Fifty three years ago, 1963, when I was sixteen, there was a total eclipse of the sun that could be viewed in Talkeetna.  My friend's family owned a cabin at Fish Creek where a group of us had been invited for this solar event.   A hitch on the train took us the few miles into Talkeetna.  The difference from the dirt streets I remember to the photo at the beginning of this article is astounding.  I haven't been to Talkeetna since though I am a born and raised Alaskan.  I have excuses about why I haven't visited but they are all based on a rejection of the controlled access to the wilderness that has become necessary because of the pressure of growing population and tourism.   God bless us one and all.  I do hope the good people of Talkeetna can solve the logistical problems brought on by so many people and still be able to maintain their environmental peace and beauty.  Alaska is still a dynamic. beautiful and exciting place to be.