Mt McKinley in Denali National Forest
Mac Hunt's Photo of Mt McKinley
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Monday, May 30, 2011
Totem Inn and Local Animals
http://www.thetoteminn.com/
After our exciting Jeep Safari, the only place open, and closest eating place is the Totem Inn. A restuarant and locals bar, we like their pizza. We ordered the pizza, but was told we'd have to eat in bar. We were pleased to see the many mounted local animals. Including the wild grizzly ride.
Our friend Hans-Peter, from Switzerland, joined us. We gave the last 3 pieces of pizza to 3 young men, who were too late to order, and were really hunger. They gushed with gratefullness as if we had bought them steak dinners.
After our exciting Jeep Safari, the only place open, and closest eating place is the Totem Inn. A restuarant and locals bar, we like their pizza. We ordered the pizza, but was told we'd have to eat in bar. We were pleased to see the many mounted local animals. Including the wild grizzly ride.
Our friend Hans-Peter, from Switzerland, joined us. We gave the last 3 pieces of pizza to 3 young men, who were too late to order, and were really hunger. They gushed with gratefullness as if we had bought them steak dinners.
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| Lynx |
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| Arctic Grayling |
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| Bronking Grizzle |
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| Moose |
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| Dahl Sheep (see them every day on the way to work) |
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| A Princess employee riding the Grizzly |
Ginger Working
Here is where Ginger works. She serves as a Cashier in the River Run Espresso. It is on the lower level of the main lobby of the Lodge. From the back of the lodge it is ground level. It is very popular, especially for its cinnamon rolls.
She works with a lot of very nice young girls.
Here are some of the beautiful photos on display, and for sale outside of the gift shop. It is next door to the RiverRun.
This is the Music of Denali dinner theater building. Haven't been there yet!
She works with a lot of very nice young girls.
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| Ginger serving their famous cinnamon roll |
Here are some of the beautiful photos on display, and for sale outside of the gift shop. It is next door to the RiverRun.
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| Grizzly cub |
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| Mount McKinley from Wonder Lake |
This is the Music of Denali dinner theater building. Haven't been there yet!
First Weekend Off Together
5/28/2011; Finally a day off with each other!!!!
We sleep in. Take the shuttle to the lodge to check on taking the excursion bus for an 8 hour narrated trip in the park. At the Princess Tour Desk we find that they are booked up. Stanna recommends we try the Self Driven Back Country Jeep Safari. My first reaction is we are too old for that; Stanna, who is our age says NOOO she went on it and it was great fun.
So we sign up.
But first ice cream across the street from the lodge:
We are given a briefing by Brandon our guide. (He lives near Park City, UTAH in the winter.) We will drive as best as we can in his path. We are assigned the first jeep behind him. Go slow through the puddles, put in in 4 wheel high, use and listen to instructions over the CD channel 13. We head down the highway and turn left at Stampede Road, leave the pavement onto gravel.This is the road where a 20 something guy got trapped and stayed in a bus, eventually dieing from eating poison mushrooms. A book was written, and Sean Penn made a movie. The bus from the movie is now outside a bar in Healy.
We stop, and get out to walk on the tundra. Its squishy, water come through the tundra all year round. Under the tundra, anywhere from 8-12 feet below is the permafrost, it never melts. He points out the taiga, which is drier, small hills, and trees and shrubs.
Wow what an exciting ride! Big mud puddles, deep ruts, riding with one side much more elevated than the other: someone calls out on the CB, "How far before this thing rolls over?"
At the end of the trail, is a small tent camp where Ron lives 6 days a week. He cooks the meal for the customers: beef stew, fried biscuits, drinks. He has 3 cans of bear spray in camp. He proclaims; "I can't believe they pay me to be here in this beautiful spot." Its Saturday, so Ron rides back to civilization with Brandon.
Ginger bounces around inside, but loves the adventure.
