Alaska Day Two: Sled Dogs and a Moose

Thursday morning we both found ourselves awake at 6:30 a.m., given that it was 9:30 a.m. in Kansas City.  It was pretty rainy but slowed to a drizzle while we loaded the car.  The hostel/inn offered cereal and waffle mix for breakfast.  What they didn't mention was they don't offer any dishes.  Technically they do, but they were all being used and we had to improvise.

We made our first gas station stop of the trip for drinks and then headed north.  Most of the morning was rainy and we couldn't really see too much of the mountains around us.  We did pass through Wasilla, home of Sarah Palin, but nothing to write about there.

We took the Talkeetna spur road about 15 miles into Talkeetna, a tiny town with little shops and cafes and a view of Mt. McKinley.  We walked around, purchased a few souvenirs, and then did NOT see Mt. McKinley due to clouds.  This is the first time we didn't see The Big One.

After returning to the main highway, we had lunch at Subway as we weren't sure when the next opportunity to eat would be.  As we drove along, there were fewer and fewer radio stations and more and more RVs.  Frances provided encouragement and I on multiple occasions overcame my fear of passing them.  We also crossed the Alaska Railroad tracks many, many times.  The rain continued to come and go throughout the drive.

We arrived at Denali National Park at 2:15 p.m. and had our picture taken to prove we made it.  Our first stop was the Visitor's Center, which fascinated me by looking brand new.  In fact all the buildings did. 

The bus for the sled dog demonstration was leaving in about 20 minutes, so we did a quick hike on the Spruce Forest Trail.  This took about 7 minutes giving us ample time to get on the bus!

At the sled dog kennels, we had a chance to walk around and see the dogs, almost all of whom were sleeping either next to or on top of their houses.  Three were celebrating their 8th birthday.  These are the only working sled dogs (canine rangers) in the National Park System.

Range Jamie led the demo and told the history of how they dogs came to be in the park and what kind of work they do.  Then he asked us to clap if we were ready to see them in action.  As soon as we started clapping, ALL the dogs came to attention and started barking and jumping around.  Only 5 could go on the demo run, but they were all excited and no longer interested in naps.  They hitched the dogs up and make a quick loop run on gravel, ending right in front of us.

After the tour, we took the bus back to the Visitor Center.  A train filled with huge rocks was rolling through the station, so we stopped to take a few photos.  The park road is closed to private vehicles after mile 15, so we figured we'd drive out that far and look for a hike.  Mile 9 is supposed to be a great place to see Mt. McKinley.  We stopped but could not see it.  For those keeping track, this is the second time we didn't see it.

We continued on the road and saw two caribou along the way.  We opted for the Savage River Loop Trail.  It was about two miles and easy going, without much climbing.  We did veer off the trail to climb a hill and get some photos of the valley before heading back.  On the hike back, we came upon another caribou and Frances was ready with her zoom lens.  The "loop" part of the trail was a bit of a misnomer as it lands you on the opposite side of a bridge from where you parked, so we had to climb up and walk across the bridge.  Frances wants to write them a letter about this.

Along this hike was where we first noticed the lowering in the sky and then just stopping.  It is a bit of a Twilight Zone feel, especially since we were about the only people around.

On the drive back, we spotted a moose and Frances again got him with her zoom lens.  From the park, we drove north to Healy, about 12 miles.  We missed the turn the first time and had a little trouble navigating but ulimately arrived at Aspen Haus.  We were checked into the Southview Suite by young Dylan, son of the proprieters.  He was very professional.  The room was nice and had a small kitchenette. 

We ate dinner at the 49th State Brewery in Healy.  I ate approximately half of the GIANT burger they served.  We were back to our room at 9:00, with the sky bright as day.  Dad, to answer your question, it was not dark enough to go to bed.

Frances set her alarm for her first attempt to view the northern lights.