2014-06-30 = 2014-07-06 Palmer, Cantwell, Denali (Reiley&Teklakin) and Fairbanks

At Palmer we did one batch of laundry in the Monty, the dryer takes about 170 minutes. So three big loads were done in the campground laundry. That was our reason to stop at Palmer. Then on our way to Denali. We went as far as Cantwell with only 30 miles the following day to make our reservations. 

 On the way up we stopped at the southern viewing site and made the 30% group who get to see the Lady "Mt McKinley or Denali" in view. She had clouds for a skirt this time. As I said only 30% of the people who come here get to see her since she can make her own weather and is normally hidden in clouds.

 Here is a wider view.

 Yes we are back in the wilderness with snow on the mountains.

 While stopped for the night in Cantwell and made some Salsa. It is always better blending and mellowing for a couple of days. I do like the food chopper I got from Bed Bath and Beyond. I use to hate going into that store with Ann. LOL.

An easy run into Riley camp at the entrance to Denali.

 Ron and Terrie were making the Alaska trip also but doing almost the opposite route we did. However, we were parked together the night of the 30th so we had a meal together. Ron did Pork in the dutch oven and I did my BBQ Beans. (they got the left overs with a big smile. Only one serving.)

Terrie was traveling with her older sister, Tammie and Gary.

 Their baby sister Leslie came down from Fairbanks with them. Her husband JR is the narrator for the Discovery river boat tour. More on that later. 

I saw mom cow moose at the visitor center. People had to be rerouted around her. Mom does look out for her calf.

 I could not get a shot of them together but this is good enough. It was raining that day.

After two days we moved into Teklinka campgrounds. Denali park system is working hard to keep it a wilderness park. So after about 15 miles into the ranger station only allows RVs with proper reservations in further. We go in, park for a minimum of three nights and then come out. This keeps the vehicle traffic down immensely. They do run shuttle buses in the park.

The buses will run the 90 miles in to lake wilderness but the rough dirt roads really bounce you around.

It was raining and our last 20 miles were on dirt, oops MUD. We really turned brown.

  Backed into the camp site. Notice the brown on the dually fenders.

 We fixed a pork butt roast chopped up with potatoes and onions for the evening meal. The Tek campgrounds is just a parking spot so we are boondocking with generator hours 8-10am and 4-8pm. I purchased the "Wonderbag" and tried it on this meal.  It did as advertised. I put the pot in the bag after 30 minutes of boiling and simmering at about 150 degrees. That evening, 10 hours later the temperature in the pot was down to 130 degrees. So the meal was cooked like a crock pot meal. It works with no energy during the day.

We met a wonderful "Camp Host" Marilyn and her two sons. They are from NJ but come here for two months and monitor the camping area. Her sons make sure people follow the rules (put your campsite paper on the post) and obey the generator hours. They are learning so much about the great outdoors. Marilyn gave the three of us (rv units) this pineapple upside down cake for desert. I was doing sourdough pancakes the next morning so I took some over for her and the boys. She was making bread (the one item they run out of real quick) and was so happy she did not have to make breakfast. The boys enjoyed them too, so I am told.

 Dave made it into the inner part of the park and got this wonderful picture of Mt. Denali with the flag. It was taken on the 4th of July.

 He saw Caribou

 Mom and two cub Grizzly bears.

 I took this picture on the 5th when leaving Teklinka. It is of Mt. Denali in the rear view mirror. According to a Ranger this makes us part of the 2% group who get to see her with "NO CLOUDS".

We drove up to Fairbanks

Took a canoe float down the river. It was interesting but a little cramped in the nose of the canoe for me.

 We took a Paddle wheel ride on the Binkley River Boat Discovery III. This is the boat JR narrates on. He did a wonderful job. We and many others complemented the company for all he did and the professional way it was down. Great interactive sound system.

 She was big enough I could not get all of her in one shot. What a great tourist production. The Great grandfather of the young captain started the supply business with river boats during the gold rush. They have now upgraded it into a great tourist attraction in Fairbanks.

We floated by the Discovery II earlier and I saw out thrusters. I thought that was "really" what powered the ship. I found out the out thrusters are only used to spin around and dock. The rest of the cruise up and down river was with the paddle wheel even holding the boat in position for some of the below demonstrations.

They had a sea plane take off, land, taxi by, and take off again with a sweeping turn. This is his take off next to the river boat.

 Landing this time.

They stopped on the river and we saw Susan Butcher's Sled Dog kennel. Her 19 year old daughter, Tekla Monson, talked to us on the PA system.

 Susan won 4 Iditarod Sled Dog Races with the same "LEAD" dog, Granite.

Here, a team is pulling a 400 pound 4x4. The lady, Laura Alway, is in training for this years Iditarod race - keep an eye out for her, she has a great sled dog team.

 Returning back to base.

 The dogs did enjoy a cooling down in the river water about 40 plus degrees after the run. They were primed and ready to run.

We stopped at Chena Village (a demonstration village) showing how the Alaskan natives lived. Log cabin with sod roof.

 A fish wheel.

 A native showing how they prepare salmon (this one is Chum for feeding sled dogs) for smoking.

 Smells fishy. Smoked Chum salmon.

 Fur coats. Real warm for the 40 below F winters.

 Big skins

 A few of the sled dogs getting ready to go back to the kennel on the other side of the river.

 Relaxation on the river.

Tomorrow we start our trip back towards the states. Into Canada and minimal phone and internet coverage.

Safe travels all.