We make it home safely by 10 pm, still bright light
We sleep in. Take the shuttle to the lodge to check on taking the excursion bus for an 8 hour narrated trip in the park. At the Princess Tour Desk we find that they are booked up. Stanna recommends we try the Self Driven Back Country Jeep Safari. My first reaction is we are too old for that; Stanna, who is our age says NOOO she went on it and it was great fun.
So we sign up.
But first ice cream across the street from the lodge:
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| Ice cream shop on the boardwalk, at "Glitter Gulch" across the road fro the Princess Denali Lodge |
We are given a briefing by Brandon our guide. (He lives near Park City, UTAH in the winter.) We will drive as best as we can in his path. We are assigned the first jeep behind him. Go slow through the puddles, put in in 4 wheel high, use and listen to instructions over the CD channel 13. We head down the highway and turn left at Stampede Road, leave the pavement onto gravel.This is the road where a 20 something guy got trapped and stayed in a bus, eventually dieing from eating poison mushrooms. A book was written, and Sean Penn made a movie. The bus from the movie is now outside a bar in Healy.
We stop, and get out to walk on the tundra. Its squishy, water come through the tundra all year round. Under the tundra, anywhere from 8-12 feet below is the permafrost, it never melts. He points out the taiga, which is drier, small hills, and trees and shrubs.
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| Preparing to cross another puddle |
Wow what an exciting ride! Big mud puddles, deep ruts, riding with one side much more elevated than the other: someone calls out on the CB, "How far before this thing rolls over?"
At the end of the trail, is a small tent camp where Ron lives 6 days a week. He cooks the meal for the customers: beef stew, fried biscuits, drinks. He has 3 cans of bear spray in camp. He proclaims; "I can't believe they pay me to be here in this beautiful spot." Its Saturday, so Ron rides back to civilization with Brandon.
Ginger bounces around inside, but loves the adventure.
First Time into the Park, Denali National Park
www.nps.gov/dena.
5/27/2011: I brought my fly rod, and fishing vest to work. Caught the shuttle bus into the park, right after work. Second stop after the Wilderness Access Center was for Horshoe Lake Trail. It was a beautiful and relaxing hike. Many people, mostly foreigners, including Taiwan, Egypt, Australians (lots of Aussies at the lodge, boy they are a fun group!).
View from trail to Horshoe Lake
Reaching the lake, I walk the path to a sign about the beavers. Just past that is the largest, most intricate beaver dam I've ever seen! It is in a horseshoe shape, creating a beautiful clear pool. There is fresh evidence of an eager beaver. Out of the corner of my eye, I see something black, and hear splashing. But I never see him.
THE Beaver Dam!!!!!
Second beaver dam, creates another pool..clear enough to see the Arctic Grayling
With my first cast, using a dry fly, I catch a small Grayling. Fishing in the pool, and streams flowing out of thme I catch a total of 4. They are great fighters! I call Craig to tell him how this area looks like where we go in the Sierras. As we are talking another hits my fly, and have to say an abrupt Goodbye.
5/27/2011: I brought my fly rod, and fishing vest to work. Caught the shuttle bus into the park, right after work. Second stop after the Wilderness Access Center was for Horshoe Lake Trail. It was a beautiful and relaxing hike. Many people, mostly foreigners, including Taiwan, Egypt, Australians (lots of Aussies at the lodge, boy they are a fun group!).
View from trail to Horshoe Lake
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| Eager Beaver At Work |
Second beaver dam, creates another pool..clear enough to see the Arctic Grayling
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With my first cast, using a dry fly, I catch a small Grayling. Fishing in the pool, and streams flowing out of thme I catch a total of 4. They are great fighters! I call Craig to tell him how this area looks like where we go in the Sierras. As we are talking another hits my fly, and have to say an abrupt Goodbye.
