We needed something different and Princess had the wisdom to know that at this stage of our trip. We left Denali by “luxury Princess double decker train” complete with guide and attendants tending to our breakfast, lunch and beverage needs.
The rain continued which made the view less than optimal, but we were dry (for a change) and comfortable. In fact, on a few pictures you can see the rain on the window. Occasionally, we even saw an animal or two but not enough warning to get the camera.
The rivers are all flowing very quickly because of all the rain and we saw them overflowing some of their banks.
We were told the story of Clyde and Mary Lovel who ventured to Alaska and homesteaded along the railroad with their four children back in the 1960’s sometime. Imagine leaving Alabama and moving your family back then. Clyde worked for the railroad so he was gone a lot and Mary was left to deal with the day to day hardships of life in Alaska. As we passed their home we were surprised to see 90 year old Clyde pulling a log toward the track and Mary standing near the house waving to us.
Maybe the hard life of Alaska is better for your health. As the train pulled into the Talkeetna Station we realized it was raining so we were in for a wet night. At least the Mt McKinley Princess Lodge had guest laundry facilities so we would have clean clothes for the ship.
The next morning (suitcases out by 6) back on the bus to Anchorage where we would board the ship. We had a stop along the way for snacks and leg stretching and found this polar bear (stuffed of course).
We had lunch in Anchorage and then back on the bus to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center where animals are placed to rehabilitate or rescue. We saw many of the animals native to Alaska and Jim got some good pictures. The most unusual of the animals was the Muskox who I never heard of before.
The underbelly fur of this animal is softer and more valuable than Alpaca fur. Most Alaskans only make hats or mittens from it because you couldn’t afford a coat of that fur. The animal itself is not attractive and actually looks ratty. Gross!
Other pictures from conservatory
Black Bear
Elk
Moose
Porcupine
Wolves
From the bus going to the Center, we got some good pictures of the Turnagain Arm and various glaciers.
Piece of glacier floating near the rivers edge
Finally, take me to the ship! Before we could get there we had to go through a railroad tunnel where the bus will actually ride on the tracks.
Entering the tunnel
Riding through the tunnel just wide enough for bus
Light at the end of the 2.5 mile tunnel
We saw the ship as we exited the tunnel
The traffic is scheduled just like a ferry because the tunnel is only wide enough for one lane of traffic. Different. Only in Alaska. Get me to the ship, p l e a s e!
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