Tundra Wilderness Tour / June 21, 2014

This is where we're going to board the Bus

Here, we're going to board the bus that will take us on the Tundra Wilderness Tour. Denali Park is home to North America's highest mountain, Denali, towering over 20,300 feet tall. The 6 million acre National Park will also give you one of your best opportunities to see Alaska's wildlife such as grizzly bear, moose, wolves, Dall sheep and caribou. Denali Park is located about 240 miles north of Anchorage, about 5 ½ hours by road or 8 hours by train. Traveling 53 miles into the park to the Toklat River rest area, the Tundra Wilderness Tour is a narrated history of the park. [B]

Our Transport

Denali Park is home to North America's highest mountain, Denali (Mt. McKinley), towering over 20,300 feet tall. The 6 million acre National Park will also give you one of your best opportunities to see Alaska's wildlife such as grizzly bear, moose, wolves, Dall sheep and caribou. Denali Park is located about 240 miles north of Anchorage, about 5 ½ hours by road or 8 hours by train. Traveling 53 miles into the park to the Toklat River rest area, the Tundra Wilderness Tour is a narrated history of the park.

Our Transport

Denali Park is home to North America's highest mountain, Denali (Mt. McKinley), towering over 20,300 feet tall. The 6 million acre National Park will also give you one of your best opportunities to see Alaska's wildlife such as grizzly bear, moose, wolves, Dall sheep and caribou. Denali Park is located about 240 miles north of Anchorage, about 5 ½ hours by road or 8 hours by train. Traveling 53 miles into the park to the Toklat River rest area, the Tundra Wilderness Tour is a narrated history of the park.

Alaska Veteran's Memorial - Mat-Su Region

"We dedicate this quiet place to the remembrance of the veterans of Alaska who have served their country at home and throughout the world. We honor their heroism and dedication." The memorial consists of five 20-foot tall concrete panels, one each to represent the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines and Coast Guard, arranged in a semi-circle. A statue of two Alaska Territorial Guards, carved by Canadian sculptor George Pratt, greet you at the entrance. On each panel is a short history of that branch's contribution to Alaska. The Alaska Veteran's Memorial is located within Denali State Park at mile 147.1 between Anchorage and Fairbanks. [B]

Alaska Veteran's Memorial - Mat-Su Region

"We dedicate this quiet place to the remembrance of the veterans of Alaska who have served their country at home and throughout the world. We honor their heroism and dedication." The memorial consists of five 20-foot tall concrete panels, one each to represent the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines and Coast Guard, arranged in a semi-circle. A statue of two Alaska Territorial Guards, carved by Canadian sculptor George Pratt, greet you at the entrance. On each panel is a short history of that branch's contribution to Alaska. The Alaska Veteran's Memorial is located within Denali State Park at mile 147.1 between Anchorage and Fairbanks.

Alaska Veteran's Memorial - Mat-Su Region

"We dedicate this quiet place to the remembrance of the veterans of Alaska who have served their country at home and throughout the world. We honor their heroism and dedication." The memorial consists of five 20-foot tall concrete panels, one each to represent the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines and Coast Guard, arranged in a semi-circle. A statue of two Alaska Territorial Guards, carved by Canadian sculptor George Pratt, greet you at the entrance. On each panel is a short history of that branch's contribution to Alaska. The Alaska Veteran's Memorial is located within Denali State Park at mile 147.1 between Anchorage and Fairbanks.The US Army has served Alaska since 1867, providing the first government. During the ensuing years it played a major role in the development of the state by building outposts, bases and airfields, communication systems, and roads including the Alaskan Highway. Army Forces engaged in major combat against the Japanese in the Aleutian Islands during W.W.II. Since that time, they have served Alaskans in time of triumph and tragedy while performing their assigned missions.

