DENALI!

As most of you know, Denali (formerly Mt McKinley) is the highest peak in North America (20,310 ft). "Denali" is Athabaskan for "the tall one." On the bus at 6:30, then we travel 43 miles into the park. Mountains, rivers, valleys galore, but pretty much everyone was hoping to see "big" wildlife (moose, bear, caribou...) and Denali itself.

We saw a female moose almost as soon as we entered, so hopes were high for a good wildlife day. This was followed by: Spruce Grouse, Ground Squirrels, Ptarmigans (Alaska's state bird) and a couple Dall Sheep way up one of the hills. The wildlife highlight came about 3/4 through the tour when a Bull Moose appeared. and stayed close for 10 mins or so! We saw Denali twice, one from 65 miles away (blue circle in that mtn pic) and again from 50 miles (red circle). Up this afternoon: flight tour to the mountain!

Final pic is where the early summer wild fire was-just behind where our tour is staying.Read more