POLYCHROME RIDGE WALK

 THE MOUNTAIN

Our Labor day celebration started with an early morning wake up, a quick walk of the dog, and an eight am bus departure into DNP.  Our destination - Polychrome where we planned on hiking a ridge that would take us on a six mile trek through an area we had yet to explore.  45 degrees but sunny when we rolled out of the Wilderness Access Center.  Day grew progressively warmer and sunnier as we enjoyed the two hour ride to Polychrome.  The Mountain (as Denali or McKinley is known) was out in all its glory from early on throughout the day. 

Denali Wolf

Wildlife was abundant including my first opportunity to photograph a wolf up close in its natural surroundings. 












Also enjoyed watching a band of Dall sheep basking in the sunshine doing sheep stuff, including banging their heads together.  No wonder the ewes keep their distance for all but a short time during the annual breeding season. 

TRIPLE LAKES REDUX

Porcupine hiding in tree

Beaver Lodge (abandoned)

Hiked the newly completed Triple Lakes Trail Saturday morning.  From the north end all the way back to the cabin just about 11 miles.  Overcast drizzly and windy but the tree cover protected us from the worst of it.  Walked up on a large male porcupine who scurried up a tree before we could capture the moment kodak style.  Also saw several flocks of sprce grouse.  Lots of colors and a nice hike.

Back In Denali

Took Pop to the airport Monday afternoon after letting him treat us to lunch at the MidWay Cafe in Anchorage.  Really enjoyed his visit. Then spent a few days at the condo getting truck serviced (thank goodness rear end noise was nothing to worry about) and enjoying the summer weather.   Have been lucky so far in that the few days we've spent in the city have been pleasant weatherwise.

Fall Colors

Thursday we hit the road heading north to Denali.  Expect we will be here till September 22, when the tourist season ends.  Cooler weather, shorter days but still lots to see and do.  Drove into Savage Thursday night to view some of the fall colors.  Spectacular views, and saw 8 moose.

Anchorage Market

Took Pop and D to the market yesterday.  A nice refreshing drizzle so the crowds were not too thick.  Lots of neat stuff to look at, and lots of fair food to drool over.  After careful consideration, we settled on homemade corny dogs. 

Company

Denali from Mary's Mckinley View Lodge

Dad made it Monday night right on schedule.  Always good to see my family.  Its his third visit since I've lived here.  Tuesday we loaded up and hit the road for Denali National Park.  Weather was clear and sunny and the mountain was out.  Lunch at Mary's McKinley View where we ate and enjoyed the view. 

Got to the park about 3 pm. leaving Pop plenty of time to stretch his legs before he headed to Cabin Night for some Alaskan dinner theatre.  The story of Hattie and the rest of the Kantishna gang, as well as barbq ribs with al the sides.  Thanks Aramark.

Wise Old Men of the Mountain

Wednesday we took the bus to Eielson.  Bears, sheep and lots of tundra cattle aka caribou.  One severely obese ground squirrel was particularly photogenic at the visitor center.  An interesting fact about Dall Sheep, the males spend the summer separate from the ewes and lambs.  Kind of like a guys night out that lasts all summer.   From the looks on these fellows faces, the fun has worn off.

ANCHORAGE

Thursday afternoon we packed the truck and headed south for a few days at the condo in Anchorage.  Friday morning we attended the swearing in ceremony for our friend Craig Pester.  Very moving event as over 60 individuals from 31 different countries were given the oath.  Sen. Lisa Murkowski was the speaker.

Lots of errands and house cleaning consumed the weekend.  Place is spic and span and ready for Pop;s visit this week.  Even found time to clean the trucks.

By the way, the rainy weather Anchorage has endured the majority of the summer was not to be seen.  We had clear sunny skies the entire weekend.

SUNSET OVER KNIK ARM OF COOK INLET

Little Creatures

Artic Ground (Parka) Squirrel

Most visitors who come to Denali National Park want to see the mountain, and the "big four" of the park's inhabitants: bears, moose, sheep and wolves.  All worthy subjects of desire for sure.  I'm the same way and I still get excited by the site of any of those.  Being here all summer, however, has turned me onto the coolness of some of the smaller guys who live here.  I now count myself a fan of the porcupine, marmot, squirrels and hares who share the park with the big four.  And to be fair, some of the little guys have a bit more personality than their larger counterparts. 

Snowshoe hare

Walking through Riley Campground last night we ran into one squirrel who thought it would be funny to follow along just behind the dog.  Champ knows he is not to chase the little guys, a lesson learned only this summer.  "But gee whiz Boss, he isn't supposed to tempt me like this."

Red Squirrel