Alaska Day 66-67 - Talkeetna to Denali

We left Talkeetna mid morning after a little last minute shopping and picture taking.  The weather was cool and misty.  The road from Talkeetna to Denali was mostly good with one area of about 17 miles of construction.  There’s not much along this route except mountains and valleys with an occasional stretch of flat land running between the mountains.  It must be time for blueberries to be picked because several cars were parked beside the road and people picking what we assumed to be blueberries.  When we did come on a little village, Cantwell, AK, we stopped to top our tank off with gas and had to pay $4.54 per gallon, the most we have paid since we were in Canada.  After a little over 150 miles we were at Denali and decided to stop at the National Park to see if they had any vacancies at Riley Creek campground.  We stayed at Riley Creek in 2011 and really enjoyed the campground.  Turns out they did have vacancies so we decided to stay for two nights.  Fairbanks will have to just wait another couple days. What do you do when in Denali other than look for the mountain, wildlife and all of the other beautiful scenery?  Since it was overcast and on and off rain we knew we would not see the mountain and very little wildlife if any, so we opted for a dinner theater that had a salmon bake with all the salmon and ribs you could eat plus an outstanding show on the history of Denali.  However, I think we just broke rule number 2 maybe rule number 3.  For those of you who don’t know, we made up some rules before we left: Rule number 1, we would not eat at any buffets; Rule number 2, we would not eat at any all you can eat places and finally Rule number 3, We don’t always have to follow Rule 1 & 2.  We think Rule number 3 has gotten us in the most trouble, mainly with the budget and our waist lines.  Anyway, on with Denali, this is one beautiful place with a lot of activities for those who like the outdoors.  There are buses that go into the park for 100 miles for a closer view of Mt. McKinley and the wildlife in the park. Personal vehicles are not allowed past the first campground to keep traffic from disturbing the environment and the wildlife  Outside the park there are opportunities to raft, hike, take a flight around McKinley or just sit on your balcony and enjoy the scenery.  When it comes time to eat there are many choices with mom and pop type restaurants to the more elegant ones operated by the tourist agencies.

Typical scenery on the road from Talkeetna to the Park Highway

These are some scenes along the Park Highway from Talkeetna to Denali

More scenery on the Park Highway

 Park Highway

Rain and construction on the Park Highway

Next trip the roads will be better?

What does it cost?

Riley Creek Campground

Linda and Gypsy at the amphitheater in Riley Creek.

This was what we were looking for; however, the weather did not cooperate.We did not get to see the mountain as we did in 2011.  We had to settle for a picture of Mt. McKinley.  They say that only 30 % of the people that come to Denali National Park see the "Great One", Mt McKinley.

The other Denali. When you get to Denali there are two parts:  Denali National Park and the town of Denali.

Another view of the town of Denali

 Waiting for a table at the Salmon Bake Restaurant

There are many locally owned shops and restaurants in Denali

We really enjoyed lunch at the Salmon Bake

Linda taking a break under the mileage signs. Honolulu?!!! That's closer than home.

Mileage signs downtown Denali

The Alaska Cabin Nite Dinner Theater.  This was a great night; with all the great food and entertainment

A welcoming from the cast

The Show was the history of Denali through song, dance and story telling. The lead character was the young lady in the center who portrayed the true story of the life Fannie Quigley. Fannie was an early female prospector,trapper,and pioneer to Alaska who was also famous for her blueberry pie.
Thank goodness making a pie is much simpler these days. Reading this recipe sure makes one appreciate modern food preparation and modern kitchen appliances.

Getting the audience involved...

Our waitress bringing more food.  The meal was family style and all you could eat.  Baked salmon, BBQ Ribs, potatoes, corn, salad, baked beans and hot bread followed by mixed berry pie with whipped cream.

Was it good, how about finger licking good!

What a way to end the day, take a raft ride down the river...