Denali National Park! Sunday, 6/5/11

Jimmy and I hopped on the nature tour bus at 8:30 for a 17-mile trip into The Park.  After Mile 17, the road turns to gravel and is open only to Park shuttle buses.  For the entire 17 miles, we were awed by spectacular views of the snow-draped Alaska Mountain Range. Along the way, we spotted several Minnie Mooses and snowshoe hares, plus a pair of Harlequin ducks on Savage River.

At the turn around, we saw a herd of Dall sheep up on a rocky knoll.  Actually, we learned Denali Nat’l Park was created because of Dall sheep.  The bus stopped lots of times for show-and-tell; our driver/commentator was good. This was a superb way to spend a morning!  Near the turn-around we saw a sign for the Savage River trail and decided to hike it after this nature tour was finished.

Picture postcard views at every turn.

Minnie Moose, lower center.

Harlequin duck in the shallows.

(Tiny) Mountain White Avens.

Hello, Alaskan flora and fauna.

You can't see me, I'm camouflaged. (Snowshoe hare)

* * * * *

The tour bus dropped us off at the Savage River trailhead.  But, by this time, clouds were closing in. (Also, at 2780', we were higher in elevation ... tree line/snow line in these parts is 3000’ to 3500’.) We about froze to death trudging along next to the narrow, turbulent river, facing into a blasting wind with light rain pelting our faces, and even spits of sleet.  It was useless to turn around ‘cause the shuttle wouldn’t be at the trailhead for an hour. We kept on; the path was relatively flat and easy. Snow patches lingered on the rocky slopes.  

Hands in pockets to keep them warm.

At one mile, we crossed a wooden bridge and walked on the other side of the river to our start point.  The light rain stopped.  With the wind now at our backs and no more drizzle, our return hike was fairly pleasant. 

I examined sub-alpine flowers: dwarf mtn Azaleas and Dogwoods, mtn white Avens, and other unidentified blossoms.  Goofy mountain squirrels zipped around us.  This Savage River hike was quite different for us. Happily, we spied more moose and hares on our ride back to the Visitor Center, but no bears. Nor mountain lions.  Good. We ate a (marginal-tasting) pizza at Lynx Creek Pizza on-site, and retired for the nite, bone tired, worn slap out. I believe trying to stay warm makes a person tire faster.  Regardless, we had an awesome and very full day!

Tomorrow: Train to Talkeetna!