Talkeetna is a very charming pioneer town in Alaska. Its located halfway between Anchorage to Denali and about 55 minutes south of our current location. There are many things to do there … shopping, great places to eat, zip lining, off roading, water adventures and of course as a mountaineering town it’s known as a basecamp of sorts to climb Denali. Talkeetna also has great views of Mt. Denali (it’s actually closer to the mountain than the Denali National Park entrance.
Tim and I drove the 53 miles one way down to Talkeetna with plans on lunch. Saw an amazing view of a moose in a marshy lake eating along the way. He was on the other side of the road and we couldn’t stop in time. We arrived in town a little later than anticipated. Wow! Not what we expected.
There was nowhere to park unless we parked out of town and paid a business to park there. That would have been fine however there were so many people there. Lines to get in most restaurants. Lines for the public bathrooms. Swarms of tourists in the street. We left. I’m glad the town is benefiting from all the visitors but not what we wanted today. We think all the tourists that could not go to Denali (due to the wildfire) or ride the trains between here and Fairbanks were dropped off by bus as an alternative activity.
We had remembered passing Denali Brewing Company on the way not far down the road. That’s where we decided to stop hoping they also served food. Yes! It was meant for us to stop here. Just what we were looking for!! Salad, pizza and beer! Good food. Cold beer. Amazing atmosphere. Great place all around!!
There were a few other stops we wanted to make on our return to basecamp. One was a floatplane company. Another was Wal*Mike’s! (wow … speechless). And lastly to get that photo of the moose in the lake. Unfortunately he wasn’t there!
When we returned to camp one of our South Carolina Airstream friends had arrived at our campground today. I was able to grab a 1st come 1st serve campsite for them early this morning. They were supposed to be checking into Denali today but with the closure of Denali National Park due to the wildfire their reservations had been canceled. All the RVers with Denali reservations were now looking for alternative places to stay. Tim and I spent happy hour over at their campsite. The other S.C. Airstream couple had found a place not far north of us. We parted ways this evening with ‘see ya down the road’.
Guess what? We saw Denali again! From the campground this evening while walking Jett. Didn’t expect it and it was only the highest peak peaking out of the high clouds. Even though it wasn’t all of it, I’m still saying we saw it today! (5th time) Guess the sunlight could have been better but this was at 9 pm. LOL
Travel day tomorrow!
Meanwhile back at home I guess a peacock made himself at home!
Sunset: 11:58 pm
Sunrise: 4:11 am
Wildlife viewings:
Swan
Eagles
Moose
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