Smoke @ Denali National Park

Alaska has 27 wild fires.  We saw the first smoke by the Chena River, coming over a mountain.  I guess the smoke in Fairbanks got worse the next day after we left.

As we were driving to Denali, there was a lot of smoke on the road but the campground wasn't bad.

It took an hour at registration but we found a great campsite & Steve didn't have to unhook.

The next morning we went on our 8 hour bus ride.  This was one of our biggest reasons to come to Alaska.  It's all about spotting the animals!!

Now you are going to have to use your imaginations.  These animals were not beside the road like the other pics.  They were a long way away.

 There were 3 bears down by the river.  We were very high up.

 This is a D Sheep laying down (not dead) way up in the crack of the rocks.

 This antelope was actually on the road at a rest stop.

 This was a light colored moose.

 There were 3 bears

 On the way back a 3 bear dog pile!!

 Another moose

Some Caribou

We saw a few other animals but I couldn't get a photo.  They were on the other side, at a bad angle. The NPS doesn't let you get off the bus except at designated rest stops.

It was a very long, dusty trip on washboard & gravel roads, but worth it!!  Our stop after 4 hours was Eielson Visitor Center where we had a short stop at the Visitor Center & picnic.

This beautiful quilt was on display there.

Today we took a little walk at the Visitor center, had some lunch then we were off to the " dog races"  Actually, it was a dog sled show.

They use these 14 dogs or so both summer & winter.  In the summer it is a cart that they pull.  Because this is a specially designated wildlife preserve, they can't use helicopters, snow mobiles or other motorized vehicles.

The dogs bring in or take out some supplies & even towed the material to build a bridge.

After a refreshing st the Mercantile for ice cream, we were able to come back for the 2nd night & enjoy relaxing in the great outdoors with beautiful weather!!

Alaska is experiencing a heat wave.  It's only in the low 80's.  We are just 😊 to not have to wear a jacket.

One more full day in Denali.