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Published: September 1st 2013
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At Toklat river book store Woke up this morning to the sound of rain on the roof of the RV. Had an early breakfast then headed over to the bus stop over from the campground as we were booked in for
a 6.45ampick up by the shuttle bus. Today we were heading into the park to Mile 85 on a bus trip to Wonder Lake.
Cars can only drive to mile 15 of the park. After that you need to catch a shuttle bus, tour bus, cycle or walk through the park. This helps to preserve the environment and keep the wildlife safe in this beautiful park. The shuttle bus costs $46 per person for the return journey to Wonder Lake and is an 11 hour bus ride on a gravel road through mountains.
The road is very narrow with huge drops from the sides. There are no guard rails either! You have to have a lot of faith in your driver. You need to take all your food and drinks for the day as there is nowhere to buy any on this trip.
The journey is like going on an African Safari. When the passengers see any wild life they call out to
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Moose antlers at Toklat River the driver to stop the bus. Once the bus has stopped all the passengers scramble to the windows to get their snaps. Today we saw bears and caribou.
It was also our first day of snow. Apart from being cold the scenery looked spectacular - just like a white Christmas. Once into the Alpine Tundra which is 3000ft above sea level, you see that the land is composed of tiny quick flowering annuals, dwarf willows, alders, and other shrubs amid a carpet of low-growing lichens and mosses. All these plants are adapted to life on shallow soil above the permafrost and to a cycle of long, cold winters and brief cool summers.
There is an abundance of berries everywhere for the wildlife to feast on. The autumn colours of the Tundra were something else. Straight out of a picture book. One of those places you just won't to bring a chair, blanket and a good book - curl up and let the world pass you by.
We stopped at Toklat River for photo opportunities of the river and to visit the bookstore. Next was a stop at the Elision Visitor Centre which has great displays and shows
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Bears on the side of mountain a 17 minute documentary of climbers trying to reach the summit of Mt McKinley at 20,320 ft. Today it takes climbers an average 17 to 21 days round trip to climb this mountain. Only about half the climbers make it to the summit.In 1913 it took the Stuck-Karstens party 93 days to make history by being the first expedition party to make it to the summit.
We arrived at Wonder Lake around
12.30pm. It was overcast and showering lightly. Unfortunately we didn't get to see McKinley today due to the low cloud and rain/snow. Only 30%!o(MISSING)f visitors actually get to see the top of this majestic mountain during their visit. Fingers crossed we will see the mountain in her entirety before we leave the park.
Arrived back at our campground around
5.30pm. Planning on having an early evening and just enjoying the serenity of the park.
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judith chaffer
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Wow finally the bears!!" hows that"