Denali National Park Revisited in August & September 2003

After our initial vist to Denali National Park over Memorial Day weekend in May, we were very fortunate to go back three more times in August and September. Each time, we had gorgeous weather.

In August, we were there for four days (three nights camping) as volunteers for the annual "Need for Seed" project. We were part of a group of about 25 people who went out daily and collected seeds from native plants and grasses to be used to revegetate the areas around the newly constructed visitor center, gift shop and food court. Ironically, our volunteering in Alaska started with an inquiry as to opportunities in Denali National Park. After our seed collecting was done each day, we had time to hike along Savage River, or visit the kennels and see the new husky pups.

As a thank you for our seed collection efforts, we were given three free nights of camping. We took them in early September and camped at the Teklanika Campground on our way back from Dawson City. It was already Autumn in the park. We saw moose and bear, and the colors and scenery were spectacular.

Finally, on September 15th, we returned to Denali National Park for the last time to participate in the annual Road Lottery which we were so lucky to be selected for. We took our friends, Marge & Louise, from the Eagle River Nature Center with us. We camped the night before and the night of, returned to Eagle River on the 16th, and started our trip home on the 17th. Below are only a few of the many photos we took while in Denali in August & September.

Het verhaal en ondertitels in het nederlands zullen later toegevoegd worden.

There is a total of 63 photos. Er zijn in totaal 63 foto's.

FOR A FULL SCREEN ENLARGEMENT, PLEASE CLICK ON ANY OF THE PHOTOS

Larry collects "fat cat" and "foxtail" during the 2003 "Need for Seed" program

Hilde collects seeds during the 2003 "Need for Seed" program

Hilde pets Tikaani, the mother of the sled dog pups born June 10th

The sled dog pups,.Muddy, Chulitna, Tolzona & Swift, are named after rivers in the park

A hoary marmot on the Savage River trail

One of many willow ptarmigens spotted on the Savage River trail

An evening sky in August

Early September and the Fall colors are already apparent

The tundra has turned red

The scenery is stunning

A moose in the willows

More magnificent landscapes

The park road winds through the beauty

Looking down on the braided Toklat River

Another view of the Toklat River valley

A grizzley bear comes close

Mount McKinley is visible from base to summit

It's just us in front of Mount McKinley

A section of the Denali park road

Another close-up section of the Denali park road

The bear obviuosly likes blueberries

Bear tracks along Tattler Creek

The Teklanika River...a short distance from our campsite

The beginning of our "road lottery" drive; two cow moose approach a bull whose lying down in the willows. It was "rutting" season and the males establish a harem for mating..