July 7, 2010 Denali National Park

This morning we drove to Denali National Park. As we drove toward the park the Alaskan Mountains were in front of us. Then they surrounded us as we passed into them. These were some of the prettiest mountains we have seen since the Northern Rockies in Canada. Many of them snow covered. Absolutely beautiful!!!
We drove into the park and went to the visitors center. They were very nice but didn't want to discuss you driving in the park. You can drive in about 15 miles on a 90 mile road. Other than that you take buses to ride to campgrounds and other activities you want to do, like hiking. The have four tours ranging from 4-5 hours to 12 hours. We did not want to leave the dog that long so that option was out. This is not a park to bring your dog.
We took the bus down to the kennels where they keep the parks sled dogs and equipment. You can tour the area at your leisure and pet some of the dogs. They are not impressive dogs almost like mutts. The were medium height and light build. I doubt any of them would weigh over 50 or 60 pounds. One champion Iditarod weighted 43 pounds. Their coat is coarse on the outside but they have a lot of under fur.
They don't look strong enough to carry a sled. They said a sled team can pull 100 pounds per dog but the park on loads 50 pounds per dog. These dogs are used to carry supplies in the winter as well as to patrol the remote areas in the park. They can work to -35 degrees below zero. They got ready to do a demonstration and all the dogs went crazy jumping around and barking. They have to lead them to the sled by holding their front paws off of the ground to prevent them from pulling them down. They are impressive dogs in that they live to pull a sled. They get so excited you can't believe it. They only hitched up 4 dogs to a sled on wheels. They had to chain them to keep them from taking off. When they sensed it was about time to go they crouched ready to leap. When they were told to go they took off at amazing speed and went in a small loop for everyone to see. I was amazed at the speed they pulled the sled. We then caught a bus back to the visitors center and had lunch in the motor home.
I will have to say they have that bus thing down pat. They schedule them for different areas and times, they pick you up at a central location. Everyone is courteous and nice. I just don't like the structure and I don't like to be herded like cattle. But that is just me. For most people this would work out great. To see the animals you have to take the bus tours. You can see the scenery in other places. The Denali Park Road runs east of the park and is said to have just pretty scenery. Most people get more out of their visit to Denali so don't let me dampen your opinion of going there. It is strictly our fault we didn't get more out of the experience and I am not complaining just telling the story.
We then got on Denali Park Road, which is not a part of the park. Most of it is BLM, Bureau of Land Management, land. This road runs 130 miles east across the state. It is said it has the beauty and resources of Denali without the rules. We drove 30 miles to a BLM campground called Brushana River campground to spend the night. Tomorrow its back to the main road and down to Denali State park which is said to have the best views of Mt. McKinley. (Denali) Till next time, from the land of the midnight sun.