Sunday, September 19, 2021

DENALI NATIONAL PARK 2021

DENALI NATIONAL PARK, ALASKA, SEPTEMBER 8-11, 2021

For the first time since 1984 we had no reason to stay in Nikiski following the Labor Day Weekend.  Retired from our jobs and kids all graduated from high school, Denali National Park seemed like a good destination.  So, off we went.  Astoundingly we were able to see it all--rutting moose, the mountain, fall colors, termination dust, and interesting people.  We stayed at the Grizzly Bear Cabins for three nights and had a spirited cribbage game each evening.  Elizabeth was crowned champ of the tournament.  Here are a few photos:


This bull moose was strutting, prancing, and pawing the ground one evening near Savage River Campground.  His antlers were impressive.

Moose rutting is taken seriously in Denali National Park.

This is a moose jam.  It happens when a moose is visible from the road.  Lots of vehicles, people, cameras, and spotting scopes converge upon the scene.

This guy had a ladder attached to the roof of his camper shell with ratchet straps.  He would climb to the top of the it whenever he spotted some wildlife, to get a better view.

Posing in front of the sign at the entrance of Denali National Park.

Denali was out in full view much of the time we were visiting the park.

The fall colors were in full force, too.

Fall colors and termination dust atop the hills in the distance.

Termination dust up close.

The rock at the Savage River parking area.

A Northern-hawk owl perched in a tree along the Denali Park Road.














2 comments:

Bill Larson said...

Hi Wally: I have viewed all of your trip reports since 2008. You have a talent as a Photojournalist. For example, THE SERIOUS CARD GAME between Dylan, Julie & Doug at Hubert's Landing about July 24, 2018.
I am particularly interested in gear that Alaskans use in bad situations. All of the gear used in your trips appears to be 1st Class. I Imagine the USPS, UPS & Fedex Drivers visit your Residence quite often.
I liked the idea of downloading Wilderness Maps to your iPHONES. Likewise, having Doug's Rain Tarp & more than one Garmin Inreach & Stoves in case of bad stuff happening.
What is the Camera Model that You & Liz carry on your chests? Those Cameras do a very good job in telling your story.
You have an outstanding family & a group of adventurous friends. I am looking forward to viewing your adventures in 2022. Stay healthy & safe. 10:02 AM 11/23/2021

Wally said...

Hi Bill,
Sorry for the delay in responding to your comments. I just saw them this evening. And, thank you for your kind words. I truly appreciate them!
You certainly are correct about the mail delivery of gear to my residence. Our gear is definitely expensive and hopefully first class. All of my adventure buddies and I talk about the latest improvements all the time. We think it is definitely worth it to get quality equipment since it's a real pain to have cheap stuff fail somewhere in the Brooks Range. The environments we travel in can be very harsh and our gear has to be able to withstand the conditions. We also get the lightest gear we can find since we are all getting older and weight is a serious consideration.. Hyperlite backpacks have been a wonderful discovery. They are tough and light as a feather.
The camera Liz and I carry is the Canon G10. They are at least a decade old (maybe even older), but they are small and still take excellent photos. I do have to say that iPhone cameras have also begun to take many of the photos for this blog.
I'm very happy you were able to find a few bits of useful information on my blog. Keep checking back, we are already making plans for some packraft and backpack adventures next summer!

Wally