Where Did I Leave Off? Oh yes, Denali

Friday, July 27, 2018 through Sunday, July 29, 2018 Denali National Park

We had made our reservations for Denali National Park before we'd left Phoenix, the only reservations we've made on this trip.  After killing time in Anchorage, it was finally time to go.

For a treat, Mike suggested I take the train from Anchorage while he drove the RV.  So at 7:30 am Friday he dropped me at the train depot.  Id booked the Golden-something passage which included breakfast and lunch and a window seat on the upper deck where huge curved windows allowed for unobstructed views.  It was a wonderful way to travel.  There were view of the rivers and lakes all along the route.

Knit River from Anchorage train to Denali

view from the dining car

bridge over the river 

Mike picked me up at the train depot in the park and after pizza in town at the Prospector's restaurant, we went to the camping spot in Savage River Campground that he'd already setup.  It was quiet, pine-scented with just a bit of chill.

campsite at Savage River Campground in Denali

Saturday morning we were up at 5:30 am to catch the 6:15 am 12 hour, round-trip tour bus ride to Wonder Lake.  We were again lucky to get clear views of Denali at Eielson point and beyond.

Denali at Eielson point

Denali

Denali on road to Wonder Lake

Along the way we saw moose, caribou, Dall sheep, and grizzles!  The caribou walked across in front of us and then along the side of the bus. 

Caribou

A mama bear and two cubs were resting in a field when a large male grizzly started to approach.  The mama ushered her cubs away quickly toward the road and crouched down in the tall grass, keeping her eye on the male who is known to attack the cubs.  

Grizzly bear

He ambled along a stream between them and then up the road in front of our bus where he preceded in a leisurely walk on the highway for about 20 minutes.  It made for a worthwhile trip and we were tired an happy to climb into bed that evening.

Sunday we slept in and took a short hike at Riley Creek before going to see the dog kennel demonstration.  

Mike greeting one of the sled dogs

We then hiked the Savage River trail before returning to camp.

Savage River trail

Savage River trail

Denali National Park is six million acres.  You can hike anywhere, get a back country permit and camp overnight in the wilderness or bring a tent or an RV and soak up the majesty of this place.  We are so fortunate to visit such a natural wonder.