May 25, A Dirty Sport in Alaska

Woke up to wind and rain this morning and in the 40's.  How can these mountains still be beautiful,  even under these conditions?  As we went down the road, the sun started to peek out over the peaks and the day turned out to be a pretty nice day.  Never cancel your plans in the mountains... you never know from minute to minute.

As we got closer to Denali Park, there were more people out and about.  I'm sure Memorial Weekend had something to do with that.  

Our mission today was to go to the small town of Talkeetna, which is at the base of Mount McKinley.  Many hikers and mountain climbers start their ascent from this area.  It's an interesting town because there is such a variety of people from different countries. They are there to take on the challenge of Mount McKinley or to just enjoy it's majestic beauty.  Back in the early days, Talkeetna was a recovery camp for miners to replenish their needed supplies.

Love that historical stuff!

If only this snowmobile could talk...what stories it could tell.

No one stays inside in Alaska when the weather is nice...

 and it's a holiday weekend.

We saw the usual, outdoor activities like picnicking, hiking, biking,  and camping; but Alaskans seem to like dirty and dusty activities.

From Denali to Wasilla, there were off-roading vehicles everywhere.  They even use the partially, dry riverbeds for these activities.  A bath at the end of the day with this sport would be a must!  Maybe that's why they camp by the river's edge.

Spring has come to Alaska.  Still in the 50-60's; but warm enough for these flowers.  Camping in Wasilla for the next couple days to do some local sightseeing.  Wasilla....sound familiar?  Sarah Palin?  Back in 1994, the state voted to change the capital of Alaska from Juneau to Wasilla.  Juneau won; but not by much.