The Day on a Bus
Sounds boring like a bus trip to Scranton - it is anything but. We board at 6:30 (which means up early, temp is 28) and trundle off to Eielson Visitor Center at mile 66. It is a slow trip not only because the bus is on a gravel road and there are some very steep drops requiring a careful approach, but there are also animals to see. The animals and the wilderness are the reasons for riding this bus. The driver is accomplished at spotting and stopping for caribou, moose, bear and smaller animals with the occasional view of the mountain, Denali. So the trip takes four hours one way. At the VC we planned not to return immediately but to do a tundra hike. The trail was not available because of a mud slide from last week’s torrential rains. On a different hike with Ranger Nick, we learned about the small animals of the tundra and research done in the park. After the ranger program, we continued further down the trails and I spied a family of ptarmigans up close. Neat. Then back on another bus about 2:10 for the return trip. Altogether we saw 13 grizzly bears, 10-12 caribou & two moose. Most were at a distance. Dinner at a restaurant it is easier. Early night.
Cadillac’s Most Correct Viewpoint
Big speech went very well - small but enthusiastic crowd. They love the free drinks and assorted berries BrrICE managed to get together. Also he kept the crowds at bay - he is a good choice for Chief of Personal Security. My Chief of Ceremonies did not fare as well. First he got the caribou to salute but not the Moose, and it was not pretty. He did not know you cannot teach much to a caribou. So lots to do and one semi-decent minion is not going to get it all done. Over the next few days I plan to secure my staff. That is critical. Ms McKinley was a big hit and we are going to have a mid-afternoon berry date tomorrow. Look forward to a bit of R&R after this taxing week.
