The Grizzlies of Denali

Since beginning this trip, we have had some bucket list items we wanted to experience! For the northern part of our adventure, two things we have wanted to do are; 1. See the Northern Lights, which we are still working on, and 2. See some grizzly bears in their natural habitat! Up to this point, we have driven THROUGH wood bison and caribou herds, witnessed Mama moose and calf grazing in the Yukon and seen oodles of black bears and migrating trumpeter swans but the grizzly continued to remain elusive until.........Denali National Park! There are approximately 350 grizzlies within the six million acres of Denali National Park. On the day we did our tour, we saw 6!!! This post is for you guys!!! So happy to have finally seen you! 

As we head towards Mount Denali, a sow and her cubs can be seen grazing on the alpine tundra

Also, on the road in Park Rangers sit in their trucks with Bear sniffer dogs. Apparently, a hiker camping in the back country was unaware of the bear protocol and fed the bears in an attempt to get away from them!! The bears are now back looking for more food from people :(  The rangers are using the dogs to drive the bears back, away from any humans. All hiking trails are closed and people are reminded to observe bears from afar and to follow grizzly protocol!

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As we drive back out at the end of the day, our driver spots another female grizzly with two more cubs. They are digging for roots and searching for food in preparation for the upcoming winter. We stop for a long time and enjoy watching them in their natural environment!

                              Check!! Another thing off the bucket list!

A Day in the Mountains of Alaska!

Biking in Creamer's Field, Fairbanks, Ak

 Travelling North to Fairbanks, the second largest city in Alaska, we decided to stay a few days to check things out in this area. It was quite a happening place and coincidentally we ended up camping next door to another pair of Newfies originally from Clarenville, NL. They say Newfoundlanders are everywhere, and NOW we believe it!! After enjoying a campfire night

together and a few sociables, we said goodbye to Paula and Wallace and began our trek South on the Park Highway to Denali National Park.

As their website will tell you, Denali National Park is more than just a mountain. It is six million acres of wild land, bisected by one ribbon of road. Home to grizzlies, moose, caribou, dall sheep and wolves, the terrain consists of alpine tundra, spruce forests and glaciers. But, in the centre of all this natural beauty, stands Mount Denali, formerly known as Mount McKinley. With the tallest peak in North America normally covered in clouds, we were two of the lucky few who witnessed this majestic mountain in all her glory. There are no words to describe the sense of awe and wonder we experienced as we travelled by bus to visit Denali. 

Parked in the Visitor Centre at Denali

One of the tour buses meandering its way through the mountainous terrain

That white speck is another tour bus off in the distance

The mountain ranges are spectacular!

Off in the distance Mount Denali stands tall

 Some of the wildlife, just wanted to get in on the action! Yep, that's Mount   Denali in the background. 

Up close and personal!

Heading back! What a wonderful day!