Sunday and Monday, May 24 and 25

We got back from our Denali naturalist tour in time to grab some lunch, then get back on the train to go south again, to McKinley Lodge (another Princess Cruise-owned property). The lodge has a wonderful view of Denali, and provides the usual comfortable accomodations and assorted extra activities for people to partcipate in. We reached the lodge on Sunday in time for dinner, then relaxed and got a good night's sleep.

On Monday morning, some members of our group went to visit with sled dogs and hear about the Iditarad, and three of us went horseback riding. The scenery on the trail ride was, as you can guess, beautiful, and the trail guides and horses were wonderful. It was a great way to wrap up our vacation! All that remained afterward was a Monday afternoon bus ride to Anchorage, a pleasant stay overnight there in a good hotel, and an uneventful flight home to Minnesota on Tuesday. And thus ended our Alaska adventure!

Train arriving at the Denali station	Princess Cruise's own train cars	There were other sections of the train for non-cruise passengers
Crossing a bridge	Our shadow on the river FAR below	Distant Denali, draped in clouds
Monday morning, Denali from McKinley Lodge deck	Astounding that we were able to see the mountain three days running!	The lodge; they "use antlers in all of their decorating..."
Mike riding Cloud, led by guide Chrissy	Mike and Marj	Me (riding Red) and Mike, with Denali behind us; distant peaks emerging above the clouds