August 18
We enjoyed the morning as we packed up to head to Riley Campground.
Our drive from Teklanika to Riley was peaceful and stunning. There was a hint of fall with trees turning golden yellow, white flowers scattered in between the fireweed, mountains and the terrain changed to a forest of evergreens. We passed Sanctuary River.
Along the way nature surprised us with incredible sightings: a magnificent grizzly bear and an awe-inspiring caribou. Although I couldn't capture the caribou on camera before it gracefully settled down, the vivid memory will forever be etched in my mind and heart. Although, I was thrilled that one of our fellow RV2 Alaska friends Shad Sollars got him while standing!!
We also saw families of The Willow Ptarmigan, which is Alaska's State Bird. It became the official state bird when Alaska was made the 49th state in 1960. The Willow Ptarmigan (P is silent) is distinguished by its use of camouflage as protection .
One we got settled in our site, we ventured off the the Visitor's Center which is actually a complex.
The center offers visitors a chance to learn more about the park by speaking with park rangers, viewing the park film, "Heartbeats of Denali," and exploring an exhibit area. The film was fantastic and the photography was magnificent!
The film is about 20 minutes long. It is a non-narrated film that shares with you the various seasons, landscapes and wildlife of this beautiful place.
The film is about 20 minutes long. It is a non-narrated film that shares with you the various seasons, landscapes and wildlife of this beautiful place.
Many ranger-led activities occur in or begin from the Denali Visitor Center. Most of the trails in Denali can be accessed from the center. There is ample parking at the facility for day-use, with a small car lot and a separate RV lot on the northwest side of the visitor center.
The train station that takes you to Anchorage or Fairbanks is located in this complex.
Dall sheep are a symbol of Denali National Park. WHY? In part because over hunting of the sheep inspired Charles Sheldon, then others, to lobby Congress to establish a park and game refuge to protect the sheep. Their lobbying resulted in the establishment of Mount McKinley National Park. The Dall sheep you see in the park today may appear as small dots on a ridge but they play a large role in the creation of this park.
Have you ever thought about why we should embrace mosquitos? Not me! But........
Fun Facts:
It was enjoyable walking around for a few hours. Back to the motorhome to enjoy a quiet evening.
August 19
It's a cold drizzly day! High 45!
We started the morning off at the Dog Sled demonstration. Rangers and dogs work together to demonstrate a traditional Alaskan mode of travel. It was an interesting program one of the Rangers gave which included an opportunity to tour the park kennels and visit Denali Alaskan huskies.
At 2:00 we were at the Visitor's Center to meet up with a Park Ranger that was leading a group of us on a 2 hour hike. It was very informative learning more about the red squirrels, the beetles that are infesting the birch trees, controlled and uncontrolled fires in the park. We learned more about train trustles and we saw the original bridge built in the early 1900's, still in use today.
Walking over a bridge and Riley Creek we headed for the suspension bridge. This was fun and spooky walking over it, lots of movement as we crossed over it. We were all on our own after the thrilling adventure of the suspension bridge.
We always meet the nicest people, having a lovely conversation with a mom and daughter.
As we were leaving the visitor’s center Mike and Katy were driving up. It’s always a treat catching up with them!
Fun Facts:
The Alaska Railway Act of 1914 authorized the federal government to construct a railroad to connect vast mineral resources of Interior Alaska with an ice-free port. In April 1915, President Woodrow Wilson selected a route that spanned from Seward to Fairbanks. The impact of his decision brought the railroad here and, in turn, contributed to the establishment of a national park in 1917 to conserve wildlife.
The Riley Creek Bridge, manufactured in Pennsylvania and shipped north on 24 rail cars loaded with 600 tons of steel via the Panama Canal, consisted of seven steel towers decked with 30-foot and 60-foot steel plate girders. When finished, the creek crossing would measure 900 feet in length.
August 20
Well yesterday's cold and dampness caught up with me. Today is a beautiful sunny day and I woke up not feeling well. We did go on a short hike this morning and walked around the Canyon Creek Chalet to look at shops and an art gallery. After that I slept most of the afternoon while, Douglas, Mike and Katy enjoyed an afternoon hike around Horseshoe Lake. In the evening the 3 of them went to dinner. I slept some more.
August 21
I'm feeling a lot better today. We enjoyed a visit from Katy. It was so heartwarming to receive a lovely note and a skein of yarn from her. We're heading to Fairbanks this morning and will meet up with Katy and Mike when they arrive on Friday.
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