To Denali

Driving up the Parks Highway we bypass Anchorage and continue north towards Denali. We are very lucky as Denali itself is clear, which is unusual. The mountain is North America's tallest at 20,300 ft, and the views are phenominal.

We stop at Little Coal Creek trail head for a good 5 mile round trip hike. The walk starts off woody and earthy, and then as we climb higher it opens right out into a piney path. The views of the mountain are incredible, and we can see the glacier really clearly. The whole Alaska range stretches out to our right. It is a very spiritual experience and we spend a few minutes at the apex of our walk looking at Denal, and while we watch, a dark raincloud above us starts thundering. The mountains are clear, but even as we start to descend, the haze begins to float across.

At Cantwell junction, we turn right onto the Denali Highway as we intend to stop at the only campsite about 30 miles in. However, when we arrive, the campsite is not particularly appealing, so we decide to drive on and boondock for the night. Just as we turn out of the campground, we slow down by a small lake by the side of the road as Neil sees a ripple in the water. As we watch, a beaver swims by and we get a really good look at him swimming around in the shallows.

We find an exposed spot with the most incredible views of the mountains and settle in.