Alaska Veteran's Memorial - Mat-Su Region

"We dedicate this quiet place to the remembrance of the veterans of Alaska who have served their country at home and throughout the world. We honor their heroism and dedication." The memorial consists of five 20-foot tall concrete panels, one each to represent the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines and Coast Guard, arranged in a semi-circle. A statue of two Alaska Territorial Guards, carved by Canadian sculptor George Pratt, greet you at the entrance. On each panel is a short history of that branch's contribution to Alaska. The Alaska Veteran's Memorial is located within Denali State Park at mile 147.1 between Anchorage and Fairbanks.The Marine Corps has served in Alaska since 1867 when marine detachments provided security on board Navy ships in the Bering Sea. In 1892, a Marine Corps barracks was established at Sitka, the first of several such barracks in Alaska. During W.W.II, the marines at Dutch Harbor played a significant role in repelling Japanese air attacks. Since that time, the Marine Corps has continued to provide military and humanitarian support in Alaska, maintaining security at U.S. Naval installations and assisting in civic programs.

Alaska Veteran's Memorial - Mat-Su Region

"We dedicate this quiet place to the remembrance of the veterans of Alaska who have served their country at home and throughout the world. We honor their heroism and dedication." The memorial consists of five 20-foot tall concrete panels, one each to represent the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines and Coast Guard, arranged in a semi-circle. A statue of two Alaska Territorial Guards, carved by Canadian sculptor George Pratt, greet you at the entrance. On each panel is a short history of that branch's contribution to Alaska. The Alaska Veteran's Memorial is located within Denali State Park at mile 147.1 between Anchorage and Fairbanks.The United States Navy has maintained a presence in Alaska since 1867. The Bering Sea Patrols protected commerce in Alaska's waters while elsewhere the Navy helped develop Alaska's resources. Navigational and communication facilities to help sea commerce were built. The major naval bases constructed immediately prior to the United States entry in W.W.II contributed to the development of Alaska. During W.W.II the Navy had a leading role in the Aleutian campaign. The Navy continues to provide security in the waters adjacent to Alaska and contribute to the economic and scientific development of the state.

Alaska Veteran's Memorial - Mat-Su Region

"We dedicate this quiet place to the remembrance of the veterans of Alaska who have served their country at home and throughout the world. We honor their heroism and dedication." The memorial consists of five 20-foot tall concrete panels, one each to represent the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines and Coast Guard, arranged in a semi-circle. A statue of two Alaska Territorial Guards, carved by Canadian sculptor George Pratt, greet you at the entrance. On each panel is a short history of that branch's contribution to Alaska. The Alaska Veteran's Memorial is located within Denali State Park at mile 147.1 between Anchorage and Fairbanks.The United States Air Force was established in Alaska immediately prior to the United States entry into W.W.II. During the war, the Air Force participated in the Aleutian Campaign. Following the war, the development of an extensive air defense system to protect the northern continent earned the Air Force the motto "Top Cover for America". The Air Force continues support to military forces and to provide humanitarian services to Alaskans.

Alaska Veteran's Memorial - Mat-Su Region

"We dedicate this quiet place to the remembrance of the veterans of Alaska who have served their country at home and throughout the world. We honor their heroism and dedication." The memorial consists of five 20-foot tall concrete panels, one each to represent the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines and Coast Guard, arranged in a semi-circle. A statue of two Alaska Territorial Guards, carved by Canadian sculptor George Pratt, greet you at the entrance. On each panel is a short history of that branch's contribution to Alaska. The Alaska Veteran's Memorial is located within Denali State Park at mile 147.1 between Anchorage and Fairbanks.Coast Guard service began when the cutter Shubrick led a 6 vessel expedition coastwise to Bering Straits in 1865. A permanent presence was founded upon arrival of the first U.S. official, a Coast Guardsmen in Sitka on Aug. 12, 1867, 2 months before the U.S. accepted ownership. The duties and services of the Coast Guard include the Search & Rescue - aids to navigation - law enforcement - marine safety. The Coast Guard will continue to serve Alaskans in times of peace, war, and natural disasters.

Alaska Veteran's Memorial - Mat-Su Region

"We dedicate this quiet place to the remembrance of the veterans of Alaska who have served their country at home and throughout the world. We honor their heroism and dedication."

Alaska Veteran's Memorial - Mat-Su Region

"We dedicate this quiet place to the remembrance of the veterans of Alaska who have served their country at home and throughout the world. We honor their heroism and dedication." This statue is of an Alaskan Territorial Guard carved by Canadian sculptor George Pratt. It stands at the entrance to the memorial. Although Denali (Mount McKinley) is often shrouded in clouds, the binoculars of one of the ATG members is trained on the 20,237-foot mountain, which is only 35 miles away at that point.

