Journey to Alaska: Episode 10, Exploring Kennecott Mines/McCarthy Alaska
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 26 ก.ย. 2024
- No matter how you spell it, Kenne(i)cott Copper Mine and McCarthy Alaska are worth a visit. This may turn out to be our favorite adventure on our Alaska Journey. The 60 miles of potholes, washboard, frost heaves, dust, rock slides, and one scary bridge made the adventure all the more interesting. We camped for free along and above the Copper River and for $5 in a parking lot near the famous ghost town of McCarthy. The largest National Park in the United States gets relatively few visitors which make it all the more special. We toured the mining community and hiked to the Root/Kennicott Glacier.
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Music in this video is from a subscription with Epidemic Sound:
African Food Truck: Sahara Skylight
Sun Melt Waves: Omann
So Long My Friend, Martin Carlberg
Bloodroot Mountain: River Foxcroft
Want to Move My Feet: Sum Wave
Thanks for dragging me & John along. We enjoyed having Debbie as our personal tour guide. Now my life is complete. lol.
You are doing a great job of covering your experiences in Alaska. Thank you.
Another fun informative video. We loved McCarthy/Keenecott too. The Root Glacier is amazing. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for ur video, im taking notes,, so inteesting,,,
Thank you for sharing, very informative. Taking a trip there in a couple weeks. Been in Alaska 52 years and had never been to McCarthy.
Probably our favorite memories of Alaska.
Thanks again for all the time you 2 have invested in this (particular) video series highlighting B series vans...so informative and 👍
Thank you for bringing along, again! Waiting for the next trip!
Thank you for another great video
Nicely done, thank you for sharing. It certainly is beautiful!
Great and balanced report ;- )
On the way out from MXY (FAA designation for McCarthy) you did indeed camp above one Copper River. So because the Chitina River, which is its real name, means 'Copper' in Native Athabaskan. Near the town of Chitina these two ' Copper Rivers' meet and continue, now twice as strong, down valley and out to sea.
You may have notices too that many of Alaska's rivers end with 'na'. That's because 'na' typically relates to some body of water, like Susitna, Chulitna, Mendeltna, Kuskulana etc etc.
Thanks. I love it when people add to our story.
You guys are doing it Right! Love that Herman is walking so well - the forced exercise was just what the doctor ordered.... AND, you had the right vehicle for sure! :)
How wonderful that you were able to get there! Thank you for sharing your travels and all the tips for travelers 🙂
I would love to go there,,again but this time at road level& sight see the area, many moons ago I had to go way up, by plane, 4 different types of planes, lastly a bush pilot, no camera, clothes & instruments, , so anything seen was from the air... Not surface , so thanks for all your videos , and explanations to go along .. CHEERS FROM NJ 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
I was there more than 25 years ago -- my how things have changed!! Thanks for all the information.
Wow--super trip, and way to go on that hike!
Great job telling the story of your adventure. For those of us who will probably not make the trip you videos allow us to come along with you and John on your trek. Thank you. : )
Grew up in AK. Made the trip to Chitna / McCarthy multiple times for
the Copper R Salmon runs (dip netting). Carried out Kings & Silvers
in backpacks! (My brother fell over and got pinned the by weight of
his salmon pack.)
In the 70s and 80s, the Kuskulana bridge had no guardrails - ouch!
On one trip, our car broke down halfway between Chitna & McCarthy.
Yeah, we survived with make-shift camping and much hiking. A
beautifully wondrous place to be stranded.
At times, a road went all the way into McCarthy. Other times, there was
no road: you crossed the Kennecott R via cable car. July 4
celebrations were crazy. Hardy old-timers spun tales that made your
blood run cold. Truly wild country. Surrounded by mountains, glaciers,
roaring rivers, and abundant wildlife, even the air smelled WILD.
In March of '83, a serial killer terrorized McCarthy. Six people
killed. Roads snowed in and no phones. Sad.
Exploring the Kennecott mine was magical - before it became a National
Landmark. Still great, but a little touristy. Got to hand it to those
early copper miners - they were freakin' tough.
** Thanks for bringing back Great memories. **
I couldn't have driven that bridge if it hadn't had guard rails. And the story of the murders was hair raising.
Thanks for sharing! Another great video
Perfectly done! Sooooo glad you went!
quite an adventure you two are having. thanks for sharing and all the good info.
Another great video on the Alaska adventure. Fabulous job!
So cool 😎
Very nicely narrated. You had better weather than we did. It was raining on our drive in and during our mine tour. So we weren’t tempted stay the extra day to do the glacier walk. The food at the Potato in McCarthy was surprisingly good. For an extra thrill there is a catwalk under the Kuskulana River Bridge. Also, I recommend picking up a free CD audio tour of the McCarthy road at the Wrangell-St. Elias visitor center or the Chitina Ranger station. Safe travels.
Thanks for the suggestions. We didn’t learn about the cat walk until it was too late. Another excuse to go back. 😁
That bridge used to not have any guardrails at all. That was back when it was really fun.
