Denali: Thorofare Pass

After yesterday's epic eight hour bus tour, Carole decided to forego a repeat performance. I was not so clever, opting instead to join a free guided hike offered the by park service. Yet another four hours brought me back to Fish Creek, where we met the ranger who led the hike. This morning however, was a cloudless blue sky day, and we had stellar views of Mt. McKinley driving in and during our hike. We gained several hundred metres and had incredible views of the sweeping valley below, as well as 'The Great One'. Mountains like McKinley are dramatic examples of why they have always been considered the home of the gods. The huge icy monolith in stark contrast to the grey/brown/green landscape seems quite ethereal, a place that's pure, pristine and distinct from where humans live.

Meanwhile, back at the ranch, Carole went on an interpretive 2 hour hike of Horseshoe Lake, renowned for being frequented by moose. However, the moose were obviously hiding from her. Afterwards, she went to the Dog Shelters, where they train and care for the Alaskan Huskies they use to patrol the park in the winter. Carole was in doggie heaven.