Adieu Alaska

Alas, it is time to bid farewell to Denali and board the wonderful McKinley rail to Anchorage. The journey today will take about 8 hours, but the comfortable train is a welcome transportation venue and we are thrilled to have this as our exit. The day is beautiful and we are afforded magnificent views as we travel south.












Bloody Mary's once again flow and both lunch and dinner served. This is the way to travel! I love trains...


































The day is clear enough to even see Mt. McKinley, towering over the foothills that are the Alaska range and clouds. It looks like a cloud in itself. Truly remarkable.












Salmon spotted in the crystal rivers we pass are an added bonus. All we need is a bear fishing for it's dinner!

















A dragonfly lights on Celeste's hand while she's photographing - a sign of the magic we've all experienced. The group is tired but thoroughly enjoys this finale. As our tour is coming to an end, we are all just really getting acquainted and comfortable. It's a shame our adventure is coming to a close. We will stay in touch with several from this group as we have with other new friends we've met on this amazing journey. A little melancholy but lovely at once.


The rail arrives in Anchorage where we rest for one final evening in Alaska before flying back to Vancouver. Our view from our balcony shows water and mountains surrounding and we wish we would have a little time to explore this city. We are surprised by what we find. But, that will need to wait for an upcoming visit - which is bound to happen. There is so much more to see in this grand state and we have barely scratched the service. Next time the Northern Lights!!!!

Denali Going to the Dogs

McKinley Chalet Resort will be our home for the next couple of days, and our best accommodations have come here in this beautiful wilderness. Our bags are already waiting as we settle in and appreciate the comfort that we will be afforded while visiting here. Yea!!!










We explore our area briefly before boarding a shuttle to the park. On board the shuttle, we meet a darling couple who are headed for a true Alaskan adventure. They plan to backpack through the true wilderness of Denali - no forged trails - for eight days! We enjoy our encounter as we question the logistics of such an endeavor. They will survive on very little out there all alone for more than a week. While we're intrigued, living vicariously is all we can really imagine.


A very helpful guide suggests a visit to the kennels of the sled dogs. Denali's history with these beautiful animals is rich and we not only enjoy thoroughly meeting the beauties one on one but are lucky enough to time an actual sled demonstration.

Honestly, we were a bit doubtful of this, but are ecstatic that we have been guided in this direction. This is a wonderful start to our exploration.

Bridges to Denali

The grand finale has arrived! We board the train to Denali this morning. This is what we've truly been waiting for.











The train is all it's been promised to be. Our little group has an entire car to ourselves and the glass domed windows gives all of us an amazing vantage point, as well as a very comfortable ride. We will be on board for about 4 hours. The rain that has been threatening seems to be keeping at bay. We're ready for an amazing time!










Bridges abound on this particular rail section, making a beautiful route even more scenic.







Our train hostess keeps us informed of areas to take particular note. It's all beautiful, however.




Breakfast is served in the dining car below and we enjoy one of my truly favorite luxuries. Dining rail cars are just fun! And, the food served is very good - a bonus! A salmon burrito seems like the thing to have and it does not disappoint whatsoever.





Back in our domed seating area, our friendly bartender is serving Bloody Marys, spicy and delicious! Really, is there anything better than this? Oh yea, the destination is Denali!!!




Celeste continues to balance photography shoots inside and out the car, she and Stephen having particular fun today. He poses with his famed Mackinac Island hat (which, unfortunately, he loses en route.)


As we near the park, the last hour is a spectacular gorge. A section closest to our end point boasts rafters, who wave to us from our towering ledge. We will be in their seats tomorrow morning!

As the train makes it's final turn into the station, we are afforded a sneak peak of our lodge. It's been a beautiful trek in and we can't wait for what this amazing wilderness has in store.

There are pictures galore on this post, but it's the true feel of what we experienced and I want you all to enjoy, as well!