27/08/05 - Hatcher Pass.   Our original intention is to visit the Alaska State Fair but queuing traffic forces us to make this more interesting journey during the afternoon.  From Anchorage we travel back up the Denali Parks Road and turn off east along the Hatcher Pass road where inevitably tarmac turns to gravel.  As the road climbs it feels good to emerge above the tree line.  On our right we pass a fast flowing river and as we drive higher, up a steep and fairly rocky surface we see the dammed streams and ponds created by beavers.  Stopping to take a brief walk Nic searches for Gentians among the low shrubs and we stop to pick and eat blueberries.  Dotted about on this high mountain landscape are families using their Sunday afternoon to gather berries.  We drive on, past a former gold-mine - now a B & B.  Para-gliders on the very highest part of the pass launch themselves skywards.  The very best skilfully circling in the rising air currents. The alpine feel of the high valley is fresh and clear and we enjoy our journey back to the valley below, stopping along the steam to look back at the mountains above.  We arrive back at Nic's at around 10pm.  Far too late for me to think about packing for our return flight.  Our last day in Alaska - back to Vancouver tomorrow and then home.