Denali National Park

We camped 29 miles inside Denali National Park at the Teklanika River Campground. From our campsite, we explored the park by bike and used the shuttle bus to travel deeper into the wilderness. The scenery was absolutely gorgeous, with sweeping mountain vistas, rivers, and vast stretches of untouched wilderness. Along the way, we kept our eyes open for the park’s elusive wildlife, making every sighting an exciting part of our Denali adventure. 

The visiter center

Nice hike along Savage Creek 

Dall Sheep very high up

Grizzly on the prowl 

Caribou

Flight to Denali

Denali is the highest mountain peak in North America, with a summit elevation of 20,310 feet above sea level. Its vertical relief above the surrounding plateaus is one of the greatest on Earth, measuring about 18,000 feet. Denali is a granitic pluton, mostly pink quartz monzonite, lifted by tectonic pressure from the subduction of the Pacific plate beneath the North American plate. We booked a flight with Talkeeetna Air Taxi for a flight to Denali. 

There it is, on a rare sunny clear day

Here we go

There's Denali

Glaciers break up when they move rapidly down steep terrain 

We scored a perfect day to see the Alaska Range

We landed on Ruth Glacier

Sheldon's hostel sits at 6,000 ft and 10 miles from Denali. 

5 bedroom luxury lodge. 

Prices start around $2,300 per night per person.

If there's snow you got to throw snow balls 

or make a snow man

What a wonderful adventure

Independence Mine State Park

 At its peak, the Independence hard-rock gold mine was home to 206 workers and 16 families who lived high above tree line. Digging and blasting, these workers recovered 140,000 ounces of gold before the mine shut down in the wake of World War II. There are 1.5 miles of paved walkways throughout the site, with informational placards for a self-guided tour. Standing in the rugged environment near 4,000 feet, the mine is surrounded by rocky peaks and alpine tundra. Several hiking trails from the mine lead to alpine lakes and panoramic views. 

All that remains of mill that processed the raw ore

and extracted the gold 

Homer AK

Perched at the end of the Sterling Highway, 200 miles south of Anchorage, Homer is a charming seaside community where rugged wilderness meets the sea. Known as the Halibut Fishing Capital of the World, Homer is famous for its world-class fishing, breathtaking views of Kachemak Bay, abundant wildlife, and thriving arts community. The town was named after Homer Pennock, a gold mining company promoter who arrived on the Homer Spit in 1896. Pennock established living quarters for a crew of 50 men and one woman, laying the foundation for what would become one of Alaska's most beloved coastal towns.

The 4.5 mile Homer spit is the terminal moraine for an 

ancient glacier 

The Pratt Museum 

Botanical garden tour

Old school fishing

"Great Gray Attack" by Gina Hollomon

Narwhal skelton

Alaska Islands and Ocean Visitor Center  

Can you find the moose?

There he is

This path is closed, go that way

Great exhibits. 

Simulated Puffin nests

Beautiful indigenous art 

And yet more wildlife running around town

Fishing for salmon at the mouth of the Kasilof River 

using dip nets

Dip net fishing for salmon in Alaska is a popular personal use or subsistence activity restricted to Alaska residents. Net frame cannot exceed 5 feet in diameter, must be attached to a rigid handle, and mesh size has limits.  Keep the net submerged and facing downstream. When you feel a fish hit the net, immediately lift it and sweep it toward the bank

Alaska Native Heritage Center

 The Alaska Native Heritage Center in Anchorage shares the heritage of Alaska's 11 major cultural groups.  The Gathering Place provides visitors an opportunity to experience demonstrations of Alaska Native dancing, Native Games, and traditional storytelling. The Hall of Cultures provides rotating exhibits, craft activities for the family, and craft and artwork created by Alaska Native artists. Outside, visitors can tour the village sites, consisting of six life-sized Native dwellings surrounding Lake Tiulana.

Moose hide Sweetheart Dance Boots

Snow goggles 1875

Shark mask

Three of the six different styles of homes built by the indigenous people of Alaska 

Home of indigenous people of SW Alaska

There would have been benches on all four walls. 

The higher your status, the further back in the lodge you would live

The back door is a convenience for the tourists 

What, the wall has gaps!

In the summer the gaps allow cool air to flow into the lodge.

In the wet winter the boards swell and close the gaps

The traditional entrance and exit

Whale Skeleton 

Benches would have been built around all the walls

The skylight was made from seal or walrus intestine 

The winter entrance was lower than the living area allowing

the cold air to sink, keeping their home warmer.

The raised food storage hut have been built 

away from the home as it would attract bears. 

The living space and the kitchen were not attached like this.

They would have been build several yards apart.  

The kitchen