I heard and so glad they were added. Hope to go back again.
Excellent video as always, thanks for sharing :)
Another great video! Please do an update episode on what worked & what didn’t work with all of your modifications & preparations. (Outdoor shower, curtains, mosquito prep., shelf above the driver & passenger seats, refrigerator fans, WiFi booster, packing, etc) Look forward to seeing each of your new videos! Safe journey!
Absolutely I will do that when we get back.
Your vids are so interesting and packed with great ideas and info. Thank you for taking us along on the journey with you. Shooting and editing is a lot of work.
Really enjoyed this video, packed with interesting information with beautiful beautiful scenery. Your doing an excellent job with your editing. Everything is beginning to blend together seamlessly.
Thanks Don but that’s a lot of pressure on me.
Great info, beautiful scenery!
I'm really enjoying your videos! Such helpful and beautiful content! I'm taking notes to help with planning our 2021 trip to Alaska.
WE RODE FROM CHITNA TO MCCARTHY ON 4-WHEELERS. MY WIFE RODE ON THE BACK OF MINE..........SHE'S A TROOPER!!! We rode them on the trails by the Copper Mine. AWESOME trip.
I was just re-watching clips from that trip. I want to go back!
So glad you made the trip! Isn't it wonderful? My husband and I took our very first date trip there, so it holds a special place in my heart. Sorry about the locals, but I have to admit I'm one of them! We just keep on trucking! If you blow through Delta Junction on your way out of Alaska, let me know!
Wow, what a first date! That’s awesome.
I have to admit that I was driving more like a local on the way down.
@@FromShetoMe Good for you! For me, the scariest part was right near the Copper River. It just drops straight off, doesn't it? And they've improved the road sooo much. You used to see rails and ties and spikes all over the place, plus that curve before the Kuskulana Bridge has been blasted to make it easier to navigate. It used to be very narrow and very blind!
Yes, that loose soil gives way so easily. But much improved overall. It’s getting very popular.
@@FromShetoMe Next you need to head to the Nabesna Road. If you're heading toward Tok from Glennallen, it is off the Tok Cutoff. Another fantastic place that ends at a mine. Nothing like Kennecott though. Just beautiful and remote
@@BirchLeafPhotography We read about that. We'll just have to save it for next time.
Another Great video, thanks Ken for mentioning this place to them! I was thinking the whole time before I saw your comment, what about rented RV's, ya think they would be allowed to travel there.
I think not. Probably small print in the contract.
Tks again for great footage & info. Looks like you finally escaped the mosquitoes, didn’t see any circling your
head. 👍
Very light the last part of the trip.
I haven't related to previous "Go to Alaska" video series by other RVers, but you've changed my mind. Every video is gorgeous and well constructed with tons of useful detail. They're a great balance between vicarious road-tripping and thinking I might do this myself. So thank you!! Totally off topic - I gotta say the ads before this video were really fun! Watched them both all the way through -- with pleasure this time rather than just to support the channel. Is it that TH-cam has stepped up its advertising game? Anyway a win-win for TH-cam channels.
That's funny because I was just discussing TH-cam ads with our son. I hope youtube has stepped up. We have a premium account so we don't see any ads but you always hope that the ads aren't offensive or obnoxious.
Kathy DeCree Did anyone talk about the TV show about McCarthy called "The Edge of Alaska" It's on Discovery or Destination Channels. That's what the show was about, rebuilding the town by the owner of the Saloon and Hotels. I'm glad you shared your trip.
I’ll have to see if I can find it. Thanks.
my four letter word is 'envy'
Awesome, we are visiting in 3 weeks! When did you visit?
July 21-24
Great info! Oh my, this makes me want to go there even more!! We really enjoy your telling the story then seeing it ~ quite entertaining!
I met an old dude from Findland one time, he kept bitchin about "I got to get back to copper country, der watch you coll". I had no freaking idea what the old dude was talking about. After he died in 2016 the barmaid told me he used to work at the Kennicott Copper mine. Hell we were in Adak Island AK. Kennicott would be over 1600 miles by sea. The old bastard used to get drunk and just kept saying "I got a get back to copper country, der watch you coll". The old boy was 102 when he died. Now I guess we all know what he meant. I wished the bar on Adak was still open so I could tell the other patrons.
LOL. He must have had some stories to tell.
@@FromShetoMe yeah he was a character
Thanks for the great "Armchair Adventure"! WE appreciate how much work that takes. . I might have missed this but: What is the inspiration for the name of your channel "From She to Me"? I looked on the About page and couldn't find anything.
It’s from a favorite poem called A Bridge Across Time. The last stanza:
I'll live my life and when It's done
I'll live again in those to come.
For I'm a bridge from she to me;
from those that were, to those to be.
@@FromShetoMe Thanks for the reply! Now we know!
That is beautiful. Ty
Awe...love the poem AND love your talents. Thanks for sharing. Your videos and others...my new pastime!
4 letter word (charades) food, help, nice. Was it one of these words you said??
