Retirement and Projects

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

7-27-2011 Wildlife in Denali-Moose

During this tour of Denali, we had the same driver that we had with Bec and Brian, quiet, but a good driver (thank goodness LOL). I never thought I'd say "moose" were beautiful, but they really are. Big, muscular, and their coat is so shiny!

7-26-2011 Bike Racers to Denali

We saw so many bicycles and motorcycles during our travels, going up humongous hills!!!! But these bikers were a different breed, really really had to work hard. There were several relays, and we saw bikers racing in different areas, Anchorage, to Denali, and going through Hatchers Pass. Note they are pedaling by hands, not feet!

7-26-2011 First Night Denali

Left Anchorage and headed for Denali.

Al is standing on the edge of the bridge. Lauren and Brian had climbed up a really high rock mountain. This is as far as one could go with a private auto (Savage Creek).

Ground squirrel

Alaska state bird, Ptarmagan. This color in summer, totally white in winter.

Monday, August 8, 2011

7-25-2011 Panning for Gold

Today was Gold Panning Day. First we hit the Eldorado Mine for the tour

etc., then decided to try a stream closeby.

Only gold we got was at the Mine, but it was still fun.

7-24-2011 First Day for BriW and Lauren

Doing the same trip we did with Becca and BrianB. The pix should be different tho. The musk ox this time were really up close and personal, but still divided by two fences :) thank goodness. One of the gift shops we went to had winter hats, just the plain pull over your head kind, made out of musk ox fur, and the cost was $360. Sounds like it's as expensive as mink!!! While we were watching these gigantic ox, two of them decided to butt heads. It went no further than that tho; maybe their way of deciding whose boss!

Next stop was the Discovery Boat. Again, a great boat trip with a surprise at the Athabascan Village.

Mushing dogs in training...too cute!

The commentator was a little disconcerted...said she wasn't comfortable having the owl show up. When time allows I need to look up what the owl stands for, for the Athabascans.

Not a bad picture for two tired (make that 4 LOL) travellers!

7-23-2011 Lauren and BrianW Arrive

The day went really slow, and finally weary travelers arrive around 10:30 after almost 24 hours of flight! Looks like Bri is checking for coins in the display :)

7-19-2011 Denali (Mt McKinley)

Made our way north back to Fairbanks to pick up Lauren and Brian. Stopped at Denali Viewing Area North with a wonderful view of Mt McKinley. I think they should have kept the Denali name!!! It just seems to fit so well with the beauty of it. Dry camped for the night in the viewing area (48 degrees) The Camp Host or caretaker spends his days/nights in a tent...brrrrrrr!!! No phone or TV. We were the only ones there at night, but by morning 3 units there. Awesome awesome view. We were facing the wrong way, if we had turned around Denali would have been out our front window! Close mtns were dark brown and green, further ones white. They say Denali is growing at the rate of 3/4" a year.