Today as we leave Teklanika River Campground, it is sunny and 53 degrees. Our journey today is only 31 miles. We set out toward Riley Creek Campground at 9 a.m.
There are not many vehicles on the gravel road this morning as we head toward "Checkpoint Charlie" on our way back to Riley Creek Mercantile to dump our tanks and check in for our 10-day stay in Riley Creek Campground.
Of course, we always keep our eyes peeled for wildlife and maybe, just maybe another glimpse of "The Great One" Denali. And "The Great One" does not disappoint. Even though we only get a partial view today, a view of Denali is counted as a view.
We had been told that only 30 percent of visitors to Denali actually are fortunate to catch a glimpse or a portion of Denali, the tallest mountain in North America. And only 10 percent of visitors see "The Great One" in its totality -- which we did a few days ago. We still feel fortunate to get another peak at Denali.
Because the weather is so varied in the park that about 7 out of 10 days the mountains are out of sight because the Alaska Range is often shrouded in clouds.
But why do clouds cover the summit of Denali so often? It usually has to do with where the Alaska Range sits in relationship to the ocean. Mountain ranges throughout Alaska play a big role in influencing the weather and climate. When low pressure systems move northward from the Gulf of Alaska, that moist cold air hits the mountain ranges and condenses while rising upward. This results in clouds and precipitation in the mountains that often obstruct the view of Denali.
This weather pattern means the south side of the Alaska Range, also known as the windward side, receives more precipitation than many other parts of the state. As a result, this area is home to large scale glaciers and ice fields. The north side of the Alaska Range, where most visitors stay in Denali National Park, is actually in the rain shadow of the Alaska Range. The weather on the northern side is much more forgiving than the southern side of the mountain, but can still be varied and unpredictable.
Often clouds add a dramatic look to the already breathtaking landscapes of the park. Even the elusiveness of the view make it that much more special.
So as we leave our view of Denali behind in our rear view mirror, we continue on our way toward Riley Creek.
We are nearing "Checkpoint Charlie" however, this time we don't have to stop and check in.
However, as we cross the Savage River for the last time, we continue to keep on the lookout for wildlife.
Back now on the paved road to Riley Creek, it isn't long until we are surprised with 2 moose (see below).
They weren't too far off road and buses and cars were stopping to watch.
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We then continued on following a tan park bus.
We passed the Murie Science and Learning Center and then the Denali Bus Depot.
We continued on toward the Riley Creek Campground.
Soon we were at the Riley Creek turnoff.
Again we had to go to the Riley Creek Campground Mercantile to register. So while Mel was dumping the gray and black tanks and filling with fresh water, I went into the Mercantile to register for our 10-day stay at Riley Creek Campground.
I was once again given my registration tag and a map of the campground (see below).
We will be staying in Riley Creek Campground for the next ten days from July 5th through July 14th, leaving on July 15th.
The interpretive sign above tells about Riley Creek and important camping information, while the interpretive sign below tells about the best places to see Denali. As you can see me in the reflection in this sign -- which means I have already seen "The Great One" but as usual we hope to see it again in our ten days here.
We found a campsite in the Bear Loop, site #B6. It is a nice spot which is really close to the Mercantile and one of the restrooms.
After we got all set up, we decided to do our laundry at the Riley Mercantile. It cost $2 to wash a load and $2 to dry a load. We found that pretty cheap and we were all finished with our laundry by 3 p.m.
Why I was waiting for the laundry to finish up, I met a woman and her companion (Jenny and Andrew) that had worked seasonally for several years -- Andrew as a Park Ranger and Wildland Firefighter and Jenny as a Trail Builder and Biologist. After talking with Jenny for awhile, I found out that they have been cycling around the world. I will check out the YouTube address Jenny gave me when I get a chance.
Also while doing laundry, I saw this sign about the band "Diggin Dirt" and that they were going to have an appearance at Panorama Pizza in Healy on Friday, July 7th. I told Mel about it and we're planning to go.
Tonight for dinner we had salmon, sweet potato fries and Mexican street corn.
We're all settled in at Riley Creek Campground for the next ten day, with lots of new things to see and do in Denali National Park. We can't wait to explore!
Shirley & Mel
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