Soooo, it’s quite possible you and another car going the opposite direction could be a couple hundred feet onto the bridge before you both decide,... hey... who’s backing up?
Not I! 😅
And what if both are pulling a trailer, Wow!
The reason for the washboarding road is folks blowing the speed limit and driving too fast.
These are a great series of videos and an excellent trip planning resource! Two questions: 1. The suspension upgrade looks to be working very well. Have you noticed a significant decrease in mileage? 2. We also have a Pleasureway and thus no spare tire. Have you others who have had flat tires up there? Thank you very much for the videos it is much appreciated.
Thanks for your kind words. I know one of our subscribers had a flat on a mountain road in Oregon and said he is now going to get a spare but my data set is very tiny when it comes to reports of flats in AK. As far as the mileage goes, we have probably gone down about 2 mpg but don’t mind because now we have peace of mind. I wish I could tell you precisely but the odometer would need to be re-calibrated (due to larger tires) which we may or may not do.
@@FromShetoMe If you really care, you can check your odometer against a gps for speed or distance. Do the math to determine what percentage you are under and then apply that to your mpg calculations. I suspect it didn't affect your actual milage and the "off road" tires and extra clearance were surely worth it for your adventure. I'm loving your vids from the road. We lived in Anchorage for 7 years, but still missed the trip to Kennecote.
We figure our odometer registers about 5% fewer miles. We also know we are off because our Garmin tells us our speed which doesn’t match the speedometer but you are correct that it was worth the trade off. Another factor is how much biodiesel is blended into the fuel we are buying. They are allowed some leeway but never disclose the precise amount. Of course we always avoid the B20 stuff. When we get home we’ll add it all up and share. 😁
@@FromShetoMe Thank you for the follow up. We are looking at the Agile RIP now. Have a good trip!
On the 2020 trip plan now. 😀 Can you take your dog to the mine/town via the shuttles? Love Wrangell/St. Elias along with Kulane parks. Enjoy!
No because it is a National Park. But they are allowed in McCarthy. Would have to keep them in your car and it was quite warm when we were there.
From She to Me Thanks and forgot it was a national park. Will figure it out when we get closer to being there.
Not on the shuttles, but you can walk the 0.7 miles with them across the bridge into McCarthy. McCarthy has signs to watch for free range dogs and children and we saw quite a few there. Also, an enterprising local girl had posted a sign in the shuttle office about dog watching, but wouldn’t count on it for next year.
Kx RV66 thank you.
Hilarious!!
Why was John Denver running around in Alaska in the first place ?
I can only guess that he loved Alaska. He wrote at least two songs about Alaska: Alaska and Me, The Wrangell Mountain Song.
@@FromShetoMe Oh my gosh! He did sing Alaska and Me. It completely escaped my memory. It's such a good song. Thanks for reminding about this song. I'll add this song to my music playlist.
You want “real Alaska “? You have to see Kodiak island! Alaska’s best kept secret! Simple.😉
For sure. Next time!
Hi. Enjoying your Alaskan adventures! We are interested in getting a spare tire mounted on our Pleasureway Lexor. What kind do you have? Are you happy with it? Thanks so much 🙏🏻
We have a Wilco swing hitch but there are cheaper options. We like it very much.
Another great video. Where did you get your screens for your van so that you can leave the doors open without bugs getting in?
They came with the van but there are after market options. Check the Sprinter Store. I think they might have them.
@@FromShetoMe we don't have a van but a travel trailer. The door has a screen door but there's a door in the rear to access the storage under the bunk and was thinking it would be nice to have airflow there for the kiddo but needs a screen :) I'll Google. :)
That’s a tough one. But I bet someone out there has a solution.
Can dogs go on the shuttle?
Since they can’t go to the National Monument they wouldn’t be allowed on the shuttle from McCarthy to Kennecott but I don’t know about the shuttle from the footbridge to McCarthy. But it is a short walk to McCarthy.
I really hate Cheap Tourists who spend 10's of thousands of $$$ on "gear" and then complain about a $10 bus ride or $6 ice cream. Don't be cheap, leave big tips and these things will always be here for your return visit with your new family and kids in 10 years.
People want to know what to expect when they travel and we aren’t cheap. Just yesterday John left a $23 tip for a $13 haircut.
Thank you for telling it as it is good or bad . Nice tips and info. Love that poem. Be safe.
Poor people from McCarthy, they didn't want tourism, and now they are flooded with tourists.
Of course I drive rental cars on these roads and NZ has many oneway bridges so why is Debbie wimping out on this easy oneway bridge. You must be running out of thing to say by now. 🤣
Most rental car companies have excluded roads in their contracts. This is one of them. There is no AAA or roadside assistance or towing, no cell service and no phones! There is one telephone on a post at the footbridge, and it is a satellite phone
Your videos are great! So informative to help with thinking about issues with a future trip. Thanks!
Is that a Texas Longhorn cap/visor you're wearing as you cross the footbridge at about 6:50? Hook 'em! UT grad (1970).
My niece was the first female drum major there. I just picked up the visor on a trip to visit her and it has become a favorite.