Denali's sled dogs wait for winter. We visited the kennels, each had it's own log doghouse.
If lucky, they get harnessed up to an historic dogsled (with wheels) to give a demonstration for tourists. Before the run, they all were very excited and aching to run.
Next to the kennels were the park headquarters-offices, nothing for visitors except to see buildings that are on the National Historic Register.
As we headed north from Denali, the landscape opened up into wider valley, rolling hills. And it rained today, off and on. No sun to brighten up the colors.
At the confluence of two rivers stands the town of Nenana. Historically it was a center for commerce, using the rivers for travel. Today it still serves the same function, but the rivers are so wide and shallow in spots that the boats move up river only 5 miles per hour. They service the native villages without roads.
For years now, the town runs a contest to guess that day that breakup will occur in spring and the ice begin moving down stream. The log tripod is placed on the iced over river, a rope attached to the shed on shore. When the tripod tips over and moves downstream, the rope somehow trips the time on the clock in the house. Last year the winner won over $300,000. Every person who enters must pay an entry fee, which produces the prize money. Names and times for past years are listed in books in the railroad museum. The books are getting thicker-2003 was three inches thick.
The town's visitor center is very picturesque.
Along one of the streets we saw these arctic cats.
And we should have eaten here, but already had had lunch.
Helen
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