Saturday, August 12, 2017

Denali National Park: Part 3


On our first day's excursion, the view of Denali from Eielson Visitor Center was almost cloudless.  On our next day's trip of 66 miles, the clouds had moved in and our view of  Denali was obstructed. We are sure glad we were able to make that previous day's trip.  It appears we're a part of the 30% club, those who see all of Denali.


Brain, day two's shuttle bus driver, reminded us to notice the two moose antlers that are locked together at the Visitor Center.  It seems these moose were in a territorial battle and when their horns became entangled, they could not escape the lock.  They died on the spot and their discovered antlers became a part of this outside display at Eielson Visitor Center.


Remodeled in 2008, this modern building blends in with the landscape and incorporates sustainable methods and materials.
Our cloud covered view of Denali and the surrounding mountain range on day two's shuttle trip.


With all modern facilities and informative, interactive displays, Eielson Visitor Center is a must stop for most Denali tourists on the 92 mile road.  It's usually open by June 1 and closes its doors by the second Thursday after Labor Day.


This outstanding fiber painting..or quilt..called "The Seasons Of Denali" highlights the back wall and just draws the viewer towards its remarkable beauty.  In my research about the artist Ree Nancarrow, she too was a part of the Denali's "Artist-in-Residence" Program. 


Our drastically different view of Denali from the shuttle bus, day two's trip to Eielson Visitor Center. 
It is hard to leave this beautiful place but our schedule dictates that we must if we're to reach the end of the Park road and still have time to travel back to the main visitor center within our 12 hour time frame.  So, onward Wendy drives our shuttle bus, filling almost every minute of it with a fun fact, an animal story or pointing out points of interest along this ever-climbing, narrow dirt mountain road.










We are almost there to the end of our 92 mile journey, Wonder Lake and the Kantishna stop.

More Later
Denali: Lastly, Part 4

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