The Last Frontier

Alaska is known as the last frontier. Our 49th State became a state in 1959. I was nearing 5 years old. Viewing the vastness of her forests, waters and mountains, one realizes that this is indeed a grand frontier.

Happy Summer. As I arose in our log cabin on the mountain:

I greeted the fresh summer sun...

At 4:45 AM.

We drove through Denali National Park at about 7:30 this morning. The snow-capped mountain in the background (that almost appears as a cloud), is Denali. It is about 70 miles away and the foothills in the foreground belie the size of Denali. Denali was formally known as Mt. McKinley, but recently renamed to reflect what the indigenous people call the mountain, meaning Great One. Denali, at 20,322 feet is the tallest mountain in North America. We were rather disappointed that we were unable to see a better view of the mountain. A better view is available if you would like to pay to ride on a bus all day. An 8 hour day on a bus and I do not get along.

However, as we headed south to our destination of Anchorage, we were elated to see viewing areas along the highway. We were getting better views.

With each new stop we were seeing more of Denali.





Then we did a side trip to go see the town of Talkeetna. The view of the mountain was spectacularly breathtaking. We had intended to go to Talkeetna originally but given our circumstance of driving in a U Haul, we debated and finally gave in. Were we ever glad we did not pass by.

 

There was a good sized crowd enjoying the view of The Great One.

And we have arrived in Anchorage and got the bike out of the U Haul. As the wrecker driver saw me drive the bike onto his wrecker he stated rather emphatically, "Man your rear tire is bad!" What else can you say. Ya think? Here's your sign.

Happy to have the bike back on the ground and delivered to the repair shop, still on our original schedule.

Till Tomorrow!