On the drive to Denali - scenery abounds.
We arrived into the Denali area around 1:30. We ate at the Black Bear cafe, in the shopping area across from the Princess Lodge. There were several shops that we perused. After lunch, my sister's family drove to the park's visitor center while we went to check into the house on Lignite road. The skies were mostly clear with a constant breeze. The A frame house encompassed a lovely view of the valley. Dinner was salad and grilled tuna that we enjoyed outside on the deck. My family hardly ever eats al fresco but the breeze kept the mosquitoes away and it was a lovely way to start our visit. I stayed up past 11pm to catch the "sunset" because when you're in the land of the midnight sun, you try to take advantage of it.
The next day we dodged the rains and spent a few hours in the park, keeping close to the Denali Visitor Center. The Horseshoe Lake trail starts a half a mile from the visitor center parking lot and takes you around the scenic lake. At first, the 2 mile trail ascends to a lookout of the lake. From there, it descends down to lake level with pine trees flanking the banks. There is a beaver dam complete with lodge on the lake with lots of visible activity. The trail also intersects with the Nenana river for more beautiful views. Our hike lasted an hour or so and we avoided the rain. We felt lucky - once we finished, the rains started again.
Lake Lookout
Selfie Time at the Lookout
Beaver Dam and Horseshoe Lake:
Along the Nenana River
Today's short hike served as a mere teaser for tomorrow's adventure - hiking in the Savage River area.
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