We saw otters, sea lions (yes, I know I can see these at Fisherman's wharf), humpback whales, puffins, orcas, mountain goats, and many many other examples of Alaska wildlife. I was sitting outside at the front of the boat when we saw the pod of orcas. I took some pictures of their fins in the distance when all of a sudden three jumped right in front of me! I had my camera ready, and I believe I may have gotten a shot of it. We also spent some time at a glacier where we got to witness it "calving" or pieces breaking into icebergs that floated by our boat. Very cool. 

After the boat trip we went out to dinner and then camped at a free, clean and beautiful campground near Exit Glacier, which is part of the Harding icefield. The next morning we walked to the glacier. 

We headed back to Girdwood that day and I believe the next day Amy, Amy's roommate, and I headed towards Denali National Park. Both Amy and Gail have worked past summers in the park and know the area quite well. We first stopped in Talkeetna, a funky town about 100 miles away from Denali. It is said that this town was the inspiration for the tv show Northern Exposure. Of all the little towns we visited this is my favorite. We spent a little time with our shoes off at the river/creek that runs near the edge of town then continued on our way to Denali. 

We had reservations to camp in the park on the 18th and 19th, so we need to find a place outside the park for the two days beforehand. Eventually we just pulled off the road and pitched camp near the river. The second day we were there we hiked ( well Gail and Amy did most of the hiking, I did something closer to "light walking") around an area called Savage River. While walking, Gail and Amy got their wildflower book out and identified all the flowers we saw along the way. The hills were alive with hoary marmots, an unfortunate name for really cute overgrown squirrels. They look like beavers, rabbits, badgers, all rolled into one. 

That night it rained and our rain flap wasn't able to keep all the water out of our tent. I knew there must have been a reason that I didn't go camping when I was a kid... this occurred the second night too, and it continued to rain until the next morning. Ughhh. Eventually it cleared up and we took a bus ride into the park and our campground. 

We pitched tent then took a bus ride through about 60 miles into the park. On the way we saw caribou, a fox and way, way into the distance, using binoculars, a couple of grizzly bears. 

One thing that I never did see was the largest mountain in North America, the mountain that the park is named after, Denali (or Mt. Mckinley). The clouds have to part and only if you are luck can you see the mountain. On clear days you can see it from Anchorage, about 250 miles away. 

Denali is an interesting place. There are no true trails -  you are expected to make your own paths and rely on your own sense to get you back safely. 

On the 19th Amy and I left Gail at the park and continued about 2 hours to Fairbanks. We had a great time with Amy's friends and their 2 year old son,Ansel. For my birthday we ordered Thai food and Amy gave me a sweet smelling Alaskan soap made from melted snow. 

We came back to Girdwood yesterday. Amy and Gail had to move out of their cabin and each are staying with their respective boyfriends. I decided that I'd rather stay somewhere with indoor plumbing and electricity, so I'm staying a nice hostel in town until Friday when we take a ferry to Juneau. 

Tonight we're returning the rental car. So far we have driven it nearly 2,000 miles. 
   Bye, 
  Marisa