USS S-26

Dedicated to the S-26, her gallant officers and Men "Still On Patrol." May they sail in peace on eternal patrol. She was the 3rd submarine lost in WWII. Forty-six men are listed by name and rank.Commissioned - October 15, 1923Lost - January 24, 1942Location - Gulf of Panama

Alaska Veteran's Memorial - Mat-Su Region

"We dedicate this quiet place to the remembrance of the veterans of Alaska who have served their country at home and throughout the world. We honor their heroism and dedication." This statue is of an Alaskan Territorial Guard carved by Canadian sculptor George Pratt. It stands at the entrance to the memorial. Although Denali (Mount McKinley) is often shrouded in clouds, the binoculars of one of the ATG members is trained on the 20,237-foot mountain, which is only 35 miles away at that point.

Alaska Veteran's Memorial - Mat-Su Region

"We dedicate this quiet place to the remembrance of the veterans of Alaska who have served their country at home and throughout the world. We honor their heroism and dedication."Drew Dix earned his medal in Vietnam and moved to Alaska after retiring from the Army. He is currently the only living recipient in Alaska and as of 2002, is the state's Homeland Security Director. Joseph P. Martinez is the only recipient to earn a medal for actions on Alaska soil. He perished during his heroic mission on the Island of Attu in the WWII Aleutian campaign. Archie Van Winkle was born and raised in Juneau, the only Alaskan born recipient. A World War II veteran, he earned his medal in Korea.

Alaska Veteran's Memorial - Mat-Su Region

"We dedicate this quiet place to the remembrance of the veterans of Alaska who have served their country at home and throughout the world. We honor their heroism and dedication."James L. Bondsteel earned his medal in Vietnam. While living in Alaska after leaving the Army, he was killed in a motor vehicle accident on the Knik River bridge on the Glenn Highway. The bridge was named the Bondsteel Bridge of Honor in 2002. He is buried in the Ft. Richardson National Cemetery in Anchorage. Camp Bondsteel in Kosovo is named in his honor. The Military Operations in Urban Terrain site and live-fire range area at Ft. Greely, Alaska is also named for Sgt. Bondsteel.

Alaska Veteran's Memorial - Mat-Su Region

This is in honor of the crew members of a TB-29 Superfortress that crashed on November 15, 1957, killing 6 of the 10 crew members. The aircraft, a trainer conversion of a B-29 four-engine bomber, and its crew were with the 5040th Radar Evaluation Squadron based at Elmendorf Air Force Base at Anchorage. On this day, they were on a routine radar-calibration training mission that was to last about 10 hours. Flying south down the Susitna Valley in bad weather, however, they strayed 27 miles off course into the Talkeetna Mountains, and at 6:22 p.m., crashed into an unnamed glacier at 5,600 feet elevation about 39 miles southeast of Talkeetna, just northeast of Hatcher Pass. In spite of this own injuries, Staff Sergeant Campbell sought out his fellow crewmen and carried those who could be moved to shelter. He wrapped the men in parachutes and sleeping bags to protect them from the storm until rescuers arrived. As a result of his actions, Staff Sergeant Campbell received the Soldiers Medal, the highest possible award for valor in a non-combat situation.

Alaska Veteran's Memorial - Mat-Su Region

"We dedicate this quiet place to the remembrance of the veterans of Alaska who have served their country at home and throughout the world. We honor their heroism and dedication."This memorial is in honor of the 1954 rescue of the survivors of a plane crash by Alaskan bush pilot Cliff Hudson. The C-47 broke up in mid-air enroute from Fairbanks to Anchorage, falling on Kesugi Ridge about 14 miles from the memorial. Ten crew members and passengers were killed, while six others survived. Those still living in 1998, and families of the victims, climbed the ridge and located the site of the wreckage, which had not been disturbed since the rescue. The family members paid for a monument honoring the victims and survivors, and established a fund for the perpetual maintenance of it. The monument was dedicated in July 1998.

