Denali Day 5

Day 41, Tuesday, 7/28: Up early to catch the bus which was about 15 minutes late. About 10 of us waiting and we met a nice young couple from Switzerland. The bus made quite a few stops along the way (a visitor’s center about half way and a couple of rest areas). The driver was on the alert for critters and he could really spot them. He would try to stop so everyone could get a picture. We saw 9 grizzly’s, several moose, some wolves, caribou and some falcons nesting in a tree right along side the road. The campground we are staying in is at mile 29 and the end of the bus trip is Wonder Lake at mile 85. Fortunately for us, Mt. McKinley (Denali) was clear and we had a beautiful view. They say you can only get a good view about 20% of the time!! Lots and lots of buses!!! We were the first bus in but coming out there were dozens of them and the road is quite narrow, steep and winding most of the way. There was just enough room for them to pass each other and scary if you were on the outside looking down! The buses are not plush tour buses but more like school buses so it could get quite bumpy. We arrived back at our campground at 3:30, making for a long day but well worth the trip. Think we got some good pictures and met some interesting people too. We did have wind again today but the sun is out and it is warm (60’s). I think the wind is quite normal here and we don’t mind since it blows the mosquitoes away!