Denali Park

On our way to Denali Park we stopped off in Talkeetna, a unique Alaskan town with old time charm and history dating back to 1896.

Today is Denali Park and our 12 hours bus through the only road in the park.  We had a two hour lunch break - thank God.  We were told at the start of the bus trip we would have two options, dreary day see lots of wild life, sunny, clear day see Mt. McKinley.  It was a dreary day so we saw an abundance of wild life.

Following are some of the wildlife.

Lynx

                                                             FOX

                                   Many Grizzly Bears

                                                       

Caribou

Ptarmigan Alaska state bird

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The Wolves were the best.  There was one staking out his territory and the one retreating.

We also saw many moose and Dahl sheep along the way.

It was a great and memorable day. Before we could leave Denali Park we had to take a hike in this famous park.

 Now, onto the North Pole and Fairbanks.  At the North Pole we met Santa and a couple of his reindeer.

We are heading to Fairbanks to hopefully see Mt. McKinley from the amazing Alaskan museum.  The museum was wonderful but no luck in seeing the mountain.  Dinner time at the Alaskan Salmon Bake.  The food was a bit disappointing but we still had a good time

We are on our way back to our summer home in Soldotna.  As we are about to pass Denali park we realize it is a clear day and the sun is out.  Quick turn into the park to see if we can see the famous mountain.   As luck would have it we had success.  We are now among the 30 percent of 3 1/3 million people who have the pleasure of seeing this magnificent, majestic mountain, Mt. McKinley, each summer.

Carl and Jiggs have caught some silver salmon.  The fish are in not hurry to get here.

Carl and I had another amazing hike.  On the way up the mountain we encountered a couple of fresh piles that the bear had left behind.   When we arrived at the summit the view was out of this world.  On the way down a couple girls stopped us and asked us if we saw the bear and her cub off to the left.  I froze and then realized we were far enough down to be out of danger. 

Aren't you glad I shared the two pictures of what the bear deposited on the trail.

Pictures from another short hike.   I love hiking that brings me to a gorgeous view.  This is actually a ski trail.

 

Below is a picture of fireweed, it grows all over Alaska and is quite beautiful.  The weed blooms from the bottom up and it is said when the blooms reach the top Summer is over. Of course, Carl and I are still waiting for summer to arrive and it's already fall.

I haven't caught many silver salmon, but here is one them.  They just aren't showing up like the reds.

This last picture is my  two granddaughters.  Samantha is in the wedding dress with her sister Rachel.  I attended her wedding through skype from Alaska.