Denali - It's a Small World

One thing that my Mom wanted to do while in Alaska was see Denali National Park.  After some research we determined that it was going to be a little tricky to do with three kids in tow.  Passenger cars are only allowed to drive 15 miles into the park and to see more you need to take a tour bus or train; which require car seats for those under 4 and at least six hours of your time.  So we agreed that we would make the drive and just explore those first 15 miles.

The day before the trip, Claire came down with a nasty fever and was up all night feeling miserable.  So, Adam, Jack, and my Mom loaded up with a picnic lunch and drove north to Denali, while Claire, Nolan, and I had a nice quiet day at home.  It worked out nicely for everyone.  And Claire is feeling much better.

My Mom caught her first glimpse of Mt. McKinley from over 112 miles south of the park entrance.  They stopped for lunch and were able to see the peak.  It wasn't a perfectly clear day but the tip was visible above the cloud line.

At mile marker fifteen they parked the car and were able to hike the Savage River Loop Trail.   The trail is just about two miles long and an easy walk with great views.

As you can tell from these shots, it was quite sunny.  Perhaps Jack needs a pair of sunglasses.

The hike followed the river and at times the walkway was covered with stones and in a few spots there was runoff crossing the path that they had to jump over.

I wasn't there, but I can almost guess that Jack had to throw a stick or a pebble into the river.  We can't get near a body of water without making a splash; in one way or another.

Savage River

At the end of the two mile hike, Grandma Laurie was tuckered out.  She asked Adam if he could go get the truck and pick her up.  However, the end of the path was past mile marker 15 and vehicles are not permitted.  Adam stopped in the ranger station to make sure he could drive the extra yards to pick up his mother in law.  When Adam was explaining to the guard that his mother in law was waiting for a ride another visitor teased Adam that he had tired her out on purpose.  Laughing, Adam started talking with this gentleman.  In conversation Adam learned that this man and his wife were from Northwest Ohio, near the lake.  More specifically - Oak Harbor.  Unbelievable.  Adam picked up Mom and the three Oak Harborites got acquainted.

Vicky & Jim from Oak Harbor

Although, they didn't know each other.  It was amazing to share a little bit of home way up here, in the Last Frontier.  It truly is a small world.

A Cow and Calf along the road in Denali