6900 miles and counting!

Sunday, Sept 12, 2010- Spent the time checking the roads leading out of Fairbanks-Chena River, and northward to Dalton Hwy, which after 50 miles we realized it was primarily Pipeline industrial road. Snooed about some deserted gold mine properties and a couple of deserted towns and got back on the road.
Leaving ‘the Banks’ (Fairbanks) to head back south to Denali National Park. Our last stay was to get acquainted with the park and just sample what it had to offer. A few days in Fairbanks convinced us that to enjoy the experience Alaska Magic was to spend as much time as we could in Denali also.
Stopping at small village Nenana for lunch proved to be interesting as usual. There are so many Alaskans with such a vigorous spirit who survive this life and live an envious life of adventure up here, it always ends up in at least an hour long conversation-and they always want to share the magic of life here. Since we will be in Denali thru Saturday, it should take us at least that long to find the bear. At this point the evening weather has cooled down to the 40’s we will forgo the ‘bearfooting’ started in Kenai, just the thought has sent chills up n down the spine. Back at Riley Campground/Denali we had the usual dinner, wine, cheese along with salad and reindeer sausage and beans. We have been eating a lot of beans for the protein and other benefits?
Our evening treat: the rangers in the park do small lectures on the highlights of the parks, and the outdoor amphitheater in this campground was Ravens, an insight into the myths and facts of ravens. It including a reading of EAPoe’s “Quote the Raven-Nevermore”. Was very interesting lecture, and as usual opens up a new window into natures wonders. The inuit and natives of the northwest have long regarded them as spiritual. Tried to stay awake for ‘Aurora Borealis’ last evening, but fresh air and travel didn’t help in that adventure, but since it is clear we will hopefully get another chance this week.


DENALI National Park

Surrounded by 6 Million Acres
There's no place more wild, rugged, and breathtakingly beautiful than Alaska’s Denali National Park & Preserve - and no place more ideal to experience it from than Denali Park Resorts. McKinley Chalet Resort and McKinley Village Lodge are located in the heart of Alaska’s magnificent interior, with awe-inspiring views of some of the most pristine geography on earth. Fine dining complements the untamed landscape and provides a relaxing place to return to after a day of guided hikes, whitewater rafting, or a tour into the heart of Denali National Park.