July 07 Today we drove to Denali National Park. Very cloudy and overcast today, so unable to see Mt. McKinley. We checked in at the Riley Creek Campground, lucky I made reservations ahead of time, they were sold out and was turning a lot of people away. The rate here is $28 per nite, but we had a discount for Papa Rudy's senior national parks pass, and Kirby's military discount.
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| Taylor & Branden warming up |
We went rafting at 6pm. Everybody except Joe, Papa Rudy, and Kirby went. The company was Denali Park Resorts that operates out of McKinley Chalet and they had a 2 for 1 coupon in the Tour Saver book. So we ended up paying $99 for 2 people to go rafting. Our bus driver, Tom, let Joe know where to go to get some good photo opportunities. Our guide on the raft was Chad and he was the best. The water was class III and IV rapids so we got a lot of action out there. We had a fabulous time, this was probably the best outing with the family so far.
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| Breezy & Branden went for a dip |
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| Miki & her new friend Christina from LA |
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| Our high five after a rapid |
After rafting, we met Joe, Papa Rudy, and Kirby in the bar and had a few drinks.
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| We all had a much needed drink |
July 08 This morning Joe, Papa Rudy, and I went 15 miles into Denali to Savage River. This is the farthest into the park that you can drive. Anything else would be on the shuttle or tour bus. The only wildlife we saw was a caribou in the river. Papa Rudy is still looking for a bear.
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| Joe talking to a sea gull |
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| Miki, Kirby, Branden |
We went on an ATV adventure at 100pm. Everyone went except Joe and Papa Rudy. They went to see a sled dog demonstration in the park. The company was called Denali ATV Adventures and they also had a 2 for 1 coupon. The cost was $95 for 2 people. Was pretty good but we had to follow the leader, so no horse playing, speeding, driving recklessly, or passing. They took us to 3 different lookouts which was real scenic. The weather wasn't really cooperating, it rained on us at times but we still had a lot of fun. As we walked back to our camp site, we could smell our dinner from a few sites down. Papa Rudy and Joe cooked chili for us....so ono.
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| Dawn, Branden, Kirby |
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| Miki & Kirby |
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| Ready to go |
Now that raft ride was cool, I would be too scared to go in that freezing ass water. I would be w you beer time awesome. Looks like great family times............. Did the suits keep them warm????????
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