7/11/13: Denali National Park - Day 3

We woke to gorgeous sunshine this morning, which was a treat for day one of our three day bus passes into the park.  If you have never been to Denali, then I should probably explain how it works.  There is one 92 mile long road that goes into the park -- this same 92 mile long road is the only way back out of the park.  In your personal vehicle you can only drive to mile 13 at Savage River, unless you are camping at Teklanika Campground (29 miles into the park).  We actually really wanted to stay out at Tek camp, but were unable to as we have a "tow behind" trailer - if you have a truck/camper or 5th wheel setup you are a-ok, but not with a towable RV.  This is due to the road out into the park changes to gravel at mile 13 (Savage River) and also becomes quite narrow in places.  Now, there a quite a few more camps out in the park, but you can only get there via the bus system the park has in place.  At mile 66 in the park is the Eielson Visitors Center.  This center was built right into the ground and is super cool.  When visiting Eielson, you are only 30 miles from the base of Mt. McKinley.  On a clear day, it is literally breath taking!!  The center also has educational movies and displays throughout all about the park.  It is a must see if you ever go to Denali.  

We decided since we have Bo, that we would divide our time out in the park.  Rick and Brady went out first at 6:00am and KK and I went out second at 11:00am.  Being that the road is so long and narrow, and you are riding in a school bus, it takes quite awhile to get out into the park -- it would take 4 hours one way to our destination today.  If all went as planned, Mr. Bo would be "manning the trailer" for just 3 hours.  

We both saw tons of animals and had a blast the whole trip!!  Brady and Rick got to Eielson and took a big hike to the top of the mountain that looks down at the center (just like they did last time we were here)... Kailey and I hike down the hillside to the river loop... It was awesome!!!  KK and I got into camp that evening around 7:00pm, but it was so worth it!!!!

Here are some photos from both our trips today:

KK at the Teklanita river lookout:

Tek river in background:

Mr. Fox led the bus for about a mile, his mouth was full of ground squirrels:

Polychrome Pass is coming into view in the distance:

Gives you an idea of what the shear drop offs look like:

Polychrome Pass again:

Kailey & I at the Polychrome viewpoint:

Fossilized dinosaur print at Toklat River rest area (can't tell, but it was HUGE)..

Caribou on the hillside at "top of the hill":

Grizzly:

Eielson visitors center with my girl:

Loading the bus to head back down:

Wolves took down a caribou on the East Fork River, then two grizzlies came down and took over the meat.  The bear on the right is standing on the carcass eating... The other bear is sleeping.

Caribou:

Brady at the very top of the mountain at Eielson:

Rick & Brady at Polychrome view point:

Brady playing with a moose shed at Toklat River rest area:

My girl: