Hello!

Our arrival in Denali was great and a breeze.  We stayed at the Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge.  There was great food, cute stores, and hiking!

We were there for 3 nights and were able to take a hike to see the sled dog demonstration.

Check out this link to learn more about the importance of sled dogs to Alaska in the past and now:

http://www.nps.gov/dena/planyourvisit/kennels.htm

The sled dogs of Denali have been important to the park for so long that they have become a part of the resource, and a cultural tradition worthy of protection. The dogs, and the kennels where they live, represent important pieces of the American story. They have cultural significance, representing both the Native Alaskan and the pioneer experience in the far north; and have a role in the history of Alaska's first national park.

These are the only sled dogs in the United States that help protect a national park and the wildlife, scenery, and wilderness therein, and it has been this way nearly as long as there has been a park here.

Enjoy the photos:

We watched the porters carry up heavy and many suitcases at a time--to the second floor!

The one guy has 3 bags!

Delicious dessert celebrating the 4th of July...called The Red, White, and Blue!

We saw this great directional sign across the street from the lodge (where there were great shops)!

Barcelona is only 5,017 miles...

This is Rich's watch showing that it is 11:10 pm in Denali...

Yes, it was difficult sleeping in Alaska...it stayed light till the wee hours and then

got light again around 4:00 am.

There is no such thing as true "blackout curtains"...

Above:  The coolest chandelier I've ever seen--in a restaurant at the lodge--amazing fish!

Below:  Unique wine racks...

Great wall hanging in the Park Visitor's Center...

We hiked from the Visitor's Center to the Sled Dog Kennels...on the Rock Creek Trail...

over 7 miles round trip!

Off we went...

At the sled dog kennels...

The dogs were amazing...they love to run!

Retired dog names...

​Enjoy the video below of the dogs running!  Check your sound!

Dog toys...

Love,

Ellie and Gary

Check out:

BLOG 18a--ALASKA: 4-WHEELING next!