August 13
Talkeetna here we come. We got some local information that we could park our RV at the Speedway Gas Station on the Parks Highway, where we unhooked our car and drove 15 min to Talkeetna.
Talkeetna is a beautiful little town at the convergent point of three rivers - the Talkeetna, Chulitna and Susitna. Lots of shops, restaurants, famous for their Spinach Bread, a few bakeries and ice cream shops.
Even though we didn't get to experience the Spinach Bread we loved the Sunshine and exploring Talkeetna. (first time to see the sun in about 8 days!)
3 of my favorite shops:
The Patchwork Moose,
The Alaskan Wood Carving Co-op
AuroraDora.com store (stunning photos of the Northern Lights)
Douglas has been craving pizza so that's what we had for lunch. After lunch we took a lovely stroll along the river. A surprise Facetime from our grandkids along with our daughter Jen was a treat.
The Patchwork Moose,
The Alaskan Wood Carving Co-op
AuroraDora.com store (stunning photos of the Northern Lights)
Douglas has been craving pizza so that's what we had for lunch. After lunch we took a lovely stroll along the river. A surprise Facetime from our grandkids along with our daughter Jen was a treat.
On our way back to our car we stopped at the Alaska Birch Syrup & Wild Harvest Shop where we purchase some syrup and shared Berry Ice cream. Delicious!
Off to Denali State Park where we boondocked in the overflow parking lot. We enjoyed a nice dinner and set out for a hike eager to admire the breathtaking view of Mt. McKinley. Our binoculars were a real asset! Along the way we had the pleasure meeting and chatting with Laura, a young woman from France. She was traveling solo and transformed her car by removing the back seats to fit a mattress for sleeping. She was an inspiration!
August 14
Waking up this morning we decided to eat breakfast at McKinley View Lodge. Scrumptious!! And a wonderful atmosphere.
Our good friend Patty Wright’s cousin Joe owns the lodge. It was a very special morning getting to visit with Joe and Donna who is Patty’s friend. An added bonus we got to experience Mt. McKinley/Denali from the Park and the Lodge, breathtaking!
The name of one of the books she wrote is “Alaska - Not for a Woman!”
Fun Fact: In 1962 Mary Carey, newly widowed, drove the Alcan alone from Texas to Alaska, where she would make herself a new life. Her life there - whether she was teaching in an eight-pupil pilot school in Talkeetna, flying Mt. McKinley with bush pilot Don Sheldon or homesteading in the Alaskan wilderness. She was a pioneering & trailblazer. Mary Carey who was the owner and proprietor of McKinley View Lodge, which she built on her homestead in 1972, now owned by her grandson Joe.
I encourage you to purchase the book and learn more about this extraordinary woman!
Experiencing the breathtaking beauty of Mt. McKinley was a true adventure! After the lodge we drove to a picturesque overlook. We hiked up a path to get a different view that was beautiful.
Experiencing an unexpected adventure was kayaking on Byers Lake! As our day winded down, we prepared for a restful nights sleep.
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