USA – Day 10 – Off road in Denali

Our RV site in Talkeetna backed right onto the railway line but I’d read it wasn’t too bad. There was a train around 11pm and another about 3am so it didn’t bother us too much. A bit of a relaxed morning and we were off by 8am. Lots more beautiful scenery. We’re seeing more and more wildflowers each day which is lovely.

IMG_2843

We had a brief stop for petrol.

IMG_2845

And arrived at Denali National Park around 11am.

IMG_2847

We got checked into Riley Creek, where we are staying. And went to choose our spot.

IMG_2848

I chose the one with the most wildflowers :-).

IMG_2852

IMG_2854

They have a system here whereby you leave your name/check-in slip clipped onto a stump to identify your site – you get to choose your own. We did this then drove to the Visitors Center.

IMG_2856

Kevin wore his rain jacket. I didn’t bother as it was only spitting. When we came back out, so had the sun. We were just in time to watch the short film before having a look around.

IMG_2858

I loved this little fella – how cute is he?

IMG_2860

You know you’re in bear country when they have serious bear proof bins like this.

IMG_2861

Kevin wanted lunch from the cafe. He got the kids burger. I stole a couple of this fries (which were really yummy) and made a cheese & coleslaw wrap later on.

IMG_2863

We went back to our site for a while. Kevin had a nap. I ate my lunch and read a few magazines.

IMG_2864

This was my view :-).

IMG_2871

Just before 3pm we headed over to the Merchantile where we were picked up for our Rhino ATV tour.

IMG_0541

This was lots of fun. Kevin had a ball trying to hit every rock, every dip in the road, and make the biggest splashes.

IMG_2933

We had a number of stops with the most gorgeous views. We really lucked out with the weather this afternoon. Out of the wind it was actually warm.

IMG_2888

IMG_2891

IMG_2893

IMG_2894

IMG_2900

Okay, you get the idea. We were surrounded by beauty. Our last stop was down by the river.

IMG_2917

IMG_2924

IMG_0573

IMG_0577

IMG_2929

More stunning scenery.

IMG_2930

And one thing I did not expect to see on our tour.

IMG_0548

At the end I was reunited with my normal glasses – which I didn’t even know were missing. Kevin must have knocked them out of the bag when he got out his jacket. Boy, was I lucky! We were then returned to Riley Creek where Kevin had the brilliant idea that instead of sitting outside the Merchantile to get wifi that he drive the MH around to the car park. And that’s exactly what we did. Once I get this posted we’ll head back to our campsite.

Tomorrow : An day trip through Denali Park.