We knew Monday would be a loooong day of travel by motor coach. We enjoyed an early buffet breakfast at the Copper River Princess Wilderness Lodge, where we learned that our server's interesting accent was Bulgarian (I had thought French Canadian), and then boarded the bus. Today's journey would take us on an approximately 10-hour trek northwest to Fairbanks and then back south to Denali National Park. Fortunately, our tour guide/driver Wendy knew some good stops along the way to break up the trip.
Jon and Debbie at the base of the Painted Mountains.
We enjoyed lunch outdoors at the Big Delta Brewing Co. near Delta Junction, AK.
Delta Junction is at the westernmost end of the Alaska-Canadian Highway.
Further north, we actually stopped at the North Pole!
The theme of the town is red-and-white stripes, even on their lamp posts and McDonald's signs.
And what would a visit to the North Pole be without a stop at Santa Claus House?
Debbie enjoyed the fun of a visit to Santa's House.
O Christmas Tree!
A very big Santa Claus statue (We heard it used to be Paul Bunyan and was imported by truck from Wisconsin.)
It seemed only appropriate for Jon to take the occasion of a visit to the North Pole to get some Moose Tracks Ice Cream.
Our souvenir Christmas ornament will help us always remember our visit to the North Pole!
This pin represents the farthest north we have ever been in our lives at Fairbanks, Alaska.
We saw our first moose of the trip near the end of today's long journey!
As we arrived at our destination at the Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge, we were finally facing the moment of truth - Would there be anything for us to do with the National Park still closed? How near could we get? What would the next 36 hours looks like?
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