Thursday, September 10
We had a nice sleep in this morning after a number of early starts, and as it was raining we didn't feel bad about it. Also our departure from the McKinley Lodge to the Denali Lodge wasn't until 1:45pm, so after brunch we sat around the main lodge and caught up on postcards, internet etc.
The skies were clearing so we got our last look towards Mt. Denali but it was still shrouded in cloud. However the colours on the surrounding mountains were magnificent.
On either side of the road was the most magnificent scenery so our necks got a good work out looking left and right, as well as scanning the roadside for wildlife. We did get a close up view of a moose but we're still waiting for a clear sighting of a bear! The autumn colours looked even better as the sun shone on the multi coloured leaves on the trees, and the ground covers were in various shades of red - and rising above this beauty were snow capped mountains.
As we climbed higher the trees thinned out, and our driver explained this was due to the permafrost below the surface where only certain trees with shallow roots survive. We stopped at a scenic lookout and were gob smacked at the beauty around us.
We finally arrived at Denali Lodge just after 4pm, found our room, and decided we had better spend some time in the laundry or we would be wearing t-shirts and shorts! While the washing machine and dryer did their thing we explored the property and other commercial establishments across the road from our lodge. Where we are located is just outside the Denali National Park, and we have 2 nights here which is good. By the time the chores were done it was time to eat (again).
We are hoping the Aurora Borealis will put on a display tonight as the skies are clear for the first time in a week, and at McKinley Lodge this morning we watched a movie presentation on the northern lights which has whet our appetites to see the real thing!
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