I was heading towards Anchorage as Victoria was flying in to meet up for a couple of weeks. Leaving Denali National Park on that clear day, I had even better shots of that monster mountain; and since I could not get enough of it, here are even better shots from the drive down the Parks highway.
Preparing for Victoria
I headed to Wasilla (about 40 miles from Anchorage) where there was a Ram Promaster dealer to get Clarice’s oil changed. I arrived around 2pm to their Express Oil Change line and was told they were not taking any more oil changes for the day. The only way to be assured that I would get an oil change while waiting was to arrive by 6:15 am the next morning as you had to be one of the first six vehicles. So, I found a boondocking spot at a trailhead near the dealer, spent the night and arrived at 6:15 am. I was first! Yay! Oil change checked off by 9am.
Next, I headed back to Eagle River where I had already camped as it was a nice campground near Anchorage, with all the services I needed to do laundry, buy groceries, wash Clarice, etc.
Dottie and I went on a little hike along the river and discovered it was actually a canoe portage path.
Picking up Victoria
Eagle River had a 3 night maximum stay, so I was at loose ends the night before Victoria arrived. So, I found a boondocking spot at the Westchester Lagoon disc golf and bird sanctuary park which was close to the airport. I spent the night there and ran some additional errands to Costco. Her flight arrived at 12:12 am…yes, the middle of the night for this early bird! So, I waited in Earthquake park until it closed at 11pm (remember it does not get dark until midnight in Alaska in early August), then I drove to the airport and parked to wait the last hour. Then we spent the night back at the Westchester Lagoon since it was so late.
Zoo
In order to assure us that Victoria would get to see the Alaska animals, we went to the zoo the next morning. Here are a few of the more unique ones we saw.
Turn Again Arm
Leaving the Zoo, we headed south along the Turn Again Arm of Chickaloon Bay. It is surrounded by mountains on all sides.
Alyeska Tram
We had one more stop to ride the Alyeska Tram to the top of the mountain for our first day. It’s a beautiful ski resort with a restaurant and bar at the top of the mountain. So, we rode up for the beautiful views and a drink.
Incredible view of Denali. As you said, it’s rare to see it that clear.
So glad you could experience this beautiful place together!
Breathtaking pics, looks so peaceful. What an awesome experience and time you are having.
Wow, your pics of Denali are spectacular!
How nice that Victoria is able to join you! Hope you have fun together! Denali definitely it beautiful.