Alaska Veteran's Memorial - Mat-Su Region

"We dedicate this quiet place to the remembrance of the veterans of Alaska who have served their country at home and throughout the world. We honor their heroism and dedication." [B]

At the Visitors' Center at the Alaskan Veteran's Memorial

At the Visitors' Center at the Alaskan Veteran's Memorial

[B]

At the Visitors' Center at the Alaskan Veteran's Memorial

[B]

At the Visitors' Center at the Alaskan Veteran's Memorial

[B]

Black Bear

As we were heading down the highway, all of a sudden, a mother bear and her three cubs were crossing. Our bus driver came to a stop. The three cubs scurried across the road and went over the guard rail. The mother bear didn't seem to quite know where they went. As you will see in the next photos, she seems to be looking for them. Black bears (Ursus americanus) are the most abundant and widely distributed of the three species of North American bears. An estimated 100,000 black bears inhabit Alaska. The black bear is the smallest of the North American bears. Adults stand about 29 inches at the shoulders and are about 60 inches from nose to tail. Males are larger than females, and weigh about 180-200 pounds in the spring. They are considerably lighter when they emerge from winter hibernation and may be about 20 percent heavier in the fall when they’re fat.Black bears often have brown muzzles and some also have a patch of white hair on their chest. They are most easily distinguished from brown bears by their straight facial profile and their claws, which rarely grow more than 1 ½ inches in length. Black bears have adequate sense of sight and hearing, but have an outstanding sense of smell.

Black Bear

As we were heading down the highway, all of a sudden, a mother bear and her three cubs were crossing. Our bus driver came to a stop. The three cubs scurried across the road and went over the guard rail. The mother bear didn't seem to quite know where they went. Here, she is clearly looking over the guard rail trying to see them. Black bears (Ursus americanus) are the most abundant and widely distributed of the three species of North American bears. An estimated 100,000 black bears inhabit Alaska. The black bear is the smallest of the North American bears. Adults stand about 29 inches at the shoulders and are about 60 inches from nose to tail. Males are larger than females, and weigh about 180-200 pounds in the spring. They are considerably lighter when they emerge from winter hibernation and may be about 20 percent heavier in the fall when they’re fat.Black bears often have brown muzzles and some also have a patch of white hair on their chest. They are most easily distinguished from brown bears by their straight facial profile and their claws, which rarely grow more than 1 ½ inches in length. Black bears have adequate sense of sight and hearing, but have an outstanding sense of smell.

Black Bear

As we were heading down the highway, all of a sudden, a mother bear and her three cubs were crossing. Our bus driver came to a stop. The three cubs scurried across the road and went over the guard rail. The mother bear didn't seem to quite know where they went. Here, it looks like she wants to make sure she didn't leave them on the other side of the highway. Black bears (Ursus americanus) are the most abundant and widely distributed of the three species of North American bears. An estimated 100,000 black bears inhabit Alaska. The black bear is the smallest of the North American bears. Adults stand about 29 inches at the shoulders and are about 60 inches from nose to tail. Males are larger than females, and weigh about 180-200 pounds in the spring. They are considerably lighter when they emerge from winter hibernation and may be about 20 percent heavier in the fall when they’re fat.Black bears often have brown muzzles and some also have a patch of white hair on their chest. They are most easily distinguished from brown bears by their straight facial profile and their claws, which rarely grow more than 1 ½ inches in length. Black bears have adequate sense of sight and hearing, but have an outstanding sense of smell.

Black Bear

As we were heading down the highway, all of a sudden, a mother bear and her three cubs were crossing. Our bus driver came to a stop. The three cubs scurried across the road and went over the guard rail. The mother bear didn't seem to quite know where they went. She started to head back to the other side of the highway but didn't go all the way back.Black bears (Ursus americanus) are the most abundant and widely distributed of the three species of North American bears. An estimated 100,000 black bears inhabit Alaska. The black bear is the smallest of the North American bears. Adults stand about 29 inches at the shoulders and are about 60 inches from nose to tail. Males are larger than females, and weigh about 180-200 pounds in the spring. They are considerably lighter when they emerge from winter hibernation and may be about 20 percent heavier in the fall when they’re fat.Black bears often have brown muzzles and some also have a patch of white hair on their chest. They are most easily distinguished from brown bears by their straight facial profile and their claws, which rarely grow more than 1 ½ inches in length. Black bears have adequate sense of sight and hearing, but have an outstanding sense of smell.

