Heading back to Anchorage

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I was still tired at 4:30 so we decided to bag todays excursion in favor of a leisurely morning before catching the train. No doubt it would have been fun to Jeep through the park but the timing was tight and the train connection conflicted so we ate a leisurely breakfast and headed to the depot.

The day is sunny and we have a shot of seeing Denali from the train. Ever hopeful. We are joined in the domed car by a party of thirty-five Indians traveling together, some young adults, some teens, a few adults. Can't figure out if it's one extended family or a tour but they are a joy to travel with, so polite and friendly. Off and on during the ride some of the women would sing quietly and though I don't understand Indian music it was quite pleasing. Not so pleasing was the infant with its high pitched screech. Oh, the joys of travel.

Critter sightings were few but worth the trip. I saw trumpeter swans with a cygnet, a bleach bear and an immature bald eagle. As we approached Talkeetna Denali appeared from the clouds. It truly is "The Big One" and although I didn't get a picture it is burned into my memory. I did think I had a least one shot but guess not. We passed by glacial streams and spring fed ones, and when they merge the waters stay separate for a while, blue along side grey.

We arrived into Anchorage and discovered that the party of thirty-five was staying at our hotel. It would take the shuttle many trips to move them and their luggage so we decided to walk. It's only a short way and it felt good to stretch our legs. We immediately headed to the Bridge Restaurant for our last infusion of King Crab and Kodiak Brown. We will never get crab like that at home and probably not the beer either. Tomorrow my honey heads home and I continue the adventure with my friend and her family.

Found my Denali shots. Enjoy!

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