August 20

August 20, 2010


We slept in again because it was too cold to get out of bed in our cabin. Once we were up and ready, we checked out and went to the Overlook Bar & Grill that is part of the Crow’s Nest. Sharing a halibut burger potato wedges, we were satisfied and full.

Stopping off at a shop, we grabbed some last minute souvenirs and headed to the Denali National Park entrance. We decided to just drive in to the limit of 15 miles and do some hikes. We didn’t want to be on a bus for six hours. (that was the alternative).

So we drove to the limit. On the way Aunt Pam spotted caribou and we looked at them for a while. Then we drove the rest of the way oohing and ahhing at the beautiful tundra and assortment of trees and colors. Getting out of our HHR (car whatever it is), we bundled up and started on the Savage River Loop. The trail was great because it was too strenuous, but still made you exercise and work your muscles. We spotted a little prairie dog looking thing, but weren’t sure what it was so we call it a tundra dog. Our hike was so much fun and we talked and laughed and hiked!

We drove out of the park taking pictures at the pull outs. At the visitor’s center, we looked at the displays of animals on the tundra and the history of Denali. It was very informative and interesting. We watched a video about Denali showing all the seasons and the wildlife. The video was really great and gave you a sense of the vast wilderness.

Going back to town, we got a little gas (since it was like $4.14) and went into the Denali Doghouse to get lunch to go. Aunt Pam had a hot dog and I had a corn dog and we shared fries. Driving back to Anchorage, we talked (of course)! About important things like college and life.

Stopping at the South viewing place for Mt. McKinley, we had it basically to our self. The weather was like 70 degrees and so we soaked up the sun without sweatshirts. We hiked up the trail to the upper viewing and gasped at the amazing view. We were extremely lucky to be able to see Mt. McKinley on one of its few clear days. (the mountains make their own weather system up by McKinley so it is typically shrouded by clouds). We ran back down the trail and Aunt Pam almost had me but her bum knee was holding her back. To the tourists going up the trail, we probably looked like freaks because we were smiling from ear to ear running down the trail. Oh, great memories!

Then we drove some more. Nearing Anchorage, we saw a rainbow in the clouds above anchorage. As we drove, we were able to see the beginning of the immaculate sunset to our right. Further in Anchorage, we could see the whole vibrant rainbow behind us. The moon was rising to our left and was so big and white above the blue mountains and in the gray clouds.

On Elmendorf Air Force base, we went driving to watch the end of the sunset. Finding a little cabin and lake, we watched the bright pink both in the sky and reflecting on the water. It was truly wonderful. When we were driving back, Aunt Pam spotted a porcupine and then another one. We stopped and watched them for a while.

After getting into our room, we hung out, watched tv, and snacked. Great times in ALASKA!!