Day 43
Wednesday, July 19
Palmer, Alaska

Today we took a tour of the Palmer Visitor Center and the Colony House Museum. At the Colony House we learned about the resettlement program started by FDR and federal government during the Great Depression.  
 

More than 200 families came to the Alaskan Colony in 1935. Close to half of them left after the first year, and replacement families were sent to take their place. One of the reasons for choosing this area in Alaska is because it is in the Matanuska-Susitna River Valley and this part of Alaska is particularly suited to agricultural activities. The growing season in the Mat-Su Valley is 100 - 118 days, and this climate produces unusually large vegetables. Palmer is famous for its 100 lb. cabbages.

The Visitor Center gave a history of Palmer and the Mat-Su Valley as a related to prospecting, coal mining, the Colony, the military.

Following these tours we went to lunch at the COlony Inn Cafe. We had croissant sandwiches, salad and ice cream. Good Lunch

After lunch we took a tour to the Alaska Musk Ox Farm.  

This farm is dedicated to trying to domesticate Musk Ox. Currently they have about 165 musk ox on the farm. They comb the musk ox each spring for the thick undercoat of hair (qiviut). This qiviut is extremely light, but very warm and effective against wind. 

An ounce of qiviut sells for about $25 per ounce before it is spun into yarn. Needless to say, garments made of qiviut are very expensive.

We returned to the RV park about 2:45. Jenna is doing laundry while I complete the blog. I am having trouble getting on the internet here so I'm not sure when this will be posted. We have a travel briefing at 4:30 and a social at 5:00.

Tomorrow we head for Valdez. We have lots of exciting activities scheduled for Valdez, but we have 260 miles to go before we get there. I'll brief you on that drive tomorrow. Till then - Happy Trails!!