DENALI NATIONAL PARK

Tuesday, 6/4/2013.   Early morning and we're taking a jog before moving to another campsite further into the wild at Denali National Park.   Returning to our site around the bend and....! Whoa..it's a moose!  Get the camera!

 

 

It is difficult to abide by wildlife safety rules.  If the last photo you see on this blog is a shot looking up the nostrils of a bear, or some other annoyed animal,  then I went a bit too far.  Tim has been instructed to retrieve the camera first.  A few words in advance, "it's been a thrilling adventure of a lifetime!"

 



The park sled dog demo was amazing.  A mix of dogs work during the harsh winter patrolling and carrying supplies through the backcountry.  In the summer, they relax and spend time with visitors.


Is it my turn yet?

Sled exhibits.

Benjamin!  you would love these 'woofies.'

We truly miss our buddy and traveling companion, Zack.

Tonight we camp 15 miles further into the wild at Savage River Campground.  The hike along the terrain is beautiful. 

For dinner, grilled turkey wings, fresh brocolli and mashed potatoes.

Wednesday, 6/5/2013.  It's 40+ degrees and cloudy.  Denali, the "High One," was named by the Koyukon Athabascan people for the massive peak that crowns the 600-mile long Alaska Range.   That peak, Mt. McKinley, is the highest mountain on the North American continent.  Denali is also the name of this 6-million acre National Park (larger than Massachusetts).

It is hard to see any of Mt. McKinley's 20,320 feet from within the park.  Buses are the only way to go the distance.  So, here we go!..and Tim is ready for the 9-hour trip in an aging Park Service school bus (and the bus is green!, Tim's favorite color).

The bus tour rules are set:  stay seated (difficult for Tim) and yell STOP! for anything at anytime such as wildlife sightings and photo ops.  It was rather funny to hear someone yell STOP! just to see a few caribou antlers poking up through the brush, or STOP! for the elusive bear, or STOP! for white dots on a hill (Dall sheep).  So, OK..... I did leap up every time, open the dusty bus window, and snap away.

 Someone again yells STOP! -- it was Tim.  He needs a coffee and a cookie.  On a mountain cliff in the wilderness?  Now we know why he hates tour buses. Still no sight of Mt. McKinley summit because of cloudy weather.  We did have a great all day bus tour of the park.  Some favorite scenic and wildlife shots follow.

 

 

 

The end.......

Thursday, 6/6/2013.  Sunny and 70+ degrees.  Leave and take scenic Parks Hwy3. There is Mt. McKinley!

Arrive in downtown historic district Talkeetna where many artisans, crafters and musicians make this there home.   Talkeetna Camper Park is perfect-- bicycle trails in front of us, the Alaska Railroad stop behind us, and walking distance to the quaint village.  Tuna sandwiches and soup tonight. 

 Mountain climbers from all over the world come here to begin their Mt. McKinley challenge.  The area offers flights over the "High One"  and land on glaciers.  Should we?