Kantishna Hills

We're staying in a small lodge tucked in the Kantishna Hills of Denali National Park and it is host to all the bush pilots doing sightseeing tours in the park.  Interesting hearing their tales and one pilot that flew in today had to dodge a Bull Moose on the landing strip.  Hiked around northern end of Wonder Lake with once again, a perfectly clear view of Mt. McKinley and the Alaskan Range.

Top of the World

Camped in Denali National Park campground last night in our 25 ft RV which is working out to be really convenient.  Woke up to another day of great weather and clear views of Mt. McKinley. Photographed 3 Bull Moose this morning - very cool and they are huge!  Took a flight from park entrance to the interior of park flying over the autumn colored tundra and snow capped mountain peaks of the Alaskan Range.  Climbed up to 12,000 ft for closeup views of Mt. McKinley.  Also spotted wildlife from plane - 5 caribou and a Sow Grizzly with 3 cubs.  Awesome ride!  Reached our lodge in Kantishna and took a hike up a nearby ridge to see another view of Alaskan Range.  Took shuttle to south end of Wonder Lake and photographed Mt. McKinley reflecting in a pond at sunset/twilight.  The light on the mountains was magical.  We had a long trek back to the lodge, but luckily had a full moon to guide the way.  We were exhausted yet exhilarated.  It had to be one of the longest days of my life.  From the beautiful sunrise to chasing moose to flying over the tallest peak in North America and witnessing its beautiful reflection at twilight, it will be hard to top a day like this!

First View Mt McKinley

Drove up from Anchorage last night and camped in RV campground in Talkeetna.  Greeted with clear skies and cool temps and were lucky enough to catch our first view of the big mountain this morning - Mt. McKinley, 20,320 ft.  Made several stops along the Parks Hwy on way up to Denali National Park.  Arrived in the park mid afternoon to find fall colors at peak.  The tundra is blanketed in reds and yellows and the aspens, cottonwoods and birch trees are all glowing.  Took a drive into the park and saw first grizzly and about 10 moose. Like bear jams back in the Smokies, Denali has "moose jams".  Ended the day watching the full moon rise over the Alaskan Range.

Alaska Adventure

Only 4 days to go until I leave for Alaska...yeah!  Destinations include Denali National Park, Kodiak Island, Katmai National Park and the Kenai Peninsula and we'll be traveling by RV, boat and floatplane (no cruises).  I'll be meeting up with my good friend and fellow photographer, Lori, who is from Ohio.