Who knew?

One of the good things about travel is you learn stuff.  I had to come to Alaska to learn that they don’t call this hill Mt. McKinley anymore.  Instead it is now known simply by the native identification of Denali.

I also learned, as many do who come here, that one gets to view the mountain only about twenty five percent of the time on average.  Three out of every four days this mountain is shrouded in clouds.

This photo, admittedly not the greatest, is testament that we were lucky enough to drive up here to Denali Park and actually see the mountain.  And I’m very serious about feeling lucky.  To the naked eye it is still a very majestic hill, even when you can only see the top third.

Telkeetna’s claim to fame is that it is perched right on the eastern boundary of Denali National Park.  It’s at the end of a fourteen mile highway spur.  The only transportation choices beyond are float planes, ATVs, river rafts, and a train that goes up into the park.

There’s also this taxi but it’s strictly local.  It’s also the only thing I could find in Telkeetna that was remotely photo worthy.

Telkeetna’s sign says, Population 800, which I suspect goes to about 80 when winter sets in.  During the tourist season, given it’s size,  there are a surprising number of choices for eating and other treats. And as luck would have it, Denali Brewery.  The parking lot for tour busses is about as big as the whole town itself.  And as you might expect, there are more than a handful of souvenir shops.  Surprise, surprise, they all sell the same stuff.

My only previous experience with Alaska was a stop in the airport on the way to Viet Nam, so I am enjoying everything I see.  Still no moose sightings yet in spite of the fact that there warning signs everywhere, even right “in town”.  Out on the highways there are signs that say Moose Crossing Next Five Miles.  Then about three miles further there’s another one.  They should just have signs that say, People, don’t be stupid.  Keep your eyes open for moose.

I didn’t really tell many people I would be making this trip and blogging, so I don’t know how many of you might be “out there”.  But I am well and hope you all are too.