6.7.08 Denali

After a night of junky sleep, people in the apartment above had a party that lasted well in to the morning hours, I set out on the road. Armed only with my camera and a map, I travelled about two hours south to Denali National Park. Denali National Park is breathtaking at over 6 million acres it's larger then the state of Massachussetts. Around every twist and turn of the road is another beautiful sight. Definately something everyone should see once in their lifetime. I will most certainly be back when I have more time to explore.

While in the park I seen a heard of elk grazing in a field about half a mile away. While driving I seen something move in the brush, I stopped for a better look and there stood a Grizzly, who in turn spotted me and headed the other direction. Wasn't quick enough with the camera to get a picture. Sorry! After a few hours in the park and a little hike, I was feeling kinda bummed, still no moose! Moose crossing signs everywhere but no moose! So I headed to the car and began the trek out of the park. About a mile from the exit I spotted several cars and a bus stopped by the side of the road, so I slowed down to see what was so facinating. And then I saw it! A female moose not more then 10 feet from the road chewing on a tree! I almost shit myself, no joke! She was amazing, like 8 foot tall, didn't seem to notice all the people making a fuss to see her, just went about her business. I was able to capture a few shots but there on my good camera with a zoom lense so you'll have to wait a few days until they get developed. So all in all it was totally worth four hours of driving.

I realized on the drive back that in 21 days I've seen an awful lot of this continent. Three U.S. National Parks: Denali, The Black Hills in South Dakota, Tongass National Forest/Misty Fjords Monument in AK. Two Canadian National Parks: Jasper National Park and Banff National Forest. Many state parks: Custer State Park-SD, Totem Bight-AK, Refuge Cove-AK, Settler's Cove-AK, Ward Lake-AK. Seven states: Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, South Dakota, Wyoming, and Montana. Two Providences: Alberta and British Columbia. I've been very fortunate to experience what I have. I've learned a lot, mostly about myself. I'm not the same person I was 21 days ago. Before this endevor began there was a lot of fear and anxiety. I've always been independent, but was I able to be so far away from everything I've ever known. And I do miss my family (especially my mom), friends, and my puppy! I miss Sophie! But I'm happy here. And I'm extremely thankful for the opportunity that I've been awarded.