The Good Ol' Days

Yesterday Cass Ray, my fellow office worker, took me on a mystery hike. He wouldn't tell me where we were going, only which way to walk. We headed up the ridge near the visitor center and after a little poking around we came across what he and I (unknowingly) were seeking. A few boards and stones.

The materials themselves would be insignificant, but the boards made the sign of the cross and marked the grave site of Jerry McClarty. McClarty was a drunk, and froze to death in his cabin in 1934. After a few wrong turns we came across the second grave site; the final resting place of Maurice Morrino, Italian owner of an "Alaskan-Italian" style roadhouse at the entrance to the park in the early 1900's. He served his guests caribou and beans at every meal. He was buried on the ridge overlooking his property.

It was a good hike, and a great day to be outside. Thanks for the history and the adventure Cass.