Day 9 - July 19

 We got up early and actually got eight hours of sleep. Sadly, our colds are in full force. I’m not as symptomatic as Matt but I don’t feel great. Today is our Tundra Tour going as far as possible into the Park. Matt is feeling like he shouldn’t be around anyone but both of us don’t want to skip the tour. 

I had masks so we stuck the in our pockets and boarded the bus, trying to be as discreet as possible without coughing and sneezing. I’m feeling pretty low today. Just trying to maintain equilibrium. 

It is an incredibly beautiful day, not a cloud in the sky. The park is so beautiful. Our guide is sharing history and telling stories as we drive. Mt. Denali is out! We get to see this incredible mountain in all its glory. Mt. Denali rivals Everest in the challenges it poses to aspiring mountaineers. Even in summer, the temps are 20 below zero and the winds howl, up to 100 mph. It is awe inspiring to look at it.

We are fortunate today. We are able to see mountain sheep, bears, caribou, ptarmigan, rabbits and a moose. The bus is equipped with a feature where we can view the wildlife on a monitor at our seats through a camera the tour guide has. It allows the animals to be seen close up, even when we can’t actually spot them. Matt of course can spot everything but it is hard for me. I did see the bears with my own eyes which was exciting.

We stopped several times along the tour and enjoyed the views. The tour took about six hours. We got off at the Visitor Center and watched the videos available there. Decided to try and hike the Overlook to Mt Healy later. Went back to Denali Center and had some lunch. We are still feeling sickly but back we went to the Visitor Center where the trailhead for this strenuous hike starts.

We had about three hours before the last shuttle so we started a healthy pace. After about a mile, the trailhead got very steep. The last mile went up 1000 feet. But we got to the top in less than 90 minutes which is what we allowed ourselves. We aren’t sure whether this hike will seal our doom or help us feel better but we are committed to the journey.

The views were beautiful. We enjoyed a brief moment and headed back. We boarded the shuttle at 6:50, 30 minutes before the last one, so we were in good shape. 

Decided there is no way we needed dinner but we went into Karsten’s and has a salad and shared the famous Banana Pudding. Sat and listened to some live music for a bit and then headed back to our room. Got into bed at an early hour again. Hoping to feel better tomorrow.