First Day in Denali

So we made it to Denali yesterday afternoon and have just finished an amazing day. As some of the comments have hinted Fairbanks wasn't as fair as its name might imply, but getting to the awesome setting of Denali National Park has improved all our spirits. As some of you will know July 5th was Brandon's birthday and in true LOTE tradition we celebrated with a birthday cake at breakfast in a parking lot - this time it was the Museum of the North's parking lot though. Below are more photos from today. Tomorrow is a long trek into the center of Denali National Park and then the final exam for the course.

Happy Birthday Brandon!

A stop on Savage River Trail

Kelly at an overlook along the Savage Creek Trail this afternoon

Karen at another overlook along the Savage Creek Trail - yes those are some serious clouds in the background

Sarah this afternoon on the hike

Rose and Amanda along the Savage Creek Trail

The group on the Savage Creek Trail

A personal fave-jc

This morning we were treated to a lecture and mini field trip led by Park Geologist Phil Brease

Sam not wearing sunglasses

Jon above the Nenana River this morning on one of Phil Brease's field stops

Taking notes at a windy point over the Nenana River this morning