History of MICA Mocha
If you have ever found yourself winding down the Matanuska Valley from the East, it isn’t long before you reach mile marker 101. Beyond the reflective sign and blooms of fireweed, the black hood of an old Ford ice truck sits at rest. Although this antique automobile may be out of commission for delivering ice, the signage indicates the ice truck’s new life: an espresso and ice cream stop offering one of the best views of the Matanuska Glacier, MICA Mocha.
As you walk around the truck, adjacent to the MICA Guides base camp, the picturesque Matanuska Glacier meets you. Additionally, a porch with chairs and tables nestles up to a canopied ordering area, where the iconic ice door is swung open to reveal an interior transformation. The inside of this truck has been converted to serve locally roasted espresso and ice cream. Sitting on the porch, enjoying the epic views of mountains and glaciers, eating ice cream, maybe you start to wonder: How did this antique find its way to this superb resting place?
The Beginning of a Journey
The journey of this 1948 Ford F5 ice truck to Glacier View started on a road trip to Seward, Alaska, in 2007. The Ford F5 was originally built to transport ice and cooled goods across miles of roadways in 1948. (How Stuff Works) It sports a more suave design than the F1 model built during the same time period. Originally, the relic sat on the side of the highway with a for-sale sign as a converted camper. Not long after spotting this, a decision was made to bring the truck to its new home, the Matanuska Valley.
What normally would be just a few hours drive turned into a 10-12 hour journey. The trip was filled with an abundance of mechanical stops and fixes. Thankfully, Don is an engineer by trade and skill, as well as having skilled people along for support. Finally, after the elongated haul and some tedious work, the wheels were chugging across the gravel driveway in Glacier View. Once the ice truck found its way to the parking lot, it was time to adapt. Before the ice truck became the MICA Mocha truck, there was a life before that. With a little creativity and some hybridization of marine and auto-mechanics, the ice truck was tested and ready to start as a vehicle for glacier tours.
The Next Chapter
Once the van seats were in the back and we’d solved a few problems to get the truck moving, the ice truck was ready for glacier tours. Although it was a short run, it was a good one. The F5 had a few good years operating as a vehicle. However, it was becoming apparent the ice truck needed a more restful job. That’s when the wheels found themselves adjacent to the entrance and welcoming space at MICA, because you know, this truck belonged among the wildflowers, not in a scrap yard.
A Must Stop Spot
Over the years, the truck has become intertwined with guide culture and has become an essential chapter in the memories at MICA. In 2012, the truck was set to rest as the converted ice cream and espresso stand we see today. Each year, new homemade baked goods and flavors hit the counter. And, a picture deck sits right in front of the truck. This is a perfect place to capture some of the best scenic glacier views around.
MICA Mocha adds a little different flavor to your normal morning coffee. Simultaneously, the deck is perfect for those staying nearby at Alpenglow Luxury Camping. This area is wonderful for anyone waiting for their next adventure with MICA Guides, or who wants to relax while other people in their group enjoy a more adventurous tour. And this space is great if you need to take a break from the road and grab a treat. This ice cream stand isn’t your typical stop. It is exactly what you need to add to your visit to Alaska.
