Day Four

We have all decided there is no such thing as a bad day on this trip.

Today we left Anchorage and headed to Wasilla, Alaska - where we made a stop at the Iditarod Visitor Center and Headquarters. We learned all about what some call the "Last Great Race on Earth." And then we got the chance to let the dogs pull us along for a ride. We couldn't believe how eager those dogs were to get going, how fast they move and how much fun it was to actually be pulled around by the dogs! We even got the chance to see some future Iditarod pups - too small and too young to know or care about the sport. But boy were they cute - and seeing the dogs and learning more about the race was fascinating.

While we were in Wasilla we stopped for lunch at the Settler Bay Lodge - which had a wonderful view of the Cook Inlet and the Chugach Mountain Range. The food was great (as usual).

We made more stops along the way including the McKinley View Lodge, home of Mary Carey, an Alaska woman who was a teacher and journalist who fought to get a third highway built in the part of the state she thought had the best view. It was a great history and inspirational lesson. From there we went to the Denali State Park Veteran's Memorial - where we paused to pay tribute to those who served and died for this great country. We then thanked all the veterans on the trip with us for their service.

Our Motor coach ride continued with a little fun. Because our group is so large, our tour director thought it would be a good idea for each of us all to officially introduce ourselves. It was good to learn more about the people we're traveling with. We have a terrific group and we are all enjoying getting to know each other.

We finally arrived at the Denali National Park. We are staying at the Princess Lodge which looks like little cabins and is completely surrounded by mountains. It was definitely worth the drive!

Todd and I are enjoying the long days and extra sunlight Alaska brings. We actually had some sunshine today and are hoping for clear skies tomorrow when we search for more wildlife in the Denali National Park.

Talk to you soon,

Serese