Day 35: A Much-Appreciated Sunny Day at Denali

Overnight the temperature dropped to 43 degrees, 52 inside the RV---another chilly night.  However, the sun came out and rather quickly raised the temperature, so that by late afternoon it was in the upper 60’s.

Today we took the shuttle bus fourteen miles into the park, to Savage River.  There is a campground at mile 12, then a turn-around for cars and buses at mile 14, with only special buses (which require a fare) permitted after that, along with a few campers who reserved at Teklanika campground, mile 29.  Beyond mile 14, the road is gravel and dirt. 

The Savage River Loop Trail is only 2 miles long, but it provided a pleasant walk, and finally we saw some wildlife.  (One of the mysteries of the trip is why we have seen so few birds.)  There were numerous Arctic ground squirrels, running every which way, chasing one another all over---quite amusing to watch. 

We also saw willow ptarmigan---a mother with chicks who was very protective of them, both because of our presence and because of a ground squirrel that seemed to want to go down that path, right where the babies were.

After the hike, we picked up the shuttle bus again and debarked at another stop, the Mountain Vista Trail.  It was only a bit over a half-mile, and although I had hoped to see a mountain vista along it, it actually was an interpretative trail, telling about the experience of visitors to the national park in the 1920’s. This area of the park used to be “Savage Camp” with rows of two-person wall-tents, complete with cots, washbasin and small stove for heat.  The camp had a dining hall in which the tables were covered with white linen and fresh flowers were on the tables, all for the comfort of the visitors, who would arrive on the railroad and be taken by wagon from the station to the camp.  While there, they could go out on wagon expeditions with a guide, horseback ride, or go out with a fishing guide.  What an adventurous vacation that must have been for people at that time!

Poor Ranger was in the RV much of the day (and will also do the same tomorrow when we have reservations for a longer bus ride that will take us in farther, to mile 53).  He greeted us enthusiastically; at least he does not hold a grudge. 

And a late afternoon treat:  a hot shower!  Only $5 up at the mercantile, and worth every penny.