May 21, 2013 Tuesday

We had an awesome day on my birthday.  Thanks for all the birthday wishes everyone. We started the day off with a big breakfast.  I think this is the same hall where are Rec Vee group went.  Where they sang for my sister Jennie:  "My bonny lies over the ocean".

These bears are in front of our  "Fox Den" complex

At 9:45 we boarded an old school bus for a 4 hour tour into Denali Park, to mile 19. Cars may not drive in the Park, only tour buses.  This female moose was wandering not too far from the road.      

Denali is made up of 6 million acres.

We stopped for a short film on how the road into Denali was built, and their first visitors.

Many stops were made for kodak moments.  Mt. McKinley can be seen in the distance.  The temperature is rising.  Gorgeous blue skies again.  

I'm standing on Marcel's knee to reach the window.  Thank you Ginny for sending me this picture.  I think it made the bus driver feel guilty, and he cleaned all the windows at the next stop.  

Mt. McKinley, clearly seen in this picture is 20,320 feet high.  Highest mountain in North America. 

Apparently, this year is the coldest and longest year on record.  231 day of snow is the longest winter on record also.  We don't mind at all.  5 years ago in July we saw all the mountains with just a bit of snow on the tops, this is a whole new experience for us.  We love this vast and magnificent wilderness. 

Willow Ptarmigan, Alaska state bird since 1955.  Arctic Grouse.  

Female Willow Ptarmigan in top of the bush.

In winter the Ptarmigan bird grows feathers that cover its legs and feet for protection against the cold.   This is a male.

Arctic Ground Squirrel.  Native to the Arctic. People in Alaska, particularly around the Aleutians, refer to them as "Parka" (pronounced "par'kee") squirrels. probably because their pelt is good for making the fur edging on the hoods of Parka style jackets. 

A lot smaller than our squirrels. 

Lots of wolf packs in Denali.  Den sites areas are closed to the public, then re-opened once the pups leave.

Back at the lodge at 1:45.  We could not go as far as planned into Denali.  Roads further into the park are still snow covered and closed. 

Waiting for the bus to take us to our next adventure.  ATV riding.

This picture is for you Jennie.  Is this not where we bought earrings, and you bought 2 kinds of sausages.  Caribou and ??

Awesome, awesome.

We asked for a side-by-side.  Can't take pictures and drive at the same time.
Two other couples followed our lead. 

Plastic bags to cover our shoes.  Saved them from getting all muddy.  
We sure are chubby with all the layers of clothing on. 

First look-out with explanations of the various mountain ranges.  We were triple dressed for the cold ride, but it wasn't cold at all.  

Lots of small rivers and a lot of mud.  Marcel loved it...like a kid in a candy store.  

Sure miss you.  Marianne, Wayne, Chris and Hugh.  

Marcel smashing quartz looking for gold nuggets in the middle. 

Can't possibly say enough about the gorgeous scenery.

Horsing around on the river bed.  Sooo much fun.  I stayed clean though.

Through the river we go!  Our guide taking pictures.

Covered wagon rides also available.  Majority went on those. 

The end of the ride.
What a memorable birthday.