In one of the greatest turnaround stories of the trip, our Mount Healy hike didn’t start off well. Linc and Baya specifically were all out of sorts- crying, complaining, and yelling in frustration about the hike, hurting legs, sore toes, and general disappointment with our planning abilities. They were miserable and gave it a 0 on an imaginary 5 star rating scale and putting it in last place among ALL trip activities.
We kept going. Oddly, as the terrain got harder, their mood improved- dramatically. Looking back down the mountain, they were impressed with themselves which gave them the motivation to keep going. They were overjoyed to make it to the top—2.7 miles with a 1700-foot elevation gain. We were overjoyed too. It was truly a spectacular view.
We ate peanut butter and jelly, chips, and their bribes (M&Ms, gummy bears, and Reese’s) while using the binoculars to spot our car down below.
Backing up for a sec, we stopped at the gas station before going into the park. I’d been spinning the night before- worrying about encountering a bear. So, we stopped for bear spray just for a little peace of mind. Talking to the grandmotherly clerk (who appeared to be about 103), she said, “Oh you won’t see any bears up there. Moose, yes. Remind the kids to run zig zag.” I found this tremendously reassuring. Anyway, we finished lunch and commenting on our awesome mountain climbing abilities and headed down.
Once at the bottom, we stopped at the visitor center with 2 goals: 1) get our annual pass through the Every Kid Outdoors program that grants year-long park access for 4th graders and 2) get the Denali Junior Ranger badge. Like Kenai Fjords, Denali has an awesome booklet and the kids were really into it. I love watching them take their oath- which interestingly- is different at each (all on the same theme of conservation, learning, and enjoying parks.)
Marin proudly showing her Every Kid Outdoors pass
We were bummed that the local brewery was closed. So, we headed back to the hotel for showers and dinner outside with more cartwheels and corn hole.
I haven’t yet mentioned the weather. It’s been absolutely perfect. Sunny in the 70s during the day with cooler evenings. This picture captures it: outside in jeans, flip flops, a fire and a drink.
Things I want to remember:
Hearing that the Mount Healy hike made it to the top of the “favorites” list (up there with sled dog puppies!)
Getting caught up on a little work and email with the Alaska range out the window
Buying a totally touristy t-shirt and hat (while the kids picked out MORE stuffies naming them Healy, Ranger, and Denali, respectively)