Log Cabins Large & Small (Friday 18th)

During our travels in Alaska we have seen many variations on traditional log cabins. Some, like the Kantishna Roadhouse, at the end of the Denali Park Road and hence deep in the National Park, are quite substantial.

It is possible to stay here during the summer - there are a series of small cabins alongside - and take walks in the surrounding Tundra  and around Wonder Lake with mountain guides.

There are some substantial timbers supporting the roof.  No doubt necessary when the the snow comes.

Many of the log buildings have 'mini cabins' next to them, on stilts.. this one is at Kantishna, the next at Talkeetna and the final one amongst the timber lodges at Windsong Lodge in Seward.

Initially we were confused by these, even thinking at one point that they might be dog kennels (but how would they get in and out).

They are in fact known as 'caches' for the very good reason that this is bear country and it was necessary to securely hide and store food off the ground and out of reach.  Now they are there for decoration and historical reasons.

The idea of a 'growing' roof - presumably for insulation - can be seen in this much older and quite small cabin dating to 1915.  Kantishna was originally a gold-mining community and it is still possible to pan for gold in Moose Creek next to the Lodge.

This old cabin was the Recorder's Office for the Kantishna Mining District.

It has been restored to show how it would have looked when in use.  

Suitable for the current 'tiny house' trend perhaps. I am not sure whether it would have been lived in year-round - although the snow-shoes would suggest that it was. Cosy!