The Alaskan vacation was fantastic! Despite having a horrible time getting there—delayed flights due to storms going up and a packed overnight flight coming home—we had a great time.
Our first day consisted of driving through rain to Denali National Park. Once there, we stopped in to check on our tour the next day and I sold a copy of GRAVE SECRETS to the clerk at the bookstore. Sometimes it pays to carry a copy or two of your book with you.
The next day, despite the forecast for more rain, broke bright and sunny. Yay! Here are a few pictures of our trip into the park. I have to commend the bus driver; he did an excellent job of negotiating the narrow, winding road.
Guess what the most popular site along the entire route was? That’s right, the bathrooms. 😉
With his gray hair, my hubby almost blends in with the background, doesn’t he?
This is him demonstrating what NOT to do. At least we were in the parking lot when he pulled this stunt. 🙂
Saw some moose, caribou, Dahl sheep, two eagles perched on the rocks as if they were part of the rocks, a pair of young ravens, and a couple of sow bears with their two cubs. Neither were close to each other nor very close to the road. However, on the way back, we came across this!
Isn’t he beautiful?
And big!
The driver killed the engine, we lowered the windows, and everyone quickly (and quietly) snapped pictures of the magnificent creature as he totally ignored us. Shortly after we moved on (so people on the buses behind us could get a glimpse) he crossed the road and headed down the mountainside. We were definitely at the right place at the right time because getting close to a bear in the wild like this hardly ever happens. At least we were inside the bus at the time. (Whew!)
We stayed two nights at the Denali Touch of Wilderness B&B in Healy, just a few miles up the road. Lovely place and I highly recommend it! This was our room. Very warm and welcoming.
On Saturday, we headed back to Anchorage (in the rain again) where we caught a flight to King Salmon. There we spent several days with good friend, Julia, who manages the Visitor Center for the national wildlife refuge.
I’ll tell you about that adventure in my next post. I promise not to keep you waiting too long. 😉
Linda
Ltrout's Blog 
I want to go to Alaska
I’m ready. Let’s go! 🙂
Great photos and summary of the first part! Can’t wait to read the next blog! Thanks for sharing.
You’re more than welcome! I’ll get the rest written up and posted in a couple of days.
So what’s in that first picture? Restrooms? 😀 Sounds like you had a great time. Glad you’re home and safe!
Guess I should’ve specified what that was. Yes, the first picture is of restrooms.
I might add that everyone had to take their own food and drink into the park, but had to eat on the bus. Eating in the open is inviting those furry critters to come join you.
Okay. I might have to take something to eat that furry critters don’t like. Not sure what it would be, but in my imagination, those critters come onboard the bus to snack with us. (or on us) SCREAM!
Great post! Even though I got a first hand hearing of your trip. 😄
Thanks, Ash. Guess it’s about time I got around to writing that second half, huh? 😉