June 21st

THE DETAILS:

THE WEATHER: The morning started off beautiful and ended the same way. There were of course clouds and the usual afternoon shower, but we were forecasted for rain so we are happy with this.

THE DISTANCE: 0 !!


HAPPY SOLSTICE EVERYONE!!!

Well, it was truly a day of R & R. We got up late, I was able to extend my bible study time, Gary & I went for a walk which we haven’t had time to do for a week now, and I got the laundry done. We decided that we would take the scooter out for a ride up to Denali National Park and figure out what is available to do. It is 40 miles from here and took us about an hour on the bike. The road to Denali started out relatively unimpressive but it didn’t take long before we could see the mountains welling up before us. It seemed, without notice, we were fully enveloped in them on both sides. The road wound around below the cliffs and it was a beautiful site.

We knew we wanted to take a bus tour but were told that you have to book it in advance. Since we didn’t know what day we would be here we were unable to do that. So, I decided to get in line and book for the next possible time slot available. Well, we have been blessed because there was still room on the 6:15 bus tomorrow morning!! So we booked it and we even got a senior citizen park pass which means we get into any and all national parks for free for the rest of our lives. Well, for as long as Gary lives. I am eligible when I turn 62. The tour will begin at the Visitors Center at the entrance of Denali and we will then be driven into the park 5 & ½ hours one way and 85 miles into the heart of Denali. Out of 5 tours offered, each progressively longer, we chose the 4th one. There is a possibility of seeing wolf, deer, moose, grizzly bear, Dahl sheep, caribou and fox.

We headed back to camp around 7:00 pm and were caught in some showers which was a bit uncomfortable and definitely cold but due to the dry weather and speed, we dried off quickly. So we are now packing for tomorrow. We have to bring our own lunch and make sure we’re dressed in layers. Mt. McKinley can only be seen 20 % of the time due to it’s massive size…. 20,320 feet. Some one today said that the mountain has weather of its own. We can be standing in clear weather and the mountain will be clouded over. We’ll see what tomorrow brings. I heard it was visible today and tomorrow is going to be like today so here’s hopin’!

BTW, that picture of the Alex look-a-like didn't come out for some reason. There were a couple of pictures lost including that one. So sad.




PS: Sue, I hadn’t thought of this computer being the “gift that would keep on giving”! It has been a pleasure to write knowing there is an audience out there that wants to listen! Thanks so much for gifting it to us. Like Martie said, we’ll have a keepsake log when we return.

Dan, you are so full of fun facts. And you are right about the "northern lights", we learned all about it by watching a movie. I think we may have to come back here in December.... of 2012!! I think it's fun to watch you track us... even without complete information. You're doing great. You should be a bounty hunter! We'll say hello to Ms. Palin for you.

Tim, you must be patient... have another glass of wine. We have to climb Mount McKinley first!

Geoff, so good to see you joined us! Don't you worry, that steak was grilled and eaten and it was mmmmmm mmmmmm good!