Living in Alaska - Life in the Last Frontier

This is the time of year when the road crews get to work clearing the Denali Park Road so that it will be ready for the shuttle buses to run around Memorial Day.  We follow the road reports diligently, waiting for the announcement that the road is open to mile 15 (Savage River) and then mile 30 (Teklanika). This is my favorite time of the year for venturing into the park after not being able to enjoy it all winter long.  Before the tourist season begins, the park is quiet, while the wildlife begins to wake up and become more active. You may recall that last year in late April, my friend Georganne and I came across a grizzly bear scratching his back on an outhouse post. I sure do hope to to see something that wonderful again this year.

Last week and again last weekend, I drove into the park with friends. My first trip was last Thursday, with photography friends Amanda, Erika and Sabrina.  The road was only open to mile 13, but we were so happy to be able to get in with our vehicle.

We didn’t see any wildlife except for a snowshoe hare and a squirrel. But Denali was visible from the Parks Highway Monument just after leaving Fairbanks, and again when we got into the park. A short while later, it disappeared behind clouds.

We had a wonderful day in the park, with sunny skies and relative warmth (30s). I’m so glad we were able to go. I appreciate Erika driving too. It was nice to be able to enjoy the scenery going by.

Here’s another view of Denali from the Parks Highway:

More photos from our trip into the park:

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Denali: Second Trip

Only a few days later, on Saturday, I drove back to Denali Park with my friend Kathee. I read that the road was open to mile 15 (Savage River) and looked forward to another day in the park.

When we left Fairbanks, it was snowing! Nevertheless, the park was reporting partly cloudy skies, and the forecast looked good for that part of the state, so we kept our plans. I’m so glad we did! It was a GORGEOUS day in the park, although a bit windy, and it was so relaxing to enjoy the scenery and chat with each other. I love hanging out with Kathee. We have a lot in common, and the conversation is always so easy and entertaining. I’m so glad we met; she is a wonderful friend!

Here are the photos I took on my second trip to the park:

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There were some people who thought I was a little crazy to marry a man I had known less than one year, and who I had only seen a handful of times. But Steve was different, and I just knew in my heart, that we were supposed to go through life together. If you’re new to my blog, and you would like to read the story of how we met, I wrote about it here.

Until next time…

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