We were supposed to stay another night tenting in Denali but day 3 dawned fine but overcast and threatening. The prospect of packing up tents in the rain was defiantly not appealing and we felt that after two fine days we would be pushing our luck. So, after much debate, we decided to move on to somewhere towards Anchorage.

Collette was in charge of finding accommodation. She decided against the place that was cheap but had no running water and an outhouse and decided on another place in the middle of nowhere. Exactly where nowhere was we didn’t realise until we got there.

In the meantime there was a sled dog show put on by the park rangers. This was a great introduction to the dogs and their work. We were able to pat the dogs and get to know them.

The dogs are obviously bred for the job and they love to work. We were asked to clap and cheer to get the dogs interested and they went berserk at the opportunity to run.

It was a great show and a lot of fun. The power these dogs is awesome and they are obviously very intelligent.

Next we went to the visitors centre for a bit more history of the park before setting out, with bear spray on belt, for a short walk around Savage River.

A great idea for the kids

The visitors centre

Savage River

It was a very enjoyable walk but not an animal, bird or new flower to be seen.

We then headed off to our lodgings, 140 km down the road, just as the rain started. We heartily congratulated ourselves on an excellent decision to break camp and get out of town.

As the rain continued we pulled into a two story barn that was at least dry. Steve met us and we discussed generator hours, how the hot water system worked, and breakfast. Then the big question :”How far to the nearest grocery store?”

70 km there and 70 km back. So my easy 140 km driving day just doubled and now in pouring rain. Middle of nowhere, but it was cosy and warm and Steve was a great bloke to have a chat with. Tomorrow Anchorage.