Another red squirrel tormenting Scot

We then went on to Chena Hot Springs Resort and walked around exploring their facility. We also did a little caching there. The time we were there was the time of the afternoon thunderstorms so we elected to defer the hot springs experience for another day. We were actually surprised that they were allowing people to remain in the water with lightning in the area. They are open year round and have a lot of activities available in addition to soaking in the hot springs.

Model T tractor at the resort

It was then back to the RV to get ready for our next adventure. We plan to go to Prudhoe Bay tomorrow. It's the beginning of the oil pipeline at the Arctic Ocean. (Some of us want to stick our toes or fingers in the Arctic Ocean.) It will be the “Ultimate Car-Trapping Road Trip.” We have been given conflicting information on the condition of the road so..... if it is too bad we will just turn around and head back this way. We are not taking Fred so we don't think we will have problems in the truck. It is 498 miles one way. Therefore, we do not plan to post another blog until Wednesday. Hopefully we will have a great adventure to share with you at that time. We would appreciate your prayers for safe travel.