Traveling to Denali May 31, 2011

After sleeping in the Anchorage airport last night and early this morning I was ready to get on my way. Our shuttle van arrived at 7:35, we loaded up, and talked about where we were going. Most everyone traveling was going to the same resort site. Most are either in college or have recently finished their degrees. These guys want to see the world before settling down to long term jobs. People have come from Tennessee, Arizona, Louisiana, and I'm not sure where else.

We had to stop in many places because the road from Anchorage to Fairbanks is being repaved, probably widened somewhat also. The speed limit was 45 so it is easy to see why it takes almost 6 hours to get to Denali from Anchorage. The van was also pulling a wheeled luggage carrier so it could not go as fast as the driver otherwise might have been able to.

I had to smile when we passed the entrance to Vern Halter's "Dream a Dream Dog Farm", as I spent four wonderful days there last summer. The muddy training run which goes parallel to the highway was in fine form, ready for dogs to run through it. Last summer we were in an ATV being pulled by 16 dogs and the rope holding us all together broke as we came out of the mud. That sight will never leave my mind. I didn't get to see them because it was after nine so he had most likely already taken his daily run with the dogs. It's too hot even after eight or so for the dogs so they take very early runs.

Denali, or Mt. McKinley, was able to be seen very clearly. No smoke from fires or cloud cover hid the top from us. The driver pulled over so we could all get photos of its majesty. What a view on my first day in Alaska.

About two hours from our resort we stopped at a grocery store to buy things we couldn't carry on the plane. Laundry detergent was a big seller, as was chocolate. We will be making trips into Fairbanks every few weeks for resupplying our necessities and to get a day out for fun. We can also take the Alaska Railroad for a nicely reduced price.

Upon our arrival at the McKinley Village resort we got our room keys, unloaded the van, and were shown where we would be staying for the duration of our employment. We had a paperwork meeting at 3:00 PM (Tax documents, contract, basically signing our lives away type paperwork). Tomorrow we have a long orientation that will let us know everything we need to know to work here. It shouldn't be boring if today's meeting is an indication. Our director made sure we were entertained as we proceeded through the boring, yet necessary, paperwork.

Dinner is from 4:00-6:00 and breakfast starts at 5:00 AM since people have to be to work by 6:00 AM. It will indeed be interesting to see how many of those breakfasts I actually get up for. The taste will most likely dictate this.

It's quiet out, as there are very few guests at this point. Birds are singing, planes are flying overhead, the river is flowing by, and cars can be heard on the road. I am going to love this place.