10- Hope is probably the coolest place in Alaska, Eklunta orthodox cemetary

The influence of the Russian Orthodox Church on the native population is nowhere clearer than in Eklunta.

The new St Nicholas Church built next to the original in 1972 with our RV in background

Here there is clear evidence of the mingling of the two cultures. There isn’t much here except for an old church and unusual cemetery with the unique spirit houses that are about the size of a large dollhouse and placed over the remains of the deceased in the graveyard. Eklunta was the site of many Athabascan Indian Villages and the graveyard contains the remains of only those who are descendants of the Dena’ina tribe. Personally I found the place really creepy but given its historical significance we needed to include it.

The old St Nicholas church relocated from knik in 1897. Now the subject of an ongoing restoration project.

Turnagain Arm

Turnagain Arm is a waterway into the northwestern part of the Gulf of Alaska. It is one of two narrow branches at the north end of Cook Inlet, the other being Knik Arm.

This was our second day of real WOW factor. The vistas are stunning, all helped by the re-appearance of the sun after a few low cloud days. Once the clouds dissipate it becomes clear just how big and steep the mountains are.

On the north side of the inlet a short distance south from Anchorageat Beluga Point looking across toward Hope. The railroad line to the ports of Seward and Whittier run next to the road along the coast.

Hope

Driving from Anchorage south to Homer we were struck by the volume of traffic. It wasn’t high by British standards but there were a lot more people on the move heading south than we expected to see. We saw the sign for Hope and not knowing anything about the place decided to check it out. This involved a 16 mile detour up a road that went nowhere else. Our theme for this part of the trip is ‘destination unknown’ so we took a chance and wow, have we reaped the benefits.

Tim Easton and his band were fantastic against this stunning backdrop

There is a special vibe here. We’ve had several people say “welcome to Hope”. It seems the sort of place people chance upon and then decide to stay. Its a real old world place, year round residents 150 but beautiful and slightly off the beaten track. Friendly people and plenty of places for refreshment.

Bizarely we have chanced upon the local music festival which is due to happen tonight (Thursday) and preparations and sound checks are well under way. It promises to be fun.

Hope RV parking in the distance at right. This place is called Sea View.
Along the Turnagain Arm shore at Hope… stunning at sunset which was 9:30PM btw
Resurrection Creek runs right through Hope. This time of year it rips. I was tempted to find a shovel and pull apart some of the collapsed bank in search of the elusive yellow metal
Coldwater Lodge and Market RV spot. Nice and small. That is us parked up next to the massive big rig.
Some Hope houses
The school
There’s loads of ancient abandoned mining equipment. This was far from an isolated scene

Today we hiked a few miles up the valley along Resurrection Creek. Saw only two other people. Necessary hiking equipment here is not only water and rain coats but also a bell and pepper spray.

Festival

Kitchen Dwellers were fantastic.
Blackwater Railway sound check
Phil Shatz

3 responses to “10- Hope is probably the coolest place in Alaska, Eklunta orthodox cemetary”

  1. Sallie Shatz Avatar
    Sallie Shatz

    Looks like a wonderful trip so far!

  2. Rick Avatar
    Rick

    Great description of an awesome trip.

    1. Phil Shatz Avatar
      Phil Shatz

      The festival was incredible. I can’t upload images and video due to lousy internet. Get Starlink before you come up here!