Alaska Day 2: Up North to Denali

Our 6-hour bus ride to Denali National Park started at 7:15am sharp as our driver was right on time. He also made us hustle to keep on his schedule. It wasn't until 4 hours into the ride that our driver spoke a full sentence. "Off in the distance through the smoky haze you can see Mt. McKinley." There it was still magnificent through the smoke. Apparently, only 20% of Alaskan visitors have the chance to see Mt. McKinley. Usually its hazy, cloudy, rainy, or just plain bad weather. So most people don't get to see the tallest mountain in North America. I felt lucky to get a glimpse. At the park, we toured the visitors center and made plans to get the most out of our two days in Denali. Our accommodations were right next to a creek, in a tent/cabin. That evening it rained which sounded loud on the roof, but we remained dry. I don't think it was ever dark that night. Woke up and it was light outside, so I was ready to go hiking. Although, it was 3am. Again, the eye mask was a life saver! The view from the bus. That is not Mt. McKinley. Just part of the scenery. Views from the visitors center. I didn't expect Alaska to be so green. Just beautiful! The rangers let us get up close with the grizzlies!