Denali NP and a walk in the snow

Denali National Park
June25, 2009 ?Thursday
I hate to say it is tough keeping track of which day is which. But it is. Our best camping spots are usually Sunday night through Friday. No competition from those folks who are at work. (Nor rubbing it in…) The first couple of days we stayed outside the park, next to Ernie and Shary, from Rangeley. It was really great to see “neighbors” way up here. We had a great BBQ, and commiserated about fuel costs. They will stay until the end of the Summer, where as, we are getting close to the end.
When we arrived at DNP we tried to get into Teklaneeka Camp Ground (mile 29 into the park), the farthest you can go with a trailer/own vehicle, and only with a “special pass”. They only give out a specific number and it is usually by reservation. When we were making enquires months ago, we told “no problem”..no one is here when you want to come”. Well, you can guess..when we arrive at Park Headquarters’ our quest for a pass was met with “all booked up”. But we were told to check for cancellations..after two days, there was one and we got in. It was great because we had stayed the 4 night minimum, could not use the truck. Behing our trailer was a river wash with great hiking to local hills. We did have to be dutiful with our “hey bear” calls. Their traks were evident everywhere, as were wolf tracks. The dogs were not allowed off the camp ground loop road, and never off leash as there were more important 4 legged mammals in the neighborhood, and I don’t mean small “chatty” dogs.We got around the park on the shuttle bus. Even going out by Wonder lake was only a 6 hour round trip (Dog bladder’s last 6-8 hours…I wish mine did!). On our travels in and through the park we saw 6 sets grizzly sow and 2 cubs each, bull and cow moose(plural), grouse, lots a rabbits, Dahle sheep, golden eagles, and I am sure Marcia could an a few “vertebrates” to the list. We did a Ranger guided hike up Cathedral Mountain..and just for our entertainment we woke to rain that day..which switched over to snow during the climb. The picture says it all. The sun came out the day we left the park and we finally saw the big view:Denali. Beautiful. Bugs not bad... compared to Maine standards.
We are next going to head up Chena Hot Springs Road(above Fairbanks). Do some fishing(I hope a little catching), “boondoogling”, and check out the moose.