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| Grayling average 8-18 inches, and have a huge dorsal fin(later blog photos of mounted Grayling will demonstrate. |
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| Spotted small schools of Grayling along creek. I continued my hike till the streams end at the Nenana River, just below and across from our lodge. I head back to the bus stop. Meet up with Rob, my Manager who told me about this spot. As we near the crest, I tell him how I still haven't seen a Moose. Just as we hit the top, I see something brown in the grass. Its a Moose! Grazing next to the Alaska railroad tracks. Many tourist stopped to take photos. Heres mine.   |
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Memorial Day 2011
Missing you guys, hope all is well there. Enjoy your blog but hurry home, it's better to be together !
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Ernie:Day Off Hike, Ginger:Work
Ernie: It is a beautiful day! Sunny blue skies, 65 degrees. Went hiking to the Neenan River, where a local told me the grayling can be caught. A long walk straight from the Homestead, about 4 miles, past the Denali Airport, and where the White Water Raft boats are taken out. The Alaska RR bridge, as well as the road bridge are there.
The planes approach the airport flying along the cliffs, and the river. They have the big balloon like tires to land on the wilderness runways, As well as small skis for landing in the snow. Ginger and I plan to fly over McKinley and Denali from there soon.
The river is incredibly rapid! It is a class 3&4 whitewater river. I fished for a while, then a guy who had a very friendly dog, running along the bank, offered me a ride back...the decision to shorten my fishing time, or get a free ride back the 4 miles was easy..the dog sat between us, trying to lick each of us.
Moose antler driveway
Denali Airport
Alaska RR over Neenan river
Spring flower Name????
Ginger was up at 2:30 am to catch the shuttle bus at 3:35 for work. She enjoyed her day because she was able to mingle with the customers at their tables, assisting them, and handing out comment cards. Many were curious as to how she ended up working there. Several commented how clever an idea that is.
The planes approach the airport flying along the cliffs, and the river. They have the big balloon like tires to land on the wilderness runways, As well as small skis for landing in the snow. Ginger and I plan to fly over McKinley and Denali from there soon.
The river is incredibly rapid! It is a class 3&4 whitewater river. I fished for a while, then a guy who had a very friendly dog, running along the bank, offered me a ride back...the decision to shorten my fishing time, or get a free ride back the 4 miles was easy..the dog sat between us, trying to lick each of us.
Moose antler driveway
Ginger was up at 2:30 am to catch the shuttle bus at 3:35 for work. She enjoyed her day because she was able to mingle with the customers at their tables, assisting them, and handing out comment cards. Many were curious as to how she ended up working there. Several commented how clever an idea that is.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
New Friends
One of the great parts of this adventure is meeting new people. Met several from Florida, including 2 girls from Orlando, a guy from Lake Helen, who knew Matt Kunzig, the son of our good friends Don & Dee Kunzig. Several from Georgia. Lots from Oregon, Phoenix, AZ, and especially young people from Eastern Europe, Bulgaria, Ukraine(they are all tall, dark haired, and thin).
I am surprised at the number of Seniors. My buddy Bill is a retired Navy Supply Corps Commander, he drives the big buses. His roommate Bob graduated from Florida State in 1967 and drives the Trolley Car that takes people around the grounds. Larry just came working with us is 71 yrs old, and is from Sacremento CA. He drove her alonf with his granddaughter who also works here. Some are with their spouses, some solos, both men and women.
Forest who just came to work partime for us in the warehouse,.is a high school senior, native of Healy. At 6"4'', 210 lbs is a top athelete. The school is too small for a football team. He is running the low hurtles in the state finals at Fairbanks this weekend. He is going to go to BYU in Rexburg, UT. Ironically, that is where Gingers sister Joanne moved to in November.
All are excited about the great benefits with tours here locally and in other Alaska lodges and areas. Also, great discounts on cruises in the future.
Ginger has found a number of lady friends, particularly the ones we met and road here with from Fairbanks.
I am surprised at the number of Seniors. My buddy Bill is a retired Navy Supply Corps Commander, he drives the big buses. His roommate Bob graduated from Florida State in 1967 and drives the Trolley Car that takes people around the grounds. Larry just came working with us is 71 yrs old, and is from Sacremento CA. He drove her alonf with his granddaughter who also works here. Some are with their spouses, some solos, both men and women.
