Denali National Park

7/29 – We drove a tad over 100 miles from Fairbanks to a park near the entrance to Denali National Park. We will spend 2 days here.

7/30 – Today we drove the 15 mile road into Denali. We couldn’t see the mountain due clouds and rain. Nor did we see any wildlife. Those who are really serious pay upwards of $250 to take the bus into the interior, almost 70 miles and 12 hours round trip, and are rewarded with grizzly bears, Dall sheep, and most of the “big 5” – bears, moose, caribou, sheep, and elk.

7/31 – On the road south of Denali there is a viewpoint on the road called Denali Viewpoint North, and we were able to see The Mountain. Very impressive. We spent last night at Trapper Creek, nice place. Then today a short drive (120 miles) into Anchorage staying at the Golden Nugget CG. Pretty good campground other than really tight sites. We found a dog park here, a nice one other than one mean black dog. Got Everest’s meds at Costco. And, at last, a Golden Corral. It may not be the best food, but is the biggest selection of different foods. Biggest problem is all the people.

Met up with Carlene Hockema, our neighbor Ben’s (he’s now gone) daughter. She is leaving in 2 days with her son Zack for a teaching position in Barrow AK, the most northern point in the US, in fact you can’t drive there, have to fly.

9/1 – We are staying an extra day here not leaving here until the 3rd (Saturday). And tomorrow starts month number 5 that we have been on the road. So, next you will hear from us from somewhere on the Kenai peninsula.