Denali Adventure

Denali National Park is a treasure and a must-see on every one's "bucket list".

They are very protective of the animals and the environment and to that end private cars can not travel into the park past the visitor center and a few campgrounds.

To see the park scenery and wildlife you must purchase a bus pass...either the affordable shuttle which will stop for anyone, or the pricier tours which provide a box lunch and running commentary from their guide.

Well, being cheap, we went for the shuttle which does give you a lot of freedom to get off and on the buses.

Plus our driver was a 27 year veteran and was great at spotting animals, and she would stop and let us take pictures as long as we wanted.

We first spotted a lynx, but it was so far away that we had to call it the missing lynx.

Groan.

Next, a mountainside full of Dahl Sheep...also far away....but around the next corner....

We saw lots of bears but they were more camera shy than this wolf!He caught and ate a ground squirrel right by the bus. Two chews and down it went. As the guide said..."Just enough chewing so the toenails won't scratch on the way down."

Then he sauntered down the road...

The road seemed to be a favorite perch.

Here a cross fox patiently waits for lunch to pop out of a hole.
The best bear picture we got was this grizzly near the front entrance.
All traffic stops.

The only sound you hear is the clicking of cameras.

That bear stayed munching berries forever, until the traffic just had to move.

See how carefully the bus driver swerved around the bear to give him space?

If you ever get the chance DO DENALI!