July 8, 2009

July 8, 2009

The setting sun last night was blaze-orange from the fire smoke that returned. That doesn’t bode well for mountain viewing today. We were so lucky to see Denali yesterday.

This morning we drove back to the entrance of Denali. On the way we stopped at the Savage River pullout to do a short hike along the creek. Afterwards we stopped at the entrance Visitor Center where we watched a video about Denali wildlife. The photography was simply stunning.

In the late afternoon we took a bus to see the park’s sled dog kennel so Aimee could pet a few Alaskan Huskies. The dogs were lethargic from the heat. But as soon as the ranger came by they all jumped up and wanted to be a part of the demonstration sled run. Amazing that they love to “mush” so much. A small exhibit room described how important dogs were to survival for Stone Age man, especially so in the arctic. Interestingly the oldest dog burial remains were found not far from my hometown in Illinois.

We stopped at the Wilderness Center to secure a site at the park entrance campground. The staff said it was full. Undeterred, I called the 800-number and got a spot anyway. After staying at so many National Park campgrounds I have learned the left hand often is unaware of the right. I could write a book.