Forest who just came to work partime for us in the warehouse,.is a high school senior, native of Healy. At 6"4'', 210 lbs is a top athelete. The school is too small for a football team. He is running the low hurtles in the state finals at Fairbanks this weekend. He is going to go to BYU in Rexburg, UT. Ironically, that is where Gingers sister Joanne moved to in November.
All are excited about the great benefits with tours here locally and in other Alaska lodges and areas. Also, great discounts on cruises in the future.
Ginger has found a number of lady friends, particularly the ones we met and road here with from Fairbanks.
Working Hard, but time off too
We have both been working hard. Ernie unloading trucks, stocking, issueing, and delivering food, wine, and beer. Lots of lifting, I'll look like AARNOLD by Sept.
Ginger has been learning about making coffee drinks, has had to study it. She loves her boss.
Today is Opening Day. Ernie is off, back tomorrow. Went hiking to Otto Lake, long but along paved roads, see photos: Its a large lake at the base of Mount Healy.Its must be a county park. Small beach, lots of picnic tables. a large area where there are trails that lead to tent camp spots, elevated, fire rings, and grills. The lake is crystal clear. Lots of ducks, think they were Teals, flying and landing. Too windy to catch anything on the fly rod. Appently becae it is so shallow, they have to restock each year. Saw the Black Diamond Golf Course, 9 holes and mini golf, with a restuarant.
Otto Lake
Black Diamond Golf Course MiniGolf
The golf course
Campsite on Otto Lake
Denali Outdoor Center-Outfitter
Ginger has been learning about making coffee drinks, has had to study it. She loves her boss.
Today is Opening Day. Ernie is off, back tomorrow. Went hiking to Otto Lake, long but along paved roads, see photos: Its a large lake at the base of Mount Healy.Its must be a county park. Small beach, lots of picnic tables. a large area where there are trails that lead to tent camp spots, elevated, fire rings, and grills. The lake is crystal clear. Lots of ducks, think they were Teals, flying and landing. Too windy to catch anything on the fly rod. Appently becae it is so shallow, they have to restock each year. Saw the Black Diamond Golf Course, 9 holes and mini golf, with a restuarant.
Otto Lake
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Attended Morning Star Baptist Church
Princess info
I received some training by the Princess Management staff this first week. Ginger will be getting that starting today.
Their core value is : Customer Service...they really truly emphasize that.
Motto: "We are Ladies and Gentleman, serving Ladies and Gentleman"
We are part of HAP Holland American Princess, all of which is owned by Carnival Lines.
There are over 3,000 employees, 3,000 rooms, 5 lodges ,12 hotels and 500 motor coaches in Alaska, with HAP.
The Alaska Railroad carries cars from different lines.
I'll have to verify this, but was told that in 2011 its estimated 73,500 ships will come to Alaska!
We open 5/19, and will be full capacity 5/23. We have 366 rooms, 7 eateries, from Pizza place to espresso shop, to dinner theater, to fancy dining King Salmon, with 550 employees
Princess offers Cruise Tours...you can combine in any way your crises, and inland tours, expeditions, flights, fishing, train,bus, cruise before or after.They have trips up to 13 days total. So check out Princess Cruises, you can do what every combination of things you like, do it over the Internet, or call their customer Service. BOOK A TRIP and come see us!
Their core value is : Customer Service...they really truly emphasize that.
Motto: "We are Ladies and Gentleman, serving Ladies and Gentleman"
We are part of HAP Holland American Princess, all of which is owned by Carnival Lines.
There are over 3,000 employees, 3,000 rooms, 5 lodges ,12 hotels and 500 motor coaches in Alaska, with HAP.
The Alaska Railroad carries cars from different lines.
I'll have to verify this, but was told that in 2011 its estimated 73,500 ships will come to Alaska!
