9-5-15: Denali National Park

According to my aunt Loretta, today is Blogger Amnesty Day, the day to publish blogs that are way old, without judgement.  And so, without even further ado, pics from almost 6 months ago, from when Jeff & I went to Denali National Park with Mom & Dad.

caribou

 This caribou was near the end of our trip, and were were so lucky to get to see them.  There was a photographer out getting the animals as well - I'm sure he really enjoyed our bus pulling up and getting pics too.  I was really happy to have my new camera with the zoom lens - I never would have gotten this shot without it.  Also, caribou butt.

bear

 This bear was doing a good job of playing camouflage.  But we saw him, and I was completely zoomed on him.  We saw quite a few bears this day.

wolf

We took the bus trip all the way out to Eielson Visitor's Center - a very long round trip.  This picture was taken at our first potty break.  I was lucky enough to notice all the people at the overlook and went to investigate.  There were two wolves running down the river bank.  I was super happy to see them!

And here's Eielson Visitor's Center - where it was so soupy foggy that we couldn't see a darn thing:

it's normal to not be able to see Mt. McKinley because it's so huge, it makes its own weather.
So on the window at Eielson, there are these etchings.  You stand at the spot marked on t he floor (on for 5ft and one for 6ft) and it shows you where the summit is, even though you can't see it.  It was soooo foggy.

this pic is for Loretta.  That's a 4-panel art quilt depicting all 4 seasons at Eielson!  It was magnificent!

on a normal day there would be beautiful mountains behind this flag.

"I go to nature to be soothed and healed and to have my sense put in order."

And one last beauty shot:

This is Polychrome Pass.  I may have edited this picture to show the colors better than they showed up on the camera.  What you can't tell is how in some parts of this road there is a cliff to the side of the bus, and it's nearly a straight down drop.  Makes for some beautiful views, unless you have a fear of heights!