We started our trek to Denali and Anchorage. The parking spot we were looking for as recommended by the Pau Hanna Travels bloggers was in Healy, about 10 miles from the entrance to Denali National Park

When we arrived, we were pleasantly surprised to find the spot empty and level, which is always a plus. it’s a comfort to know that in Alaska vehicles can overnight in rest areas off the road if necessary, this is to accommodate truck-drivers who are allowed to travel 24 hours a day

This is nearby Otto Lake

Having settled in our parking spot we decided to take a drive to the park

Denali Visitors Center

There is only one road in and out of the park and we drove the 15 miles allowed by pubic vehicles and came upon our first moose family

Denali National Park is 6 million acres of wild land bisected by one road with the centerpiece of Delani aka Mount McKinley, the highest peak in North America at 20,310′

The following morning after a hearty breakfast at Rose’s we decided to take the 6 1/2 hour tour through the park.

The park is home to grizzly bears, moose, caribou and wolves

Some lovely views which would have been beautiful had the weather co-operated.

We were hoping to get a view of Denali/McKinley but were out of luck that day

We did see some caribou

Here’s a glimpse of the Denali range

The scenery from either side of the road are beautiful and very varied

So many rivers and streams, this one very popular with rafters who were wearing wet-suits. The water is frigid

The village of Denali, a tourist mecca with a Princess Cruise lodge in the center.

We didn’t know until this point that the cruise lines offer land packages now, as well as day excursions, which include nights at their own Princess Cruise Lodges/Hotels. That explains the huge number of buses every time we come close a national landmark.

Everywhere we go is getting more crowded now, summer vacations are definitely in full swing