Post by: police women of America on January 28, 2018, 07:20:23 PM
September 11th, 2017 (day 1): We arrived in Fairbanks in the late evening, and the very first thing I noticed stepping outside the airport was the air. It was the absolute freshest air I had ever breathed, almost to point where it was addicting. And it was also surprisingly open, you could see for miles yet were surrounded by magnificent yellow, red, and green filled hills. There wasn’t much we could do the first day since it was so late, but spending the night in our rustic dry cabin was enough for me. Day 2: We set out to Denali National Forest to hike the Savage River loop trail, which was about a 2-3 hour drive. This is when we experienced our first wildlife encounter, as a bird hit the front of our rental car at 60 mph on the drive up. But after using some wipes to get all the blood off (the car rental place didn’t seem to notice anything) we were back on the road. The closer we got to Denali, the higher the mountains got, and soon I was facing the biggest mountains I had ever seen in my life. And the wind easily matched the strongest storms I’ve experienced here in Washington. The hike did not disappoint and was surrounded by awesome views. And I think it’s safe to say Denali is now my favorite place on earth.
Post by: police women of America on January 28, 2018, 07:20:57 PM
And that night, while my bother and brother-in-law slept, me and my sister heard a strange noise coming from nearby the cabin. At first I thought maybe it was someone yelling (not screaming, but possibly trying to scare off a bear), but as the noise got closer, we realized it was the sound of a bear. For the next few minutes we could hear the bear make a short “moaning” like sound as it made its way around the cabin. Me and sister were both too nervous to look out the window at first (I may have learned a lot about bears before going to Alaska, yet for some reason it felt unsafe to even look out the window), but we eventually peeked out and could see nothing but trees. We weren’t sure if it was a grizzly or a black bear (although I’d like to believe it was a grizzly), but I do know one thing, none of us were going out to the outhouse that night.
Day 4: We loved Denali so much that we decided to go back for our last day. We went on an 8 hour round trip bus tour (last one of the season I might add) up to Eielson Visitor Center where we got some amazing views of Denali. And although some clouds moved in and we didn’t get to see Denali itself, the “small” mountains around it were amazing and well worth the 4 hour bus ride. We also saw five bears (including a mother with her cubs), three mountain goats, one moose, and two caribou.
Day 5: we headed out super early to catch our 7am flight back to Washington. And I can’t tell you how blessed I was to be able to accomplish my life long dream of going to Alaska at the age of 16. This trip truly was a gift from God. Before going to Alaska I had rarely even been outside my hometown, and never outside the state, on a plane, or even on a bus ride. Going to Alaska was the most amazing trip of my life, and I encourage anyone who ever dreams of going there to do it! Because all it takes is a little bit of faith, adventure, and a one-way ticket. Also, not to mention money…. Lots of money.
Post by: jmscon on January 28, 2018, 07:40:21 PM
I’m glad you had a good time and want to go back!
Post by: police women of America on January 28, 2018, 08:11:54 PM
Alaska is a beautiful place! I’ve spent a lot of time in SW/Bristol Bay, flown into Anchorage and Juneau and they all very in scenery!
I’m glad you had a good time and want to go back!
Yes I can't wait to go back! I'd love to visit other towns like the ones you mentioned too. Anywhere in Alaska is good for me!
Post by: bearpaw on January 28, 2018, 08:28:48 PM
Post by: RB on January 28, 2018, 08:31:03 PM
Post by: Boss .300 winmag on January 28, 2018, 08:33:05 PM
Post by: h2ofowlr on February 05, 2018, 09:45:18 PM
Post by: Widgeondeke on February 05, 2018, 10:59:57 PM
One thing I loved about flying into Fairbanks. The float plane ponds/runway right next to the normal runway ;)
Post by: Skyvalhunter on February 06, 2018, 05:54:06 AM
Post by: police women of America on February 09, 2018, 04:10:01 PM
Post by: police women of America on February 09, 2018, 04:13:03 PM
Great story and pictures! I am planning to take my kids there in the next couple yearsThat's awesome! They'll have a great time up there. I'd definitely recommend going in the fall, there's lots more wildlife and the colors are amazing.
Post by: Lincoln4 on February 09, 2018, 04:30:53 PM
I also want to point out the picture right above the picture of the two cubs walking. I took it when we were taking the 8 hour bus ride in Denali, and it shows just how crazy steep and narrow the roads were up there (which is why no cars are allowed in this part of the park). It amazed me how our bus driver could keep us from falling off those cliffs, spot animals like crazy (he would even be looking out his binoculars whenever we weren't by a cliff), and give constant facts about the park and the animals. I always thought I was a good driver, but those tour bus drivers could compete with ice road truckers.
If you go to Denali, the bus tour to the visitor center is a must. An experience my family and I will never forget!
Post by: W_Ellison2011 on March 03, 2018, 04:08:02 PM
Post by: KFhunter on March 03, 2018, 05:44:26 PM
I'll have to go back. The train from Denali to Anchorage was also cool.