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Last night we went to bed just before 11pm and all I can say is when the sun is out, it makes it really bright outside at that time still. Up till now it has usually been quite cloudy at this time and although light not that bright. Good for drying the hand washing we did and I was so tired, actually had a really good sleep.
This morning, after checking out we walked down to the train station for our trip to Talkeetna. Not too far away from the hotel so that was nice and easy. Checked in and just before boarding, had a tap on the shoulder and it was a family from the cruise. Small world. Had even been allocated seats just in front of them. 3hr train trip aboard the Denali Star in gold class which meant we had a glass dome ceiling and an outside platform to enjoy the view. Just after boarding and leaving, breakfast was served in the dining room downstairs.
Nice trip, able to get our first glimpse of Mt Denali (previously known as Mt McKinley) which is usually covered in clouds. Made us hopeful for our flight this afternoon. After arriving at Talkeetna, we boarded the shuttle to the hotel which has an amazing view of the mountain range. Unfortunately our room wasn't ready so we headed back into town thinking 45mins would be enough to look around. Surprisingly, it was a rather cute town but mainly full of gift shops but all in log cabins with beautiful fresh summer flowers everywhere and moose (but only painted wooden ones unfortunately).
Shuttle back, room still wasn't ready so sat outside on the viewing deck and enjoyed the sunshine and the view until finally able to get into our room. Quick change and then back into town for our flight. All good news, glacier landings were happening and some good views up there. We had to put some shoe covers on before boarding the 10 seater plane which had skis to land on the glacier.
Lovely smooth plane ride with amazing views and boy, did Mt Denali show off today for us. Some beautiful views of it and the rest of the mountain range, the glaciers and the surrounding areas. They only land on glaciers which has a topping of snow. We landed on Pika Glacier which apparently had 5ft of snow on top of it. Sunshine made it nice and glary, sunglasses a definite requirement. Bit chilly on the glacier but not freezing. Spent about 20mins enjoying the view before time to board and return. Glad we did it.
Wandered around some other shops in town and even decided on an ice cream since it was so warm before getting the shuttle back to the hotel and getting ready for dinner. Decided to have a nice dinner tonight as we haven't had one in a while. Entrees were lovely and my main was nice but mum ordered a pork chop and although it looked lovely when it came out (it was ridiculously large) it wasn't cooked properly and still pink / red inside. Mum just enjoyed the mashed potato and snow peas instead (2 vegetables that she eats).
10.30pm outside and the sun is still shining through the window. Would love to be able to get up for sunrise but it is too early and unfortunately from our window you can't see the view so maybe in Denali NP which is where we are headed tomorrow.
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