Happy Summer Solstice !
Sunrise: 0357
Sunset: 1207
It is weird that it does not get dark! We go to bed at 1030pm and it looks like 4pm. Thank you Cedar Creek for our room darkening shades in our bedroom!
We decided to make the 50 mile journey to Talkeetna without the RV. Tomorrow morning will be in route to Anchorage, don’t know yet where we will stay but we will shoot for one of the military base at JBER (Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson).
While driving south on the Parks Hwy, the Alaskan Range, and of course Denali was in our review mirror most of the way. What a sight. We turned and east and headed north 14 miles to Talkeetna. I wasn’t expecting much there, I know it is a whistle stop for the Alaska RR, and cruise ships. Just 4 miles out side of town there is a pullout with an outstanding view of Denali and Alaskan Range.
We stopped for a few more photos, and Ann Marie, I fear, has had enough of the Lady Denali. I can’t get enough. Just to stare with binoculars or shoot photos with our 300mm Nikon. I am memorized…. Her, not so much.
We arrive in town, it is a small place, just 850 people live here, but of course, the side walks are bustling with folks, going in and out of gift shops selling the same stuff, and there were quite a few small restaurants to eat. So we did all of that.
The sun was out and it was about 60 degrees so we pulled up a table at the Denali Brew House and had a good burger and Beer. We then walked it off going up and down the street of only a 1/4 mile or so. Only one street and thankfully there were may benches propositioned where us husbands sat while the wives were in shops browsing.
While Ann Marie was in one of the shops, I walked down to the end of Main street to get another “look”. The street dead ends at the confluence of the Susitna and Talkeenta Rivers. A very strong and fast moving river, and while I was standing on the banks and looking north, there she was! Beautiful.
I took some (more) photos and got lost in her valleys and snow covered peaks. Just amazing, and to think Gary’s brother is up there climbing the mountain yesterday at 18500 feet and it was minus 29 degrees. Holy cow. Remember it was sunny and warm, yep, feels good.
Even though there were many tourists, Talkeetna has kept its charm and a quaint little village, in understated buildings, and all in the shadow of the Majestic one!