Anchorage to Denali

I failed to mention our ride to Palmer and Wasilla as we hung out in Anchorage. The Highlands Games were going on in Palmer although it seemed strange to be in Alaska watching Scottish games, when Highlands, NC is right up the road from SC; but we were “game” for anything. (hah!). I guess we got there too early, because it was barely going when we drove through,(even though the gates were open for over an hour) so we didn’t stay. We drove around Palmer then made our way over to Wasilla. Mr. Charley said that’s where Sara Palin is from but we didn’t see her;  but it is home to the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race Headquarters.
We left Anchorage heading to Parks Highway and Denali. We were excited to add another National Park to our list. Through Wasilla to Houston (the ONLY place on the Mat-Su Borough where it is legal to sell fireworks). On to Willow (had it’s start about 1897 when gold was discovered) and sponsors of an annual Winter Carnival in January and the Iditarod Restart. Onward through Talkeetna where a solar collector helps power the warning signals at the railroad crossings. Over Hurricane Creek where the 550 foot deck of the bridge is 260 feet above the creek, but not as high as the railroad bridge that spans the gulch near the Chulitna River. Then on over Honolulu Creek Bridge where the highway begins ascent to Broad Pass, the gap in the Alaska Range crossed by both the railroad & the highway. Through Igloo City, this landmark first advertised in The Milepost  back in 1973 and eventually into Denali borough.
Here’s some pics from that ride:
Sunrise out of Anchorage
                      
I really need to Google how Iceworm Gulch got its name. I’m sure Hornet Creek is self explanatory
   
   
  
Since we got in so early, we decided to take a ride to Denali National Park
               

I don’t want to say it was a disappointment, but…….unless you get on a tour bus (which can run up over 12 hours in and back), you are only allowed to drive in the first 14 miles. About the only ‘wildlife’ we saw were some rabbits. I think we’re just spoiled by Yellowstone & Custer where you can drive through and see in the comfort of your own vehicle. But after remembering all the things we’ve already seen, I wasn’t going to let that get me down. We decided to go back early in the morning without the girls and drive through, then come back up to the Visitor Center and Science and Learning Center.
When we got back to our site, the place was filling up. Let me tell you, after enjoying the large wooded sites in Anchorage, this place was a packed in mess. There was barely any room between sites and no grass for the girls to walk until walking through a lot of gravel. Of course, Sadie will goes when/where she wants so we’re always sure to keep bags in our pockets.
Well, we’ll see what tomorrow holds at Denali.
Have a good one everybody! We’re going to no matter what.

RV Riding is taking it as it comes and thankful for it all