Sunday, May 11, 2008

Quick trip to Denali

Max was in Cordova for a few days for "work" which just happened to coincide with the migratory bird fest there. He had a great trip, saw lots of birds, and he made sure he was home for half of Mother's Day on Sunday. Good pappa. While he was away, Rachel said "Happy 1st Mother's Day" with an all-expense paid road trip to Denali on Saturday. We hadn't been driving more than 15 minutes in the park when we ran into some folks we knew. We stopped to chat for a few minutes with Kevin and Andi and to get a break from the car. It didn't take long for a minivan to pull up and for its driver to inform us that we were missing a good show down below...a beautiful golden grizzly sow and two cubs were lazing around in the afternoon sun just across the river. It was early wildlife payoff for the long drive...and as it turned out, about the only payoff we got. Aside from the sun and gorgeous mountain views, of course.


Kieran was far more interested in Rachel and the camera than the bears.

And the gulls. He thought these guys were pretty neat. Not exactly what you think of when you imagine AK wildlife, especially in the interior. But this is a national park after all...plenty of tourists with plenty of snacks to share (bad tourists!).


Kieran had a great time on his first road trip.


Our turnaround spot at Teklanika. We made it to the end of the drivable road just before the clouds started rolling in.


Can't resist a close up of little K sporting his summer lid.

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