The Great One......

Mt. McKinley, Denali, in the local Athabaskan language translates to the great one. And it is breathtaking. Rising out of the Susitna River valley to over 20,300 feet it is an impressive sight. Especially considering the river valley has an elevation of around 400 feet. Its snow capped peak and glacier clad sides is a winter wonderland even in summer.
I was lucky enough to do a flight-seeing trip to Denali. As the plane approaches the southeastern flank, the monolith fills the view out of the cockpit. Beneath the plane is the braided river bed glimmering in the sun, and jagged granite outcrops flank the slowly advancing glaciers.
Our flight path was up the Ruth Glacier, a moving river of ice. Medial lines marked where smaller flow have blended into the main stream. Ridges of moraine flank the sides, earth movers could not have been more precise. At the end of the glacier, a river of water exited to join the Susitna on its was to the Gulf of Alaska. The flight was one more item on my bucket list.
The little airport we flew from was in the small town of Talkeetna. Nestled on the banks of the Susitna River, it is very quaint and picturesque, just like a postcard. The main street is lined with shops, restaurants and a few houses. The Alaska Railroad runs through the east end of town.
The Alaska Railroad is a lifeline in the area. It will stop for passengers to board or leave the train anywhere along its route. This is to provide access to homes and cabins, due to the lack of roads. My experience on board was compliments of Princess Cruise line. The trip was to see the hotels they offer on their Alaska Cruisetours. All of which were superb.
But back to the train. It is comprised of dome topped cars for the Alaska Railroad itself and the various cruise lines. The observation are on the top floor offers panoramic views of the landscape, and opportunity to view wildlife. On our trip, a few caribou(wild reindeer), salmon(as we crossed numerous bridges), and bald eagles(feeding on the salmon, on a sand bar). The lower level was the restaurant area and the service and food were fantastic.
My trip started with flights from Ft Lauderdale to Seattle to Anchorage to Fairbanks, then returning from Anchorage, through Seattle and home. The flight from Anchorage to Fairbanks is quite short, less than an hour. But as we approached Denali, the pilot tilted the plane to give us a view of climbers on the south face, and their small base camp.
Once in Fairbanks we went to the Museum of the North on the University campus. It explained a lot of the area history, people, wildlife and customs. The view to the south of the Alaska Range looked more like a movie set then reality. The tour also included a stop at a gold mine and the Alaska Pipeline. In town, we sampled some local beer (isn't that part of learning a culture?), shopped and wandered around. Though it was very strange to have day light at 10:30 at night.
Unfortunately, in Anchorage I was too tired to do much of anything. Explored the neighborhood of the hotel and in bed early for the flight home the next morning.
If Alaska is on your vacation radar, try Damron Vacations. They can assist in planning your flights and hotels, or a cruisetour with a major cruise line. And do not forget your Damron Guide to help with the social aspects of your trip.