Camping with the kitty

Our camping trip started an hour later than we had planned, so by the time we got to Denali, we were anxious to get a camping site. The campground has cost us $14 in the past, but they must have changed the rules, because we ended up having to pay a park admission pass in addition to the usual campground fee. It was a lofty sum for a campsite that I couldn't even park my car next to the tent. After we paid, we found that the old parking lot was being used for construction equipment, the new overflow lot was a mile and a half away. $40 for a campsite, and a 1.5 mile walk to and from the car. I don't think we'll be returning to that campground again when it isn't free. (it's free in the winter) We had a good fire, roasted some mallows and dogs--then headed into mile 15 of the park to make use of the entrance fee they made us pay. When we got to mile 15, where private car access is restricted, everyone was buzzing about a bear in the area. They were all very excited, yet terrified of the close call they had just experienced. Matt and I carried on with our plans to hike on the Savage River. After all, we were tough Alaskans, we could handle bears. The brisk south wind pushed us along on the trail into the gorge. As it got later, we decided to turn around and head back to the campground--since we had a long walk back to the tent from our car.


Savage River and mountains



Snowshoe Hare

We got back about halfway and saw an animal cross the road. I yelled, "KITTY!!" and pulled the car to the side of the road. The lynx, our first ever! turned and sat to watch us. It was a large muscular cat with tufts of hair on his eartips and a cropped tail. Curiosity overwhelmed us both, as we stared at one another. In typical kitty style, the lynx quickly lost interest and turned to walk away. Matt got enough time to take two shots of him with our camera.



The last few miles back were gorgeous. My pictures don't really do it justice.




We also caught views of Denali, wearing a small cloudy hat, on the western horizon.



Beautiful end to a beautiful day.