Beluga Whale

We have made many trips during the last four years to Turnagin Arm when the bulugas were following the salmon in but had never seen them. The last Friday in August received a call from Ranger Tom saying he was at Beluga Point and the whales were coming in. So we hopped into our car and headed north. Sure enough they were everywhere. Who knows how many because they are up and down so quickly following the fish. This one was so near the coast line that it gave me an opportunity to get a picture.

We have had lots of clouds and some rain

but this rainbow was worth the rain today.

Bird Creek in August

This creek's level is controlled by the tide and as you can see there is a great difference. This is usually a favorite silver salmon fishing spot however with the cooler temperature, etc. this year the run was off. We had planned to fill our freezer but not this year. High Tide
Low Tide

July Scenes around Bird Creek

We get some interesting folks visiting here at Bird Creek. The German couple had this motorhome custom built. Drove it from Germany to the southern tip of Africa, then freighted it to the southern tip of South America. They have drive it north except for ferry trip from Columbia to the Panama Canal and will drive it across Canada before returning home.
It was built on a heavy army vehicle frame. Guess they really needed that for some of the roads they traveled.

Waterfall at McHugh Creek, Chugach State Park

Moose cow and calf at Potters Marsh

Spruce hen out with her chicks.

One of the many waterfalls along the Seward Highway.

Portage Glacier Lake

Looking across Turnagin Arm.

June 23 - Trip to Russian River

The salmon are in and so it is time for the bear to feed. As you can see some fisherman take no interest while others take a picture or at least keep a close eye out to see where the bear is going. One fisherman tried to run even with everyone yelling for him to stop . . . don't run (bear chase their food). Result. . . he filled is chest waders with water when he fell into the river and the bear still did not pay any attention.

June 23 - Trip to Russian River

The Russian River is know for the combat fishing when the reds are in. This was a slow day and Francis was checking out the fishing but we did not put any salmon in the freezer today.

Resident Eagles

Have seen as many as five eagles in this dead tree.

Dall Sheep

Late June on Turnagin Arm

From our location at Bird Creek Overflow campground we get great views of Turnagin Arm. This is the bore tide.

June 14 Early AM Visitor

One of the problems we have with improper trash storage is visits from bears. These trash cans were over filled allowing the bear to gain access. One of our campers at Denali State Park said "If I had not known better would have thought this was a man in a bear suit. He walked over, stood up, pulled open the lid with one paw and racked out the trash with the other." Another camper told us two days later he had "someone" knocking on his motorhome about 5 AM. GUESS WHO? the bear was back checking for food. Once they associate an area with easy food they often have to be moved or destroyed if they become a threat.

June 11 Trip out Petercreek Road

Like many of the Alaskian roads built through the tundra, this one appears to have orginally been a log road.

Pair of sandhill cranes out for a walk. Think they were actually trying to lead us away from their nest because as soon as we passed they flew back.

Many buildings use trees with burls for support. This one in the Roadhouse is huge.

Roadhouse built in 1902 with continous operation. They are open all year because of the snow machine traffic during winter. Have great hamburgers.

Wildflowers of Alaska

While we have been experiencing the third coolest summer in the history of Alaska, the wildflower have been beautiful. Fireweed on Turnagin Arm.
Cotton grass

Denali (Mt. McKinley)

As you drive north from Anchorage along the Parks highway there are many opportunities to view "The Mountain." This is the view from our motorhome while hosting at the Denali State Park Northview. Other views follow.

While traveling inside the Denali National Park

this is the view of the mountain.

From the War Memorial the mountain appears like this.

Denali as seen from the Denali State Park Southview.

May 31 - Denali State Park

At about 9:30 PM the sun that rose behind the motorhome on the right has made nearly a full circle and is setting near the rear on the left. This is Mt. Silverthorn which is mistaken by many visitors as Mt. McKinley.