susannefortune

On our way to Hatcher Pass we stopped to visit Independence Mine, a gold mine of the early 1900’s.  This was  a visit to reality of big hopes and dreams or maybe just to work and survive.  The ruins of the mining area are still present.  The living quarters, what looked like dormitories, housed the miners and lead engineers.  The bleak conditions were a reminder of how determined these men were.   Some make it and some didn’t.   At that time, what other choices did they have?   The danger was haunting for me in this mining area as we walked the path yet still embraced by the beautiful mountains.

Physically we were there in the evening, in the clouds, surrounded by the gorgeous mountains, refreshed by the clean air, but mentally one’s heart had to feel the danger for these miners and their determination.