Denali 8/21/17

Around 2:45 a.m., we were woken up by an earthquake! Our host told us it was "only" a magnitude of 4.4. Only!

When we woke up (for real) it was super foggy outside. We were disappointed because we had hoped to have a good view of Denali from the lodge porch, but we could barely see anything. We sat down to a delicious breakfast of french toast and bacon prepared by our host, Tom, and got to chat with other people staying at the lodge.

As we were packing up to get ready to hit the road, I looked outside and saw that a lot of the fog had burned off. We could even see Denali! Along with other guests, we rushed outside to get the best view. Even just the top of it over the trees was amazing.

Before we left, our host suggested that we stop at a cafe called Mary Carey on our way to the park because it would have a great view. We split a grilled cheese and a piece of delicious chocolate creme pie, all while admiring the incredible view of Mt. McKinley right in front of us.

After finishing the pie, we drove half a mile up the road to a lookout area. A short trail later and we were on top of a hill with a great view of the mountain, glacier, and stream in the valley.

On our way to the park we kept stopping because there were so many amazing views! I don't think I'll ever get over how beautiful this place is.

At the entrance to the park, we stopped to take the obligatory picture with the park sign.

We had just finished taking a picture together using the self timer on my camera when two guys with a giant video camera walked up to us and asked us to take a picture with the self timer again so that they could record it. They told us they were filming for the food paradise show on the Travel Channel called Food Paradise! We might be on TV! Famous!!!

Finally, we made it to the park. We used this afternoon to explore the visitor center, watch the park movie, and of course, get our National Parks Passport stamps!

The mighty Nalgene, taken down by a bear.

On our way back to the car, I searched the parking lot for any cars without an Alaska license plate. I only found three. Brave souls.

Our lodging for the night was called White Moose Lodge, a small cozy motel tucked in the woods a few miles from the park entrance.

After getting settled in our room, I worked on publishing my blog and Mom went straight to sleep. I'd call it a successful day!

I also took the opportunity to take a #basic polaroid picture in front of the trees outside our lodge.

Stay tuned to see what we do tomorrow! We have exciting things planned...