The main lodge has a very broad view of the Alaska Mountain Range, of which Mt. Denali is the tallest. Upon arrival, Denali was covered except for its base. Then a slice 2/3 up the mountain opened up showing the ribbed sides of it. Eventually the clouds moved out leaving only the topmost part of the peak with wisp of a cloud hovering over.
We ate a nice lunch at the very crowded Base Camp Bar.
McKinley Wilderness Trail ride began at 1:30. All the area around the Lodge and from bus rides, seemed to be covered in dense vegetation. The trail ride took me through that very vegetation. I was by far the oldest on the ride, and I think they chose my horse because she knew the way, and I was placed next to last. I can tell you she was not happy and kept trying to move forward and take the lead! I had to learn how to wrangle my horse! Actually, it was a good learning experience, and I enjoyed the leisurely ride.
Dinner was at the Alaskan Grill. Along with a beer, of course; Denali Brewing Twister Creek Agave Gold at McKinley Princess Lodge.
After dinner Nancy and I walked the path up to the Treehouse. It was quite an incline, with built-in steps, but we made it! Here is a view looking back down on the main lodge.
Bright the next morning, we woke to a clear blue sky and sunshine! Walking to the Lodge for breakfast and coffee, the entire Alaska Range was in full clear view! Apparently, a rare occurrence.
July 18, we took the bus into Talkeetna and walked through town to the Tour location. On the way we stopped at the Ranger Station for another stamping of my book. By then it was time for the Talkeetna River Float Trip: Rafting on the Talkeetna River, which will join with the Susitna River, the biggest river in this valley, previously mentioned. I’m all decked out to be safe, and I look pretty wide, because inside my winter jacket is my fanny pack and my SLR camera with zoom lens. Ready to ride!
Take a ride with us!
We went into an inlet and saw a beaver dam, plants along the edges, and let’s not forget the river itself. Here are some photos, click to enlarge.
Remember that Susitna River Bridge we went over on the train ride north? Well, we rafted under it! The Talkeetna meets with the Susitna, and after going under the bridge, we rafted out into the center of Susitna and pivoted north for a magnificent view of the Alaska Range in clear view from the raft! Surreal! I never imagined I would be seeing the Denali from a raft in the middle of a river! We were told this was only the 6th clear day this season, and very rare to see it clear from the river; the guide said we are the 1 percent.
We met some others who had come to Talkeetna for a look around, and joined up for lunch and a beverage, this time an IPA from The Denali Brewing Company: Agave Gold, Talkeetna, Alaska.
Good night, Denali!
