Denali and Talkeetna (July 31)

Fully charged after our last night in the University dorms, laundry done, we were on the road towards Denali, hoping to get a glimpse of Mt. McKinley/Denali.  It is rarely seen because of the weather, but we are hopeful.  On our way we stop for gas and this nice lady comes out to offer us free peanut butter cookies.  Alaskans are nice folks!

Denali...we opted not to take the bus into the preserve.  It is the only way into the park.  So after a couple pics, we were off again, to Talkeetna.

Around Denali there are shops in various areas around the highway.  Princess cruises has a hotel and shops there as well.  Commercialization in the middle of nowhere.  We walked along some of the shops and I met Jermaine, who sells adventure excursions and helicopter rides out of his shop.  He spoke to us for awhile and gave us some stickers for our panniers.

 

This is what the ride looked like most of the way past Denali.  We had no luck sighting the mountain, as it was hidden in the clouds.

However, once we came upon Talkeetna, the weather had turned in our favor.  It was actually quite warm in Talkeetna, low 80's!  Here's a pic of the main street of Talkeetna, looking down the street from our campground.   The campground is a small, municipal park with campsites.  Cool place and can't beat the price at $10 for the campsite!

Enjoying a bier and the weather after dinner.

The town is a throwback to the sixties.  However, at one end, on the outskirts, Princess Cruises has a hotel, next to where their glass topped train stops for a night.

 

But in town itself, it is a Woodstock type atmosphere.  Liquor store sells 'singles'... 

Then walk across the street to a park, and listen to live acoustic guitar music...

Scott and I enjoying biers in the park

When the music died, we were off to the local watering hole...The Talkeetna Inn!

A fun little bar/hotel where locals and tourists mix in a laid back atmosphere...and decent live music later in the evening!

I had a meeting with 'The Mayor' of Talkeetna, in the back of his pickup truck...

After a fun evening of music and spirits, it was back to the campground.  Lots of motorcycle travelers use these campgrounds.  Campsites in Alaska are definitely on the affordable side.  I don't think we paid more than $15 each for a site and often times $5 each.  Most of our monies were spent on food and bier.