Day 2 of our Great Denali Road Trip took us into Denali National Park where we were supposed to see the famous Mt. McKinley. Unfortunately, due to the weather, we were only able to see clouds, rain and a lot of smoke from a nearby forest fire. BUMMER!!!
We learned that only 20% of visitors to the park actually see Mt. McKinley due to sporadic weather conditions. The mountains actually seem to create their own weather system within the park due to their size. On our trek into the park, we looked and looked for wildlife, but were unable to spot anything special. Oh well, it was a fun journey and at least we can say we went up there.
Brenda, Bob and me at the furthest point into the park we could go in our own car. You have to take a bus from here to go further in, but for us it was not worth it as it's a little pricey AND the weather was still bad all the way to the other end of the park.
Don't we look like we're enjoying the nice warm July Alaskan weather???
Yeah, right!!
We learned that only 20% of visitors to the park actually see Mt. McKinley due to sporadic weather conditions. The mountains actually seem to create their own weather system within the park due to their size. On our trek into the park, we looked and looked for wildlife, but were unable to spot anything special. Oh well, it was a fun journey and at least we can say we went up there.
Brenda, Bob and me at the furthest point into the park we could go in our own car. You have to take a bus from here to go further in, but for us it was not worth it as it's a little pricey AND the weather was still bad all the way to the other end of the park.
Don't we look like we're enjoying the nice warm July Alaskan weather???
Yeah, right!!
Brenda in her usual position....with the binoculars. She had them with her everywhere trying to spot a moose a bear or an eagle.
She was determined to seek out the wildlife, but I think all the animals were determined to hide from her!
After we left the park, we braved the old Denali Parks Highway. This used to be the only road in the state of Alaska that would give visitors access to Mt. McKinley until the 1970's. The road was NEVER PAVED. So, you must travel over 135 miles on gravel and dirt with NOTHING in between two major highways but sparse land....beautiful land and scenery....mountains, valleys, trees, wildflowers, lakes and wildlife. It was well worth the risk of a flat tire to view the peaceful scenery in this tiny corner of our grand state.
Just another view along the old Parks Highway.
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