Black Bear

As we were heading down the highway, all of a sudden, a mother bear and her three cubs were crossing. Our bus driver came to a stop. The three cubs scurried across the road and went over the guard rail. The mother bear didn't seem to quite know where they went. She's back where her little cubs climbed over the guard rail. Black bears (Ursus americanus) are the most abundant and widely distributed of the three species of North American bears. An estimated 100,000 black bears inhabit Alaska. The black bear is the smallest of the North American bears. Adults stand about 29 inches at the shoulders and are about 60 inches from nose to tail. Males are larger than females, and weigh about 180-200 pounds in the spring. They are considerably lighter when they emerge from winter hibernation and may be about 20 percent heavier in the fall when they’re fat.Black bears often have brown muzzles and some also have a patch of white hair on their chest. They are most easily distinguished from brown bears by their straight facial profile and their claws, which rarely grow more than 1 ½ inches in length. Black bears have adequate sense of sight and hearing, but have an outstanding sense of smell.

Black Bear

As we were heading down the highway, all of a sudden, a mother bear and her three cubs were crossing. Our bus driver came to a stop. The three cubs scurried across the road and went over the guard rail. The mother bear didn't seem to quite know where they went. Hopefully, she sees them and that's why she headed over the guard rail. As we started to leave, I looked down and could see movement in the bushes so I'm hoping the little ones were scurrying away and mother bear was following after them.Black bears (Ursus americanus) are the most abundant and widely distributed of the three species of North American bears. An estimated 100,000 black bears inhabit Alaska. The black bear is the smallest of the North American bears. Adults stand about 29 inches at the shoulders and are about 60 inches from nose to tail. Males are larger than females, and weigh about 180-200 pounds in the spring. They are considerably lighter when they emerge from winter hibernation and may be about 20 percent heavier in the fall when they’re fat.Black bears often have brown muzzles and some also have a patch of white hair on their chest. They are most easily distinguished from brown bears by their straight facial profile and their claws, which rarely grow more than 1 ½ inches in length. Black bears have adequate sense of sight and hearing, but have an outstanding sense of smell.

Tundra Wilderness Tour

Drive-by shot from inside the bus

Igloo Lodge - Cantwell, Alaska

In 1972, Leon Smith's dream was to build a giant igloo in Alaska and open it as a motel. He intended to be in business in July 1973. The building was to have 58 wedge-shaped rooms opening on a three-story atrium. The fourth floor was to be the private penthouse of Leon and his wife Lucille. Leon called the building "Igloo Lodge." It was 80 feet high and 105 feet wide. Leon finished the exterior -- plywood covered with snow-colored urethane insulation -- and then he stopped. No one really knows why. He held on to the empty igloo for decades. Then, in 1996, he sold it, cheap. Three years later, Leon died. Six years later, the next owner put the Igloo on the market, where it's been ever since. After 40+ years of Alaska weather, it's still standing, and still empty.

Tundra Wilderness Tour

Drive-by shot from inside the bus

Tundra Wilderness Tour

Drive-by shot from inside the bus

Tundra Wilderness Tour

Drive-by shot from inside the bus

Tundra Wilderness Tour

Drive-by shot from inside the bus

Tundra Wilderness Tour

Drive-by shot from inside the bus

Tundra Wilderness Tour

Drive-by shot from inside the bus

Tundra Wilderness Tour

Drive-by shot from inside the bus

Tundra Wilderness Tour

Drive-by shot from inside the bus

Tundra Wilderness Tour

Drive-by shot from inside the bus

Tundra Wilderness Tour

Drive-by shot from inside the bus

Tundra Wilderness Tour

Drive-by shot from inside the bus

Tundra Wilderness Tour

Drive-by shot from inside the bus

Tundra Wilderness Tour

Drive-by shot from inside the bus

Tundra Wilderness Tour

Drive-by shot from inside the bus

Tundra Wilderness Tour

Drive-by shot from inside the bus

Tundra Wilderness Tour

Drive-by shot from inside the bus