The little campground that we stayed at in Nenana was perfect for our one night stay. The Nenana Ice Classic is held here every year. It’s a guessing game to see who can guess the time when the ice breaks up on the river. They build a 26 foot tall tripod that’s put on the frozen river in March. This year the jackpot was $210,155 and there was one lucky winner.
Our journey today took us south through Healy. We made a quick stop there at the 49th State Brewing. The original plan was to grab a bit to eat while there but the day was getting away from us. So I ran in while Tim stayed with Jett. I got pictures of their menu and of the picture car Bus 142 used in the movie ‘Into the Wild’. Glad I was at least able to see it. We plan on coming back next week to grab a cold brew and what we hear to be some very delicious food.
Our arrival at Denali National Park was great. I was beginning to have doubts about the mountains as the road stays pretty flat from Nenana for a while before you see any mountains.
We are way out in this beautiful wilderness! Wow. Stunning scenery. So excited to actually be here. Here in Denali National Park! Checking that off our bucket list. Upon entering the park the first 13 miles is paved to Savage River and the public cannot drive past that point. At Savage River is a Ranger Station check point and where the gravel begins. The Teklanika River Campground located at mile 29.1 on Park Road will serve as our basecamp for three nights. You can only get to this campground in Denali National Park with a permit and a reservation. We can’t leave our campsite driving once here. We can however hike, bike (didn’t bring them) or take a park bus from here if we want.
The ‘check in’ back at the entrance by Riley Creek was not the best but we figured things out. Then at our Savage River Park Ranger checkpoint the amazing Ranger Ryan got us all set up for entrance into the wilderness. We got quizzed and passed. She checked our credentials. Filled us in on everything we needed to know. I thanked her for being so enthusiastic and a job well done and she said ‘Thank you for visiting MY park!’ I think I heard birds chirping too!! Oh gosh. Love her. And she loves Jett. She gave her sweet pets and a treat.
The Epic Adventure then continued down the dusty gravel road. The stunning landscape is incredible. Even with a smoke filled sky it is beautiful here. The one point that we could have viewed the enormous Denali peak inside the park , back at mile 9 on Park Road, it was not visible today.
No rush. We have so much to do and a week to make that happen!
Sunset: 12:23 am
Sunrise: 3:39 am
Elevation: 2,570’
Miles from home:
4,744 miles
Wildlife viewings:
Moose
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