Friday August 28, 2009 Denali National Park

This morning we drive into the park. Clouds cover Mt. McKinley this morning, as is the case more days than not. We count ourselves fortunate to have seen it so long and so well yesterday afternoon.

We stop first at the Park Visitor Station and learn about the area. The displays and artifacts inside the station are very interesting. Early in the 80's they thought the wolf was increasing in numbers too much for the caribou and they allowed a wolf kill for a few years. Later, they learned that if they choose 1 species over another it would upset the balance of nature. So now they do not interfere with the animals. Imagine that ..... God does know best.

This sign outside the visitors center really brought home to both of us:

the Park really does mean to avoid interference with the animals

(or in this case the insects)....

Personal vehicles are only allowed to drive 15miles into the park. To go further, you must take a bus tour. I love my chauffeur and am not willing to take the bus. We think we will see plenty our way.

And see plenty we do. Here's a little sample of the mountains, the tundra and the colors of autumn in the north. WOW!!



We have see several moose during our trip this year, but no bulls until today. Now here's another time my camera just can't do this bull winkle justice. But we enjoyed watching him forage on the mountain side, getting his energy level up for the upcoming rut.

We continue north when we leave the park and the wonderful views continue all the way to Fairbanks. We stop at RV shop in Fairbanks for a part to fix one on the clamps on the camper. He gives us a local map of campgrounds and we see our next stop.....North Pole RV park.

We arrive at the town of North Pole, Alaska. The street lights are candy canes. The RV park is next to the world's largest Santa, 40ft tall, and next to Santa's House. Our campsite has a tall Christmas tree with lights and the electric meters are Snowmen! TOOOOO cute.....

We finish off the PERFECT vacation day with Mikey cooking the fish from the "Deadliest Catch Boat" on the charcoal grill right by the creek.