Denali - Here we come

Arrived at Riley Creek campground in Denali National Park about 2 pm, enough time to get an adequate site for the motor home.  It was a beautiful drive to get here and we captured some of it in pictures.  Ranger let us know that Momma Cow was in the campground and had two calves that she beds down with each night in the campground.  She wanted to warn us, in case we encountered her.  I hope we see her, from the car or RV.  I sure don't want an encounter.

Marv took me for an interesting hike off Denali Hwy, away from the park.  We were barely off the gravel highway when we came to a clear understanding of living in the wild.  First thing we saw was a moose skeleton, clean to the bone.  Also ran across what look like the remaining hind quarter of a fox.  Then a pile of fur where something else had been supper.  And, to top it off, we found the remains of a caribou leg.  So glad we had our bear spray and Marv was carrying a machete.  However we saw no live animals but bear scat was all around, as well as moose nuggets (we should make earrings).  I bought a bear bell soon as we got back to the park.  I have fired off a shot of the bear spray for practice,  But you have to wait til they get 10-12 feet from you to be effective.  Better know how to use it!

The snow-capped mountains and glacier streams are beautiful as well as the beautiful  wildflowers that are growing in the lower elevations.  And the mosquitoes have not been bad today.  We go off on our bus tour thru part of the park tomorrow morning.  Six and 1/2 hours on a bus tour and that is the minimal trip available.  It is a big park!

Some photo memories of our drive and adventures today: