THE ALASKAN ADVENTURE Day 19 June 4, 2009 Denali National Park

After our normal early start ( just before lunch ) we went over to the Murie Science and Learning Centre at the park to have a look around. We then had lunch and decided to make the drive to the end of the park road to see what happened to our baby moose. When we got there we could not see it but were told that it headed up into a bowl and most likely would die there.

We turned around and a very short time down the road we came across a mother Grizzly and her two cubs. Judging by the size the cubs were at least one year old. They were in a very playful mood and wrestled with each other for about 30 minutes before they moved on. I took pictures with both my 75 - 300 lens and my 1300 - 6500 lens and to our disappointment the pictures with my large lens did not turn out. I tested it afterwards and it worked great so I must have not attached it right. I have posted the picture that I took with my smaller lens but as you can see they are quite far away.














We carried on to the Savage River Campsite where we decided to go for a short hike. During the hike we came across a log cabin that was used by the early rangers as they patrolled the park. Even today they use the cabin in the winter as they patrol the parks on dogsleds.

Our next stop was to get a couple of pictures of Mount McKinley as most of the north peak was visible and some of the south peak could be seen. We were informed that there are 500 climbers currently on the mountain. They have a very short climbing season as the south gets too soft. Only 52% of climbers who start out make the top.

Once again we headed back out of the part but before we got to the end of the road we came across this fellow just sauntering down the road. It was a nice feeling to be able to see him from the truck. We also caught sight of a Lynx and managed to get a picture before he scurried from sight. Seeing a Lynx during the day is very rare.

It really is a Lynx

We reached the Visitors Centre and decided to go for another hike. On the way back we met up with a nice couple from Washington, DC on the Hines Creek Footbridge. Dan and Julia are travelling around Alaska for about a month so we swapped Alaska adventure stories. They gave us a few good tips on where to go in the Kenai Peninsula. We wish them all the best in their travels.

After saying goodbye to Dan and Julia we headed back to the RV park for supper and to get ready for tomorrow. We are heading for the Denali Highway which goes between Cantwell and Paxson.

Animal Count for the Day

Grizzly Bears 4 2 Adults and 2 Cubs

Moose 4

Lynx 1

Caribou 2

The Squirrel is considered the "fast food" of the park. Fast food for the animals not the tourists.