Denali National Park July 28 - August 3, 2009

From the very first day we were very lucky to see Mt McKinley. We had made reservations only one week in advance for Teklanika River Campground. This campground is the farthest in you can drive a 35' rv. The campground is at the 29 mile marker. We also got the bus pass so we could travel further into the park. We had one confirmed trip and then the rest were on space available.......we never had any trouble using our pass on any day. The views were unbelievable and soooo many animals. We did have one smokey day, but even then it made for interesting pictures.

This ground squirrel was there to greet us

After checking in we headed to our campground.

The fireweed is everywhere. They say that when it stops blooming it is only 6 weeks until winter.

Morris and Sandy are traveling behind us and I took this when they were on a hairpin curve

Our campground

Caribou

Mother caribou and her young

Bear on the move

Grizzly and her young

Grizzly

The dahl sheep were hard to photograph....they are aways at the top of the mountain, very far away.

Moose

AK coyote

Arctic ground squirrel

Busy beaver

Caribou on the run

Dahl sheep

White-fronted Goose...this is a rare find for me. Had to do lots of internet searching.

First shot of moose

Our bus driver said that they call this "meals on wheels" at least where the bears are concerned

Trumpeter Swan

Wonder Lake

Denali sights..it is not possible to really describe the beauty.

Arctic Pasque

Arctic Ground Squirrel...he was really watching me

This artic ground squirrel is collecting grasses for his winter nest

Crow berries...these are etible, but we did not try them.

Eielson Visitors Center

Morris and Chuck enjoying popcorn popped over the fire. We even made s'mores. Thanks to Sandy for the Gluten free graham crackers.

We went to a dinner play...It was a great evening and lots of fun.

This dinner was all you could eat!!! The salmon was perfection...really the whole meal was terrific!!

For a little extra entertainment, Sandy and I ponied up a little money so our hubbies would get a little extra attention.

I think this is a yellow-rumped warbler

Watch out bunny or you will get run over

Boy are the raven a large bird

Ptarmegan

When at Denali we saw a dogsled demonstration. We got to see the dogs up close and even pet some of them.

My name is Muddy

Sandy petting one of the sled dogs

Relaxing sled dogs

Why is everyone looking at me?? I just want a little privacy

Alaska railroad stops at Denali...many visitors come to the National Park from Anchorage

After being in Denali area for 6 days we head south to Anchorage. We got to see Mt. McKinley on our way south. It is hard to say goodbye...It is a beautiful day and Mt. McKinley is in full view.

It is impossible to describe the beauty....

Is this wooly trying to tell us something? When we left Fairbanks the flowers were almost gone from the fireweed and the locals tell us that is only 6 weeks until the first snow.

These are watermelon berries. They are edible, but seedy.

Group photo....just to let everyone know we did travel to Alaska!