Denali National Park in Alaska

We've been in Denali for two days now and yesterday took an 8 1/2 hour bus tour, which is the only way you can get into the park. Even though it is rainy and cold here (max about 52 degrees), it was a great day to watch for wildlife because they love the cold. I'm attaching a picture of a grizzly sow and her two spring cubs; they are called spring cubs if they were born this year. These three actually walked ahead of us on the road which our guide said happens rarely in the park. We also have a grizzly in the RV Park where we are staying and I'll attach a copy of him. Even though he is smaller, my theory is that he is looking for furry 4-legged species around 17 pounds in the form of domesticated dogs. Whenever we go for a walk, I keep Molly close and away from bushes and trees, as we don't want her to appear as an appetizer!

We also got a great picture of a caribou; although we can't tell if this one is male or female, as they both grow antlers. We did learn that they try to be very still, as they attract less bugs and mosquitos that way.

One last picture I actually took last week. I'm intrigued by the fauna and flora of the region and wanted to show you a typical pinecone. Because the growing season for spruce trees is so short, the root system is shallow because of the permafrost. As a result, the pinecones are tiny and very delicate. I've collected a whole bag full for my granddaughters, as they might want to use them in holiday decorations this winter.

Today, many folks in our group are going whitewater rafting but we passed on that! They were complaining about the rain so I had to remind them that it is a "water sport" - much like we had to remind ourselves about sailing during those great summers on Lake Michigan. We are going back to the Denali Visitors Center and to take pictures of the beautiful scenery - yes, even though it is raining!!