Why would someone lace a Denali Park sign with big nails, points out? Denali’s bears, it seems, have a number of destructive uses for signs–including backscratching. Park maintenance workers edge the signs with nails in hopes of increasing the signs’ lifespan.
Denali’s ban on private vehicles not only eases congestion, it increases sightings through sharing inside the bus and between guides. Our busload was stoked and quickly chalked up sightings of caribou, moose, and Dall sheep. Then, far down in the valley, a charging grizzly caught someone’s eye. As the bus pulled over, someone else noticed that the bear was chasing a moose and calf. The pair had a fair lead, and as they passed through a wooded area, the calf split off, turning east up the valley slope. Mom kept herself visible and kept the bear on her trail. When she reached the river our valley ran into, she drank and then rolled in […]
Much as we Coloradans love our Rockies, Alaska’s mountains have ways of kicking infinite majesty up a notch. Cloud boas, shimmering falls, and glacial bling are de rigueur for Alaskan summits. Add lush wilderness settings, and there’s just no contest. Sadly cruise ships often miss the best mountain views. We found stunners in Haines, Valdez, and Hyder, but cruise ships seldom pass their way. Cruisers who take the Denali extension will get great views, but Mount McKinley itself is likely to be shrouded in clouds. If diva mountains are a priority for you, book a cruise that includes the Kenai Fjords. OMGs guaranteed.