 Several older planes, like the Piper Super Cub, are on display at the trading post. These airplanes are workhorses, getting people to and from the remote regions of the Alaskan wilderness. Many are floatplane versions, more common than cars in some places! The wheeled versions can take off and land in very short distances... |
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 Beautiful weather on arrival at our 2nd Princess lodge, very near the entrance to Denali National Park... |
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 This lodge overlooks the Nenana River. |
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 As we entered Denali Nation Park on tour with our guide, a Moose was kind enough to check us out! |
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 Originally constructed by the Alaska Road Commission in 1924-1925, the Savage cabin and interpretive trails are now used as part of living history presentations in the summer months. During the winter the cabin becomes strictly utilitarian by providing shelter for patrols. |
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 We met a park ranger who introduced us to two young native girls, who explained their culture and heritage - on a windy but lovely day in the park, at Primrose Ridge milepost 17... |
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 Special "school" tour buses, with very comfortable seats, take visitors as as far as Primrose Ridge, about 17 miles into the park and about 1500 feet above the park road. |
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 The Alaska Railroad pulls both Princess and other observation cars along the rails, toward the Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge, which sits along Parks Highway in Trapper Creek...Talk about gorgeous views! |
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 Our first glimpse, albeit not a complete glance, of Denali! On average, the mountain is totally visible only about 30% of the time. If you see it completely, you are a member of the 30% club!!! |
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 Above and next four below: Beautiful paintings adorn the wall of our 3rd lodge! |
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 A wood fire is kept burning in the lobby... |
 ...and with the peak of Denail pretty much visible this morning, our group now belongs to the 30% club. Magnificent! |
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 Our last night prior to the southbound cruise aboard the Sapphire Princess was at the lovely Captain Cook Hotel in downtown Anchorage. Not the greatest weather, but still walking distance to many area attractions! |
 Prior to passing through the tunnel at the entrance to the port of Whittier, a stop was made to visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center in Girdwood... |
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 Portage Lake, along Portage Glacier Road, just before the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, leading to the port of Whittier... |
 Aboard ship, prior to our evening departure south toward Hubbard Glacier and Glacier Bay... |
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 There is an indoor, covered pool and several hot tubs on board as well as outdoor pools and whirlpools. |
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 Chunks of ice float silently by, seen from our balconies... |
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