On June 28, 2019, I took the bus shuttle into the park for my third day in a row! The temperature here has been exceptionally warm for Alaska (Upper 70’s and Low 80’s)! Thus, the wildlife seemed to just want to find some shade and rest! Did you notice the old cabin in the distance in the Eielson area?
On June 27, 2019, I took my second bus shuttle ride into the park to the Eielson Visitor Center, because I know that each new visit is different from the rest! I think I love the dall sheep pictures the best! The mountain was out again. Saw a porcupine today. Like the marmot that hangs out at Eielson. That’s our big bus. I believe it holds around forty or more guests! That’s a falcon on the peak taking in the view! Can you spot the sleeping bears in the distance?
On June 26, 2019, I took the bus shuttle out to the Eielson Visitor Center, 66 miles into Denali National Park! It was an exciting day for me, mostly because of the sighting of the gray fox family and that I got to see the mountain again, despite the hazy look due to wildfire smoke in the air! The bears were way to far away for my liking! Caribou were a little closer!
On June 25, 2019, I left Tok to go to Denali National Park near Healy. Alaska! Notice the rabbit under the “Welcome to North Pole, Alaska” sign. Santa assured me I was still on his “Nice” list! The two moose pictures were taken after they crossed the highway in front of me! I’m certain the snow-capped mountain pictures are not of Denali; however, I was quite impressed just the same! There are actually three different Denali National Park signs that represent the three most popular wildlife in the park (Dall Sheep, Caribou, and of course Grizzly Bears, my favorite!).
On June 24, 2019, I traveled from Whitehorse, Yukon to Tok, Alaska! In my previous five road trips from Texas to Alaska, I had only seen the Yukon wild horses once and was beginning to think I would not have an opportunity to see them a second time. However; on this sixth road trip, they made themselves available for a few photo captures! And; finally I arrived in Alaska to get my traditional self-portrait with my traveling bear buddy at the newly painted “Welcome to Alaska” sign!
On June 20th, 2019, I started my drive from Hinton, Alberta to Dawson Creek, British Columbia (The official start or Mile Zero of the Alaska Highway) and beyond! For the longest part of my Road Trip from Texas to Alaska, I seemed to be trying to get away from the heat. Since I left the state of Washington, I seemed to be trying to get away from the rain! You can see how dirty my vehicle and trailer got from the rain and construction with gravel and mud. This is my sixth road trip to Alaska. Each new adventure always has a stop for a self-portrait at the Sign Post Forest in Watson Lake, Yukon Territory for a picture with my two signs (Jack and Helotes, Texas). After Fort Nelson, you would have to be blind or have your eyes closed the entire trip not to see at least a dozen or more bears along the side of the highway! They venture out of the forest to enjoy the lush green grass. If you are lucky, you might see other wildlife. You may or may not get some good pictures. You have to be always ready, not to miss capturing some interesting images! I still can’t believe I got to see that nice looking Caribou. There are more than two dozen Woodland Bison near the Muncho Lake area. These images were taken between June 19 and June 22!
On Wednesday, June 19th, 2019, I visited Gray Wells Park to view some very nice waterfalls! I traveled from North Cascades National Park in Washington. When I left the temperature was 57 degrees. During my drive through the mountains in British Columbia there were heavy rains turning to snow and the temperature got down to 36 degrees. While hiking in the woods to take pictures of some of the spectacular waterfalls, I met some light rain and then some hail! The first image is of the viewing area for the waterfalls! Saw two nice looking black bears in the woods; however, I was unable to get a shot of the bear’s face due to many trees blocking my view!
On June 17th and 18th, 2019, I visited North Cascades National Park in Washington! I will be crossing the border into Canada on Wednesday morning, making the final push toward Alaska!
On Saturday and Sunday, June 15th and 16th (Father’s Day), 2019, I visited Crater Lake in Oregon! The motor boat is at Lemolo Lake! That’s my traveling bear buddy, Al enjoying the snow! Tell me your favorites.
On June 9-12, 2019, I visited Yosemite National Park, California! I was told that the waterfalls were at peak during the time of my visit. Many of the images of Yosemite Valley and Yosemite Falls were taken around Cook Meadow near the Sentinel Bridge area. I did a number of hikes to get some different view points of the falls and mountain valley scenery. Saw several burnout areas. Got some of the images by driving up to Glacier Point. Watched some of the climbers on El Capitan from Yosemite Valley. Got a free shower taking pictures of the Lower Yosemite Falls mist. The lupines were plentiful along the trails. Hiked to Mirror Lake because a ranger told me I could get the reflection of Half Dome there. However; he failed to inform me that the usual trail around the lake was beneath the water and an alternative trail at the edge of the lake was very difficult. There were many branches and boulders and of course the lake itself. The picture I took of myself after coming back down to the trail head shows the blood on my left arm and the wet boots and jeans up to my knees! I went as far as I could without putting myself in any more risk. Notice some folks were playing in the lake and even jumping off the big boulder in the middle. Yeah, I got to see a bear on my return drive to the Yosemite Ridge RV Park! Please comment about your favorite images and what you like about them! Thanks.
Smith's Uncommon Adventures 