It was yet another transit today, this time the 360 miles from Fairbanks to Anchorage under wet and very gloomy conditions. Uncluttered roads makes for fantastic driving conditions, and it was plain sailing all the way. Part way down the road we viewed the daily
Anchorage to Fairbanks (return) train, which I caught northbound on the last trip.
Alaska Map showing the extent of Denali NP.
We stopped for a couple of hours at the Denali National Park and Preserve which is located in Interior Alaska and contains Denali (meaning "the high one" and known as Mount McKinley), the highest mountain in North America. The park and preserve together cover 9,492 mi² (24,585 km²). The longest glacier is the Kalhiltna Glacier.
Weather wise it was an altogether grim looking day, but these images give some idea.
No idea of the name of these pretty white flowers but they cover just about every road-side around here.
One of a series of Shuttle Buses that run throughout the Park.
Walking for our 2 hour break I came across the train seen previously. It is a once a day service so how lucky to have been in the right place at the right time to see it pass by. A few more shots:-
With specially designed 'observation coaches'.
Finally, the Guard and Steward.
Looking through the trees towards the hotel on the cliff.
and magnified.
Looking down a dark, dank highway towards Anchorage.
A very small Red Squirrel.
Grey Jay or Whiskey Jack
This is Fire Flower a prolific grower and the first to emerge after a forest of heath blaze. All around and from a distance there are huge tracts of the stuff turning the mountain-sides into a carpet of purple.
yet another Yellow-rumped Warbler.
Bohemian Waxwing
A Harebell type.
The only addition to the Trip Bird List today, Boreal Chickadee.
At one break stop this dude and I got into conversation mentioning my visit to Jimi's graveside. He confided in me that he is the nephew of Hendrix, being the son of Jimi's adopted sister Janie. So far I have only been able to do a little research but the following is fact. This lad definitely has the Hendrix look (not that it has anything to do with the argument), his name is
Al (the name of Jimi's dad who adopted Janie) Hendrix-Wright, as confirmed by an unfortunately illegible passport and I couldn't trip him up on Jimi's date of birth / death etc. He seemed authentic enough to me, the perennial sceptic.
Jimi with his adopted sister Janie, who son Al tells me is currently in London as part of the Buddy Guy management entourage.
A couple more views from the mini-bus window along the way.
Before reaching the approaches of an equally dreary Anchorage.With the additions of Hammond's & Olive-sided Flycatchers, Sand Martin (Bank Swallow), Peregrine, Lincoln's & Fox Sparrows, Hermit Thrush plus Boreal Chickadee the Trip List = 153 while there have been no new World Life Birds. Snowshoe Hare joins the Mammal List.
