Denali National Park Day 1 Rain

Early, and I mean early, in the morning, I woke to rain hitting the top of the fifth wheel.  It was a pleasant sound.  Comforting and soothing.  Because of the cloud cover, it was darker than it has been the past few weeks.  I went back to sleep easily. 

I got up to a cold day.  I did not run the heat during the night, so it was in the forties when I got up.  A hot cup of coffee helped start the day off.  Morning prayers and breakfast were next.  The rain was a steady rain and it was heavy at times.  I was disappointed that it was raining but figured that they could use the rain based on conversations with people over the past couple of weeks.  Some areas showed the fire danger as high the rivers were lower than normal.  I will be thankful for the rain that the earth needs. 

When I purchased the multi-trip bus pass, I had to schedule the first trip.  I selected the noon bus that would hit Teklanika just after one o’clock.  It was still raining so I dressed for the weather starting with hiking boots, several layers of clothing, a jacket and a waterproof rain jacket. 

The buses stop for wildlife along the way, to pick up passengers walking along the road and at trailheads, designated campsites and rest areas.  There were some caribou on a hill along the road so I was able to get pictures of them. 

You can get off the bus and take a later bus at any timie to continue your journey.  At the East Fork the rain let up a little, so I walked around to take pictures of the river and hills in the area. 

Talking with the bus driver I learned that this is the first rain here this year, so they really needed it.  On the way back, we saw Big Horn Sheep.  I was able to get pictures of them too. 

Dinner was pasta with red wine.  It started with a glass of wine for the chef while the water was boiling for the pasta.  After the pasta was done, the roasted garlic sauce was added to the pot and let it warm up the sauce.  Time to add grated cheese and enjoy.  A slice of sourdough bread added the finishing touch to the meal.  Evening prayers, a rosary and some time thanking God for all his blessings; yes even the rain, the animals, the mountains, and the quiet time away from all the busyness of living to spend time in contemplation without constant distractions.  It was a beautiful day. 

Later in the evening, it stopped raining.  People in the campground started walking around and enjoying the break from being cooped up all day.