Denali and Arctic Circle

Matanuska Glacier

Before heading towards Denali we did a little more exploring out of Wasilla (no Sarah Palin). 



Geocaching near Matanuska Glacier area



Mount McKinley

After such a wonderful time on the Kenai Peninsula and around Wasilla we headed up towards Denali National Park.  Got several opportunities to get to see Mount McKinley without cloud cover.   The park rangers say that it is actually rare to get to see the summit.  Only about 30% of visitors see it.   We saw is several times so I guess we used up someone elses turn. 



Mount McKinley from different location

We stayed at a local RV park for a couple days, then we moved into the campground in Denali National Park.  The campground was really nice, no services, but lots of views.  We had visitors in the campground on a couple different days.  

Mommy Moose and baby in campground

We hiked, drove, hiked some more, drove some more and saw a lot of beautiful country.  We didn't see a whole lot of wildlife.   We did see some Dall Sheep from a distance (see a google image, I didn't get a picture), a beautiful golden eagle from a distance and this cute little fellow up close on a hike.

Arctic Ground Squirrel

The trail we hiked had been closed the day before because of a bear kill.   Don't know if the bear was killed or did the killing???

Savage River Hike in Denali

You can drive 15 miles into Denali and then if you want to go farther you have to take a bus.  Could not get over my bus phobia and get on a bus for 8 to 12 hours.   Just not going to happen.

After spending time at Denali we headed north towards Fairbanks.  We planned on staying here a couple days and drive up to the Arctic Circle.  From Fairbanks it's about 200 miles up there (one way) on mostly a DIRT road.   The Dalton Highway is the road used by Ice Road Truckers going up to Prudhoe Bay.  It follows the Alaskan Pipeline and was pretty awesome.  Were hoping to see some wildlife, but only saw a falcon.   Had to drive part of the way through REALLY thick fog, which was pretty hairy. 


Such a lovely road (Dalton Highway going to Arctic Circle)



Store along Dalton Highway (open 6:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.)

Alaskan Pipeline from Prudhoe Bay to Valdez

Seeing the pipeline was extremely cool.   It zigzags to allow for temperature changes.  What an engineering marvel.



Putting hand in the Yukon River



Yukon River Bridge

Fireweed in bloom

David drove most of the way, but actually let me drive for a little while.  I drove over the Yukon River and for another 20 miles or so.   Then it started getting narrow and washboardy (is that a word?) We had to pass several wide load trucks so he took over again.  Thank God he's such a good driver :)


Type of vehicle we passed often (move over let them by)



Needless to say we got a LITTLE dirty!!

All in all it was an absolutely wonderful experience.  We actually drove passed the Arctic Circle a little farther north just so we could say that we drove "passed the Arctic Circle".   We are such geeks. 

What an OUTSTANDING DAY exploring!!

We are leaving Sunday and starting back south (have been in Alaska since May 12th).  Will head back down the Alaskan Highway into Yukon Territory, British Columbia and finally the good ole USA.  Don't know how long it will take.  Told Rachel today that we would be back by August 15th or before.   Will continue the blog and see where it takes us.   Love to all Felicia and David (aka Mom and Dad)