We open 5/19, and will be full capacity 5/23. We have 366 rooms, 7 eateries, from Pizza place to espresso shop, to dinner theater, to fancy dining King Salmon, with 550 employees
Princess offers Cruise Tours...you can combine in any way your crises, and inland tours, expeditions, flights, fishing, train,bus, cruise before or after.They have trips up to 13 days total. So check out Princess Cruises, you can do what every combination of things you like, do it over the Internet, or call their customer Service. BOOK A TRIP and come see us!
Alaska this week
Wow, been a week since I updated things!!!
Here's some highlights from this week:
Began working at the warehouse. Delivering food and supplies to restuarnts and housekeeping. Dive golf cart, and fork lift. Lots of lifting and stacking. The Navy term for a Storekeeper, was a "box kicker". That be what I am doing! Our warehouse looks like many of the 2 story log cabin homes in the NC mountains.
Work overtime a couple nights in the dish pit, washing dishes and pots and pans: had previous experience in college at Uncle Kenny's night club, and at church camp last year.
Ginger has worked in Housekeeping, here at The Homestead, our dormitory. One day she did 30 loads of sheets. She was pooped. She has made lots of girl friends. Many near our age...hard to beleive hugh!
The drive to the lodge is incredible. It is about 12 miles away. As the warehouse crew, we have our own van. Others go via shuttle on big buses. Below I will show some photos I took on the way home. Every day, along one steep cliff area, we see Dahl Sheep (mountain goats). The area where the lodge is is called the canyon. On both sides are high mountins, with the swift moving Neena River between.
Snow covers all the mountins, and the blowing wind with a blue sky makes for a beautiful scene. The weather, though chilly, highs in upper 40's has been clear blue skies, no humidity, makes it comfortable. I like going for walks, but don't think Gingers been outside yet.
View as we leave the parking lot headed to work
View on the highway, headed to work.
A frozen creek
A frozen creek with the RR bridge going over it.
The Neena River winds through the canyon
Met Greg from Wassilla, his brother dated Sarah Palins sister in high school. (Ginger and I love Sarah Palin.) He now lives in North Pole, AK. Santa Claus attends his church. The last night the gals at the table invited Christina, sitting alone at the table next to us to come over. She also lived in Wassilla, she graduated and played hockey with Willow Palin (Sarah's daughter).
I took a long walk in the wilderness one day. See bear track below. Rather exciting to see.
I am off today, so went to church. A nice little baptist church. The Preacher's Dad is reitred Navy Dental Tech Chief, the brother is a current Senior Chief with the Seabees. Dad likes to fish, so we have lots in common. Sat in on a very good adult Sunday school class, and really enjoyed the service. Peter the Preacher is in his early 40's. He sat on the floor, and had a little lesson for the little ones (Hey Jim, you ought to try that). I then walked to the post office to get the mail. Only had the Alaska Bush Shopper, like a PennySaver, and most important a letter from Ginger's Mom dated 5/9/11.
If you don't know, Gingers Mom fell a couple days ago, and broke her neck. Thank God for Bob and Fran for taking care of her. It has been fused, and is being moved to a nursing home near them, I beleive today. Will check later with Bob. Please prayer for her.
Today is Gingers first day at the lodge. The balance of the workers arrived yester, over 300.
She will be going thru General Orientation, and Department Training today. They will begin setting up the Express shop too. Her Manager is a wonderful sweet girl. Her husband is the IT guy. They plan on moving to Salt Lake City at the end of the season. They have family in Logan, UT
Early this week I walked to the Post Office and got our last package, my fishing gear. Stopped in at Donna's Expresso and Gift shop. got a latta, and sat outside in the sun. While in side, had one of those back to the 50's moments; the K-12 school is next door, a little guy about 9, pulls a crumples $1.00 bill from his pocket and asks Donna:" How many can I get for this", Donna replied 32, hard candies! Took be back to those days.
Healy Chamber of Commerce
Healy School K-12, 1988 graduated 12: up to 14 this year!
The Warrior Vikings..expect an ACLU lawsuit representing the Vikings!
