Blogs from Denali National Park, Alaska, United States, North America - page 6

Well, much time has passed, but at last my second blog entry is here, sure to be jam-packed! When I last left you, I was heading towards Juneau on the wonderful ferry. We arrived in Juneau at the wee hours of the morn, and I managed to shlep my luggage down and cram it into Kathy's truck. I then met up with the Road Scholar crew, and got on their bus to go see the Mendenhall Glacier. It was in the mid 20s, which for Alaska is mighty warm, but I was shivering down to my bones as we took a short walk to look at the spectacular glacier, took the requisite pictures, and loaded back on the bus to head back to the ferry. Kathy had gone on ahead with all of our belongings to ... read more

Preface to Rubix Travels Normally a preface would preface. Well, here it is a month and a half after the start of my trip. Perhaps I can call it a delayed preface, or a constipated preface? Most of you are aware of my hyatus from work and from the status quo in Boston, and a little about the trip I'm taking around the world. As my audience, I felt I owed you some kind of explanation, and background. When asked why I'm traveling around the world, the obvious answer is, "WHY NOT!?" Well, that could be enough to set my wheels in motion, but I do actually have a purpose...or at least intention. My intention is to combine my passion for world travel with my quarter life existential crisis. The seed was planted by my dad. ... read more

Arrived in Denali from Talkeetna this afternoon. Only 2 hours in car which was a welcome break from the 6 hours spent in the car the day before. The gang spent the afternoon browsing the visitor center at the DenaliPark to get the game plan together for the next day before checking into the lodge. When you get away from the town center Denali has a serene feel. We got some really good pictures of Mt McKinley on the way to Denali. The second day in Denali started out with a moose sighting next to our lodge. After capturing some pictures we headed to Denali park to take a hop on hop off bus tour. Cars are only allowed the first 15 miles into the park so the only way to see the whole park is ... read more

There is an almost rainbow outside my window this morning as I rouse. I don’t know how much rain there was last night but it is drizzling yet this morning. I keep watch on the almost rainbow for it to become a full-fledged rainbow but that never happens. It is beautiful all the same. Breakfast is yet another delight – pancakes, sausage, and fruit on yogurt, coffee, and juice – virtually any benefit of hiking to weight loss is unfortunately offset by the wonderful food served every meal with very generous portions. Kate cooks, Jason serves and they work in succinct harmony accomplishing everything else. It has been my pleasure to get acquainted with them and a delight to partake in their food handiworks. Everything is packed up and I am ready to take on the ... read more

We had a long day today but very enjoyable. We took an 8 hour bus trip through part of Denali Park. When you travel on this road, you go between the Alaska Range and the Outer Range. We went from Denali to Eielson which was 66 miles. We could have taken a longer trip for 11 hours and 83 miles. The road on this trip is paved for the first 15 miles. You can drive yourself these first 15 miles. So, if you really want to see much, you need to take the bus. After the first 15 miles, the road is two-lane and gravel. At mile 30, it becomes one lane and gravel. When you start out, the elevation is around 1700 and the highest elevation in the trip is around 4000. So, it is ... read more