Archive for the 'Around Palmer' Category
Palmer Public Library April 1st, 2010
For as long as I can remember, the Palmer Public Library has been one of my favorite places in town. As a kid, I couldn’t wait to sign my name on my very own library card. I would go to the library with my mom and brother and peruse, linger, and browse until I had a stack of books that would be read and returned in a week. In middle school I would walk over after class and play games on the library computers. While my visits to the library have become infrequent, it is still an important part of the town I love.
As expected of a library, it is quiet. It is not a forced, domineering silence, however. It is a natural, courteous, consideration of those also appreciating the relaxed atmosphere. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a novel, get some work done, write in a journal, or simply relax. I encourage everyone to take advantage of this solitude offered by the library.
The Palmer Public Library has something for everyone. With a large young adult section; mystery, science fiction, and western sections; and new books coming in all the time, you’re sure to find something to read. They also have audiobooks, magazines and reference books. The Palmer Public Library is a great resource for everyone in and around Palmer.
This post is sponsored by Valley Market Real Estate.
Mountains of Palmer March 21st, 2010
Palmer is surrounded by vast mountain ranges and majestic peaks. These awesome monoliths are an integral part of Palmer’s history and a solid testament to Palmer’s uniqueness. Skiing in Hatcher Pass or ascending into the clouds up Matanuska Peak is an experience one never forgets.
North of Palmer are the Talkeetna Mountains, home to Hatcher Pass. A popular skiing area in the winter, Hatcher Pass also affords many opportunities for hiking, rock climbing, and camping in the summer.
The Chugach Mountains are to the south and east of Palmer. Directly to the east one can see Lazy Mountain and Matanuska Peak. Both these mountains can be hiked and are accessible from just a few miles out of town. It is even possible to sled down parts of the McRobert’s Creek Trail at the base of Matanuska Peak.
Also part of the Chugach range is Pioneer Peak, just south of Palmer. Named after the pioneers of the mid-1930’s, it is also a popular hiking destination.
Next time you’re in Palmer, check out the mountains! You can’t miss them.
Escape The Matanuska Wind January 11th, 2010
I thought I’d make a video today about the Matanuska Wind. This wind howls down the Matanuska River Valley in the winter. Usually we get 5-6 good wind storms a winter. These usually last several days each and there is no where to hide. Well, almost no where. The Butte area outside of Palmer usually does not get this wind and today was no different. The wind was strong everywhere EXCEPT between Clark-Wolverine Road and the Butte.
The video is 8:28 minutes long and gives you a good idea what one of our wind storms are like.
Click here to see the video on youtube.
Here is a google map showing the locations of all the places mentioned on on the video:
This article was first published at valleymarket.com
Education Options in Palmer July 23rd, 2009
Palmer has so many different education options for your children. Public, private, charter, religious, correspondence and home schools can all be found here. 
Elementary Schools:
Swanson Elementary School
Sherrod Elementary School
Amazing Grace Academy
Matanuska Christian School
Academy Charter School
Middle Schools:
Academy Charter School
Amazing Grace Academy
Matanuska Christian School
Palmer Junior Middle School
Colony Middle School
High Schools:
Colony High School (between Palmer and Wasilla)
Palmer High School
Matanuska Christian School
Mat-Su Career Tech High School
Alternatives:
GILA (Galena Interior Learning Academy) Career-Oriented Boarding School
I.D.E.A. (Interior Distance Education of Alaska) – State Wide Program
Alaska Job Corps
Mat-Su Central School – Correspondance
Valley Pathways
Twindly Bridge Charter and Home School
Raven Correspondence School
CyberLynx Correspondence School
And, of course, home schooling is still an option here in the great state of Alaska!
Walk around Palmer Pt. 1 June 26th, 2009
Have you ever driven or walked through Palmer, and wondered what all those old buildings were, and if they are still used?
Today I walked around Palmer and photographed many of those buildings, as well as inquired of their history. Here is what I saw and learned. All photos are expandable if clicked on.
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Photo 1: Palmer Train Depot
Photo 2: Borough Green, Old Mat. Colony Trading Post (Now home of The Red Beet), Palmer Water Tower in Background
Photo 3: Colony Inn and Restaurant
Photo 4: UAF Agriculture Research in the Matanuska Valley
Photo 5: Palmer Courthouse/Pre-Trial Facility
Photo 6: Palmer Water Tower, Old Matanuska Maid buildings
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Photo 7: Front of Borough Building
Photo 8: Back of Borough Building, Lazy Mountain to the left, Byers Peak in the center.
Photo 3: Borough Gym
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