Alaska 16: It's a Wrap

Bull Moose in Denali

For those interested, here's a wrap up of Alaskan trip with links back to our earlier Alaskan posts. As we reflect back briefly on a journey we encourage you to consider for your future travels, we include a few favorite images from a very wild place.

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Early Morning in Denali

Our first three posts set the stage for our trip into north central Alaska. Starting in Fairbanks where we first saw the Northern Lights moving in the night sky, we headed south to Denali National Park where a 20 m.p.h. bus ride along the 50+ mile Park road took us past grizzlies, caribou, towering Mt. Denali and incredible wild scenery.

Back from the Alaskan Wild. A preview of the series.
Alaska 1: Back in a Fog. More about a trip and logistics in the wild.
Alaska 2: The Grizzly Salmon Attraction. What makes it all possible.

Two Bull Moose in Denali

After staying at lodge in the heart of the Park managed by a First Nation corporation, we made our way back out of the Park along the same one-lane gravel road. The moose were out early in a morning made light pink by the low lying Arctic sun.

Alaska 3: Peril on Mt. Denali. You have to read it to find out.
Alaska 4: Before the Beginning. In Fairbanks with the Northern Lights.
Alaska 5; Kantishna to Wonder Lake. In the heart of Denali.

Mt. Denali

From Denali, we head south first by train and then by van. Our ultimate destination is Katmai National Park but distances are great and we make several stops along the way.

Alaska 6: Bull Moose and Bus Bears. The ride back in Denali.
Alaska 7: Scenic Ride and a Class 4 Bus Ride. Traveling south toward Katmai.
Alaska 8: Fox Island Jellies. Travel south to Kenai Fjords and Fox Island.

Train to Talkeetna

Our stops include Talkeetna, the jumping off place for hikers determined to reach the top of Mt. Denali, then Seward, and Fox Island in the middle of the Kenai National Park. Along the way, we take a class 4 bus ride to see glaciers and pull off the road along Turnagain Arm to watch beluga whales in the wild.

An Otter in Kenai NP

As we make our way out of Seward harbor toward Fox Island, a large and aging otter floats by our boat and gives us a long look.

Alaska 9: Off to Katmai. Share foot paths with wild grizzlies in a National Park.
Alaska 10: Fishing the Falls. Get close to grizzly fishing on a waterfall.
Alaska 11: Below the Falls. Even more wild grizzlies up close.

Fishing Below the Katmai Falls

The protected wilderness and its grizzly bears are the focus toward the end of the trip. Above, a large grizzly works at bulking up for the winter hibernation. Below, two adults tussle not 50 yards from a foot bridge we pass.

Alaska 12: High Grass and Charging Grizzlies. A bit too close for comfort?
Alaska 13: A Four Grizzly Wish. Our New Year's posting.
Alaska 14: Here They Come Again. More grizzlies approach us on the beach.
Alaska 15: Water Bear Reflections. Still on the ground walking with the bears.

Below, we close this journey with a few last images of the Katmai region grizzlies.

Friendly Banter

Uber Eats for Bears

Mom and Three Just Offshore

Short Lens, Big Bear

And, one reminder of Alaska's bright night skies.

Fairbanks to the South

All the postings in one place:       

Back from the Alaskan Wild. A preview of the series.
Alaska 1: Back in a Fog. More about a trip and logistics in the wild.
Alaska 2: The Grizzly Salmon Attraction. What makes it all possible.
Alaska 3: Peril on Mt. Denali. You have to read it to find out.
Alaska 4: Before the Beginning. In Fairbanks with the Northern Lights.
Alaska 5; Kantishna to Wonder Lake. In the heart of Denali.
Alaska 6: Bull Moose and Bus Bears. The ride back in Denali.
Alaska 7: Scenic Ride and a Class 4 Bus Ride. Traveling south toward Katmai.
Alaska 8: Fox Island Jellies. Travel south to Kenai Fjords and Fox Island.
Alaska 9: Off to Katmai. Share foot paths with wild grizzlies in a National Park.
Alaska 10: Fishing the Falls. Get close to grizzly fishing on a waterfall.
Alaska 11: Below the Falls. Even more wild grizzlies up close.
Alaska 12: High Grass and Charging Grizzlies. A bit too close for comfort?
Alaska 13: A Four Grizzly Wish. Our New Year's posting.
Alaska 14: Here They Come Again. More grizzlies approach us on the beach.
Alaska 15: Water Bear Reflections. Still on the ground walking with the bears.

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All photos and text are copyright Clinton Richardson. If you like these posts, please tell your friends about the Venture Moola blog at Readjanus.com. More of  our images can be found on our companion website at trekpic.com. Feel free to share this blog with your friends. The more readers the better. 

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