Alaska- Talkeetna Day Two

"Climbing" Mt. McKinley

June 24 Sunday Overcast, drizzly day....thank goodness we did our Denali flight on Saturday which was an absolutely beautiful day! We are still talking about that adventure! We decided to spend the day checking out downtown Talkeetna. First on our agenda was a ranger interpretive talk. She lead us through a climb to Mt. McKinley. It always surprises us how informative and entertaining these talks are. We gathered around a relief map of Denali and a climber's rope was passed along the edge of the display for each of us to hang onto, simulating the tethering of climbers. We were divided into two teams and then led through an imaginary hike to see which side reached the summit first. We then went to another ranger station to watch a 17 minute film about the climb. After flying to the mountains, learning more about the details and preparation for the climb and watching the film, we realize what an incredible challenge it is.

We had lunch at the best pizza place in Talkeetna. Of course, it was the only pizza place in Talkeetna, but it was good. Gage and Reid had smoked salmon on theirs.  We shared pizza with Mr. Skunk and  I saw on Facebook that Brooklyn "shared" her Caboose ice cream with one of her chickens! 

For dessert we walked up the street to have a piece of the rhubarb, blueberry crisp topped with fresh whip cream. This is sold out of an Airstream trailer in town.  We had heard about it at the visitor's center the day before.  It was really delicious!

We shopped around the little gift shops that are in Talkeetna and then headed for the RV to have spiedies for dinner and settle in for the night. A rather calm day after our plane flight adventure the day before.  Driving to Denali tomorrow!