Talkeetna River

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August 7, 2008
Rafting ride on the Talkeetna River in Alaska. Talkeetna. a small tourist/artist town that is just southeast of the Denali National Forest and is a starting point for many of the mountain climbers that dare to scale the peaks. I arrived in Talkeetna after two nights in Anchorage. I stayed at a lovely hostel in town and found my way wandering through town where I spotted a sign for a rafting ride. Who can say no? Had a wonderful Bear Tooth Ale while waiting for the trip and then we gathered together and traveled in a van to our launch site. It was a very beautiful evening. We didn't see much wildlife, but a bald eagle, beaver, and salmon. Apparently we missed a baby bear by about 20 minutes. (Which would probably mean that mama is close by!) Speaking of which, a woman got attacked by a mama bear in Anchorage yesterday. They are now on the search to find and kill that bear. Bears usually shy away from people and if you make a lot of noise will go the other way. Apparently this one likes to stalk humans (she has done this before.) Luckily the woman survived and will recover.

Back to Talkeetna...
Met some wonderful people from around the world at the hostel and shared my lovely gift from Sue and Casey (18 year old scotch!) with them as we feasted on freshly caught salmon by this man from South Africa. We then sat around talking until late. Of course it was 11pm and still light out! The next morning two of the women from the hostel were planning to hitch back to Palmer, so I gave them a ride back since I was heading that way. Where, on the way, Mt. McKinley decided to poke her peak out!!!!

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Photos

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Before the ride!

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Bald Eagle nest.

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Bald Eagle

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Bald Eagle perched.

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Bear cub paw prints.

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Sand bar island in the river.

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Taking a break!

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Under the bridge.

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Protection from the flooding. These poles block debris from entering the village.

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After the ride!

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The Denali Range. Mt. Mckinley is on the far right covered by the clouds.