Fall 2013... a couple of adventures

Homer & Anchor Point Adventure

The first weekend in September, Alex convinced a group of us to head to the beach for a night to camp.   I had not been to Homer, yet, and was eager to go, so why not? Camping is one of my favorite things to do for so many reasons. One being that it is just great to get away and be with people outside, without all the busyness of technology! The beach is another favorite of mine, and seeing as how we'd be camping on the beach... I packed my bag. We left pretty late on a Friday afternoon and got to our beach around 11.  Tyler, Alex, and Christian set up camp in the rain, while Em and I waited in the car listening to some music and chatting (and staying dry!). Around the time they finished setting camp up, the rain quit, so Em and I went for a walk on the beach with Dozer. There is something so magical about listening to the ocean waves hitting the beach! When we got back to our campsite, the guys had a fire going and we all hung out for a few hours. I think we all hit the sack around 3 or so... The next day we explored Homer and some places along the way- an amazing art gallery by Norman Lowell and a random coffee shack that had really good blueberry milkshakes. 

Tyler, Alex, me, Em, and Christian

Me and Tyler

Em and me

Denali National Park Adventure

Each September the park hosts a four-day event called "Road Lottery." During these four days, winners of a lottery drawing are given a chance to purchase a single, day-long permit, allowing them to drive as much of the Denali Park Road as weather allows. In years with early snow, the Park Road might open no farther than Savage River (mile 15); in milder years, lottery winners are able to enjoy a trip out to Wonder Lake (mile 85). My friend Ingrid won the lottery, and invited us to go along! As it is (apparently) a milder year, we made it out to Wonder Lake!! 

Ingrid, me, and Megan

Meg and me

Denali in the fall!

It is amazing how quickly weather moves in!! 

I had been inside Denali National Park 3 amazing times before, yet NEVER seen the mountain (top to bottom) before this (4th) trip. It is truly remarkable how the weather systems work around Mt. McKinley. Meg and I were both feeling like we hit the jackpot with the clear view of the mountain when we drove in. It was such fun seeing the park this way, too. A new experience!