Description: Having had poor weather keep me from this experience in March 2010, I was very excited that Jane was interested in making this tour part of our whirlwind Iditarod weekend in Anchorage. We scheduled the three hour "Discover McKinley & Denali National Park" tour back in October, understanding that there is always a chance weather will again play spoiler in our plans. We were not disappointed, however, as the weather throughout our five days in Alaska was crystal clear and beautiful with full sun every day!
We arrived at their lakeside offices at the Ted Stevens International Airport a little before our 10:00am scheduled time for departure. That allowed us time to take some photos around the area as well as one final visit to the bathroom. We were greeted by Willis, who was organizing things in the office and who had been so very helpful to me in scheduling. We were also introduced to our pilot and guide, whose name now escapes me. (Shame on me for not making notes and waiting more than a week to write this review!) I think it was Darren but I cannot be 100% certain.
Our group for the morning tour would be a full capacity of nine, comprised of folks from all over the United States in town for the Iditarod sled dog race. Once loaded and belted in, we were encouraged to put on our headsets that would allow us to hear the pilot narrate our tour and to communicated back to him and others in the plane.
I am still in disbelief regarding how clear and beautiful the skies were during our visit, and especially for this flightseeing trip up to Denali National Park. While they were clear, they were not without some minor turbulence. I suppose "minor" is a matter of opinion as there were a couple of folks who felt the effects with nausea and one who barfed. Even with that experience, they both said they had a great time and would not let that deter them from a future small plane touring experience.
As we left the frozen lake runway of Lake Hood, we passed to the left (west?) of the City of Anchorage and then out towards the farming areas of the MatSu Valley. We could already see Mt. McKinley out on the Alaskan Range. It was spectacular!
Once above Denali National Park, we were provided an overview of the three larger peaks of the range . . . Foraker, Hunter and of course Denali (aka McKinley) . . . as well as the vast Ruth Glacier (a 40 mile glacier that flows through a deep granite gorge) . . . and a very up close and personal view of where climbers start at the base camp to take on Mt. McKinley during the summer months.
Everything looked so picture perfect due to the sunny, clear day. I was in awe throughout the trip as just how beautiful it was. After about an hour of circling the area, we headed over to their partner company's base - the K2 offices at the Talkeetna Airport. This was perfect timing as a bathroom break was necessary for many, and ginger ale to settle tummies good for those with some motion sickness.
I remembered the flightseeing tour David and I did last September with K2 and how the land looked on that trip. To see all of the frozen lakes and rivers gave an entirely different perspective to the land. Personally, I would suggest making this trip with Rust's just to provide this contrast of winter to summer.
The tour cost $375 per person and is the most extensive and expensive regular tour their offer. They do provide shorter and less expensive trips out including those that cover the Prince William Sound, Chugach Mountains and/or Knik Glacier. I'm told that these trips are even more spectacular than the Denali National Park tour, but everyone knows about and wants to see McKinley. I guess that leaves more to see on my next Alaskan adventure.
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