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Roadhouse Stop #02 - Little Susitna Traditional Cache

This cache has been archived.

blazingpathways: Per discussion with Alaska State Parks regarding my permit request, the Dept of Transportation regulations do not allow anything on road signs. I could not find another suitable placement at this time and have decided to archive the cache.

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Hidden : 7/10/2010
Difficulty:
1.5 out of 5
Terrain:
1 out of 5

Size: Size:   micro (micro)

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Geocache Description:

This is the second in a series of caches dedicated to the Alaskan Roadhouse.

In the late 19th century and the first half of the 20th century, roadhouses were integral stops in the travel plans of many who were moving about the territory whether delivering mail, supplies, mining, logging, or trapping.

Roadhouses were often spaced at a day’s pace along a waterway, railroad, or overland trail system. Many died out as trails were upgraded to roads, as the gold rush died, as dogsleds were replaced by mechanical means of transportation such as skidoos and cars. Other roadhouses remain today, changing with the times and still serving up Alaskan hospitality – offering a place to catch a bite to eat and to rest.

The Little Susitna Roadhouse was built in 1942 by Victor Cottini - on the banks of - you guessed it - the Little Susitna River. The main lodge still stands near a curve in the road to Independence Mine. Only one of the three cabins remains. It can be seen as you look down into the meadow near the river.

Today, the roadhouse has changed ownership and is called Mother Lode Lodge. When we stopped by, the only hospitality for a weary traveler was a "for sale" sign.

What is really cool about this roadhouse is that Victor and his son, Jim. ran a ski area in conjunction with the roadhouse. Info about the ski area and a picture of the early roadhouse can be found at this link:
(visit link)

From the excerpt of a journal article, one gathers that Victor Cottini was also a trapper and interested in studying the mammals of the area.
(visit link)

Congratulations, cavyguy, on the FTF!

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Gur xrl vf ybbxvat qbja.

Decryption Key

A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M
-------------------------
N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z

(letter above equals below, and vice versa)