Copyright 2019, CABS for Reflections From the Fence
July 11, 2019
Smoke report, it’s thicker here this morning. And it seems to be pretty much everywhere, and if it isn’t this minute, stick around, it blows in and out quickly.
Today we leave Denali without ever seeing more than a few close and smaller mountains in the range. It is said that only 30% of the Visitors here ever see Denali in its full glory. We were not being greedy, we would have been happy with just seeing it, partial glory would have been good for us.
We head towards Wasilla/Palmer. We had hoped for clearer skies. The forecast is for much cooler temps and rain and areas of smoke.
We pulled out about 9:30. Stopped at the rest area between “town” and the park entrance. It has a walking bridge over the Nenana River. We did a quick stop as people were smoking or walking about after taking a bath in perfume. If Mother Nature’s smoke isn’t enough, peeps feel the need to pollute the air more. We will cross the Nenana River several more times on our way to Wasilla/Palmer.
Highway to the left, walking bridge to the right.
The milky gray color comes from suspended silt.
Temp is around 55. Over 30 degrees less than 2 days ago. It’s much welcomed.
It’s windy in spots, even the fireweed is dancing in the strong winds.
At times I think I can see the smoke is clearing, maybe?
There is a shape - - a mountain.
The layer affect, the white/cloudy thingy at the top, its actually a cloud. Not smoke.
We pulled over around Cantwell and topped off the fuel, this dog was barking at his owner who was inside the store.
After Cantwell the winds subsided.
Land that appears to be tundra. Not many trees, lots of grassy looking areas. But more like moss. Areas of “wet”. I had the feeling you might not want to walk on this in the summer, winter, it would be frozen, no problem, right now, not so sure. Just feels like a bog?? And, I have not one fact or source to support that, just my feelings.
And then there was rain/mist. We even needed the wipers.
Then there was the double 18-wheeler that passed us and came over a bit early for our comfort zone. Maybe he forgot that second trailer was back there. And then all drivers started passing in an unsafe manner, forcing others to the shoulders to prevent head ons.
Lunch behind a gas station, a campground was there as well, the sites we saw were buried in the trees, oh, so private. In the middle of no where tho. Maybe a good resting spot?
There were several constructions zones - - they lead us through with a pilot car/truck.
Somewhere along the line, we zipped by this, I just barely got the photo. I rarely do links these days on Reflections, as they never stay viable and reviewing each and every blog for dead links is an exercise in pain and futility, that said, this time it is worth it, hopefully it stays good more than 1 month. Go here to read about the igloo.
Arrived Wasilla area about 3, pulled into a Ford dealer, pulled out an hour later with an oil change done.
Nice campground. There is grass. We think we got one of the last campsites. We have water and electric. And a small site, just a perfect size for The Estate.
Man found a Mexican restaurant less than 3 miles from the campground. Mmmmm mmmm good!
Back at the campground we set up, leveled up. Settled in. AND the rain came. It did not last long, but, the air is heavier with the humidity, we pray it helps the firefighters.
We are pleased with traveling in The Estate. It’s easy to drive. The seats for the driver and passenger are comfy. It’s easy to make that “oops, missed the turn” u-turn. It’s easy to park, not much different than Jolly, a solo Jolly. It’s painless stopping at view points. We can get The Estate into some really small campsites, which, has turned out nicely for us several times this trip. And, we are sure glad we don’t have Tana and Jolly on this trip. Camp set up is many times faster and easier than Tana, almost stress free. Day trips are fun, with my own “private” facilities and my food. We have adjusted well to not having a “toad” or towed car. Sir W rides in his crate for hours, quiet as a little church mouse, until we stop, when he lets us know it’s time for a lookie see. Yes, indeed, travel in The Estate is pretty good stuff.
Our little campsite these few days in Wasilla/Palmer:
Now if we could get rid of the smoke.
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