May 22, 2013 Wednesday

Time for a big breakfast this morning at King Salmon in the complex.
Up at 7, suitcases in the hall at 7:30.
At 11:15 on the bus to bring us to a 4 hour train ride.
 Then another 1 hour bus ride to McKinley Lodge, still in Denali.  

A picture of the complex.  We were in the Wolf Den.  

Train to Takeena.  We were in the last passenger car, which was the best.  Lots of windows, plus also a small deck outside in the back. 

Our first experience on a train.  Very personal service.  Each passenger car was self-sufficient.  Dining and bathrooms were downstairs. 

Scenery was spectacular no matter where you looked.  We did not sit at all.  No one was seated in the back 4 rows, so lots of room to wander. 

We were seated with a lovely couple from California.  Georgetta and Mike. 

While we were eating, I saw 2 moose.  Jill, a fellow traveler had her camera ready, took these pictures and was kind enough to send them to me for the blog.

Train we passed going in the opposite direction. 

I took 168 pictures today!!  Difficult to choose which ones to blog. 

Hurricane Gorge

Train came to a complete stop for these kodak moments. 

Height of the seating is clearly seen here.

We sure are small little creatures compared to the massive mountains around us. 

Arrival at the Talkeetna Station at 5 pm. 

At 6 we arrived at the McKinley Princess Lodge.

All separate buildings again.  

Outside watching the Alaskan Mountain Range from the balcony.

Huge building we had dinner in.  The rafters are made from steel very close together.  Huge steel posts everywhere to prevent the building from collapsing with the weight of the snow in the winter.  The complex is only open in the summer.  

Ending our meal sharing a delicious desert. Yum.