80% of the gang is here at OHare getting ready to board our flight to Fairbanks! \240(Cleares are a day ahead of us and already in Fairbanks enjoying a quiet day with the locals out enjoying the first day of moose season!). Flight is scheduled for 6.5 hours arriving in Fairbanks at 11:25 local time! Now waiting for snacks and beverages!!!
We arrived at 7:30 pm local time, transfer arrangements at the airport were perfect! These fun pics are from the airport! Yes! We are in Alaska!
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Everyone got in and settled last night! \240We grabbed a light dinner at “Trackers Bar and Grill” turning in at 10:45 local time close to 3AM EST!
This morning Todd was up early and caught this beautiful sunrise along the river- this is the back patio of the hotel! \240The trees that are beginning to change color are Aspens.
Later in the morning all the group finally got together and decided we would do Chenna Hot Springs. \240We rented two cars and headed north to the destination about two hours north of Fairbanks. \240After a slowish drive due to construction, we arrived at our destination at noon.
The restaurant there was very interesting- low ceilings and lots of “animal still life” were added to the log walls. \240A walk around the property provided a brief encounter with sled dogs and lots of fall color in the landscape.
Mid-afternoon we headed back to the cars for the drive back to Fairbanks. The southbound route was determined be much more of rollercoaster-Kiewit needs to bid some highway work around here! A quick stop to the sports bar for a drink and US Open topped off the afternoon. \240
Dinner Tuesday was a fun evening at _^**{+_ . \240Cocktails along the river (complete with a driving range targeting the opposite riverbank) and a move inside to warmer seats were perfect for a fun dinner! \240A nightcap st the hotel ended the night- bags at the door by 6:30!
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Day 3, Wednesday, September 4, started early with a 9 am departure for the riverboat cruise along the Nenani River. We boarded The Discovery III, a reproduction riverboat with a flat bottom propelled only by the wheel. As we started the ride, we watched a prop plane take off from the river and learned that this part of Fairbanks makes it across the frozen river with roadways set up by State Troopers.
A very fun stop along the way gave us a treat to seeing Susan Butchers’ Iditarod training camp - complete with new puppies! Her husband demoed a practice run with the dogs pulling a shell of an ATV. \240So interesting!
Later on the cruise we stopped at an Alaskan native fish camp. \240Off the boat we had 3 mini lessons teaching us about life in the camp; the animals hunted and how they used all parts of the animals (including modeling the beautiful garments made from pelts) what a dwelling looked like including the thatched rooftop and the \240last lesson that included an “up close and personal visit with one of the sled runners AND the dogs! She shared so much about the training, upkeep and care of the dogs as they prepare for their races- so fascinating!
Off the boat for a yummy box lunch (saw our first eagle) and back in the bus to Denali.
We arrive at the Denali Chalet- what a beautiful room along the river at the base of the mountains! \240What a lovely hotel: \240rooms complete with heated floors and moosehead hooks! We walked out along the river basin before arriving at one of the common area fire pits for dinner- so beautiful! Dinner was a great meal at the King Salmon-amazing food!
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Day 4, Thursday, September 5
We enjoyed the first of a few amazing meals at Karstens on the Square; amazing yogurt, granola and berries and oatmeal...mmmmm! \240After, we took the shuttle to meet Park Ranger Tyler (😁) who responsibly taught us what to do in a bear encounter, and then we began a hike around the base of the park. \240What a beautiful morning that started at 38 degrees and provided vista after vista of glorious views. The morning warmed up as we added another mile or so to our hike waking back to the park shuttle.
After a quick and delicious soup and salad, we headed to our afternoon Natural History tour of Denali. Onboard a fancied-up school bus, we began a 4 hour drive into the park.
We learned that our trip timing and today’s weather were perfectly spot on to see the best of Denali. There are apparently only 10 to 14 days of “fall” color annually, and we couldn’t possibly see more golds and oranges in the panorama-absolutely breathtaking-not to mention the views of the Denali peak. We get about 35 miles into the park befor our turnaround and all eyes are focused out the windows for glimpses of wildlife. Just at the very end of our drive we saw two moose- a cow and bull lying in the shrub! \240So cool!
Back to the hotel and we all meet at the fire pit! Dinner follows with some yummy somemores after! Luggage at the door by 7:00 am- night- night!! What a fabulous day!!
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Day 5, Friday, September 6
Today we leave Denali National Park and via bus ride, enter Denali State Park, Mt. McKinley. \240We arrive st the lodge, learning that t only became powered live within the last 10 years! \240The lodge is a little older-very reminiscent of the lodges at the Utah parks, and of course the view of “The Mointain,” (Denali) is extraordinary! \240After much deliberation about team t-shirts, purchases are made and we \240get into our rooms. We all hike up to the Tree House on the property; another spectacular spot for pics of Denali. Another brief hike brings us to lunch at “30,210,” an afternoon snooze, and then meet up for dinner! More yummy salmon, an nightcap on the beautiful porch, and off to pack for the last 6 am alarm. \240Tomorrow Talkeetna, the train ride, and the Royal Princess!
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Day 6, Saturday, September 7
Early morning coffee brings us to the lodge deck and spectacular views of Denal as the sun begins to rise. \240We meet for breakfast and then head on the shuttle to spend the pre train time in the tiny town of Talkeetna.
Talkeetna is a very tiny tow
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