Viewing Denali

Mount Denali is the tallest mountain in North America and has the largest vertical rise in the world. We did not hike the mountain. But we did join the 30 Percent Club: visitors who actually get to see the mountain as it is usually covered in clouds.

This was one our first views. We were excited to see the peak because we talked to visitors from the week before who saw nothing but rain and clouds.

We didn’t know that our first glimpse was just a tease of what was to come. The weather on the mountain changes constantly but rarely provides a full view.

 
We felt so fortunate to take in Denali’s immense beauty. Expeditions to climb the mountain take 3 weeks. Unfortunately, we only had two weeks. Actually, climbing season is over for the year, and I lack both the money and the skills to climb it. But it was fun to imagine doing so.

Northbound Train

After a couple of days to relax by ourselves, we rejoined two other couples from our group and boarded the Alaska Railroad for Talkeetna.  Train travel is one of our favorite modes.

Good views, good food and drink, and room to stretch and walk around, what isn’t to like, especially compared to air travel? Our favorite viewing spot on the train is at the back of the caboose where a person can stand outside the car and breathe fresh air, while taking in the expansive views of Alaska’s terrain.

We didn’t see much wildlife, but we saw a lot of mountains, lakes, and rivers. We also saw sled dogs.

We stayed at a lodge outside if Talkeetna where we enjoyed almost unobstructed views of Mount Denali. Only 30 percent of visitors get to see Denali which is usually behind the clouds. We stayed up late for the sunset which finished up at about 11:30 pm