Healy Post Office
Healy Community Center-Hockey Rink and Basketball court
Healy community Center
View as walking around Healy
Donna's, sit outside and enjoy a latta, or like Ginger and her girl friends did go inside and browse for local gifts
Donna gave me a tip on a local fishing spot, go down Lignite Rd, past the RR tracks, look for the 2 beaver pons, fish them , and the creek. Today at church, Connie, the Preachers wife, without knowing my coversation with Donnna, said OH. they spotted some black bear by Lignite Rd....UMMM
Here's some highlights from this week:
Began working at the warehouse. Delivering food and supplies to restuarnts and housekeeping. Dive golf cart, and fork lift. Lots of lifting and stacking. The Navy term for a Storekeeper, was a "box kicker". That be what I am doing! Our warehouse looks like many of the 2 story log cabin homes in the NC mountains.
Work overtime a couple nights in the dish pit, washing dishes and pots and pans: had previous experience in college at Uncle Kenny's night club, and at church camp last year.
Ginger has worked in Housekeeping, here at The Homestead, our dormitory. One day she did 30 loads of sheets. She was pooped. She has made lots of girl friends. Many near our age...hard to beleive hugh!
The drive to the lodge is incredible. It is about 12 miles away. As the warehouse crew, we have our own van. Others go via shuttle on big buses. Below I will show some photos I took on the way home. Every day, along one steep cliff area, we see Dahl Sheep (mountain goats). The area where the lodge is is called the canyon. On both sides are high mountins, with the swift moving Neena River between.
Snow covers all the mountins, and the blowing wind with a blue sky makes for a beautiful scene. The weather, though chilly, highs in upper 40's has been clear blue skies, no humidity, makes it comfortable. I like going for walks, but don't think Gingers been outside yet.
The Neena River winds through the canyon
Met Greg from Wassilla, his brother dated Sarah Palins sister in high school. (Ginger and I love Sarah Palin.) He now lives in North Pole, AK. Santa Claus attends his church. The last night the gals at the table invited Christina, sitting alone at the table next to us to come over. She also lived in Wassilla, she graduated and played hockey with Willow Palin (Sarah's daughter).
I took a long walk in the wilderness one day. See bear track below. Rather exciting to see.
I am off today, so went to church. A nice little baptist church. The Preacher's Dad is reitred Navy Dental Tech Chief, the brother is a current Senior Chief with the Seabees. Dad likes to fish, so we have lots in common. Sat in on a very good adult Sunday school class, and really enjoyed the service. Peter the Preacher is in his early 40's. He sat on the floor, and had a little lesson for the little ones (Hey Jim, you ought to try that). I then walked to the post office to get the mail. Only had the Alaska Bush Shopper, like a PennySaver, and most important a letter from Ginger's Mom dated 5/9/11.
If you don't know, Gingers Mom fell a couple days ago, and broke her neck. Thank God for Bob and Fran for taking care of her. It has been fused, and is being moved to a nursing home near them, I beleive today. Will check later with Bob. Please prayer for her.
Today is Gingers first day at the lodge. The balance of the workers arrived yester, over 300.
She will be going thru General Orientation, and Department Training today. They will begin setting up the Express shop too. Her Manager is a wonderful sweet girl. Her husband is the IT guy. They plan on moving to Salt Lake City at the end of the season. They have family in Logan, UT
Early this week I walked to the Post Office and got our last package, my fishing gear. Stopped in at Donna's Expresso and Gift shop. got a latta, and sat outside in the sun. While in side, had one of those back to the 50's moments; the K-12 school is next door, a little guy about 9, pulls a crumples $1.00 bill from his pocket and asks Donna:" How many can I get for this", Donna replied 32, hard candies! Took be back to those days.
Donna gave me a tip on a local fishing spot, go down Lignite Rd, past the RR tracks, look for the 2 beaver pons, fish them , and the creek. Today at church, Connie, the Preachers wife, without knowing my coversation with Donnna, said OH. they spotted some black bear by Lignite Rd....UMMM
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