Friday, February 9, 2018: Cantwell to Anchorage, Alaska

When we left the Backwoods Lodge, we drove eastward on the Denali Highway approximately .07 miles, to a point where there is a magnificent view of Denali.  Denali was showing-off in the morning sun. BUT before we reached that point, on the road ahead of us was a Moose, then we saw a second one in the ditch!  As we slowly approached them, they of course ran into the bush, but as we passed by, we saw a 3^rd one, a young moose in the bush.  After many photos of Denali in the morning sun, we returned to the Parks highway, continuing south. 

Denali from Cantwell AK

Wow, did we have beautiful views of Denali as we drove south.  Denali is on the west side of the highway, so the morning sun was on it for a long time.  Plus, it was so clear today.  This was our third try to see Denali.  In 1999 we saw the peak approximately 5 minutes, and September 2017 it was raining in this whole area, so finally on a clear cold winter day! 

Denali Range

Denali

We continue south, stopping at Trappers Creek for gas and a bite to eat before continuing.  This afternoon I reconnected with a former student of Cal’s who lives in Anchorage.  We are going to meet her for breakfast. 

As the sun was going down this evening, we drove along the Turnagain Arm, south of Anchorage.  We were hoping for a beautiful sunset, but clouds are moving into the area tonight.  Today was such a brilliantly clear day, but we are losing it tonight.  We do not know what the weather will be tomorrow.

We are staying at a Hyatt House hotel tonight and will be meeting our friend for breakfast.  As to what we do tomorrow, we are not completely sure.