Today was a day of wonder. We took an eleven-hour trip through Denali National Park and it was worth every minute. I had to keep reminding myself I was not watching the National Geographic channel. This was real!

Today’s show and tell … a picture is worth a thousand words.

Dall Sheep – Our Denali Park Greeters: It takes a Dall ram about eight years to grow the majestic, circular horns that are the trademark of this species. The Dall sheep we met seemed to have a lot of personality. I could swear at times they were almost smiling and posing for my camera.

Moose: I still can’t get enough of the Alaskan Moose. Even though they are considered ornery and enjoy charging tourists for sport, I like them. In fact, they remind me a little of Joe. Really.

Chipmunk: Before you leave the bus you are firmly admonished NOT to feed the chipmunks. This is a tough one. Firm, admonishing bus driver? Adorable chipmunk doing back flips for your attention and treats? You want me to tell you if I fed the Chipmunk? I firmly believe that when you feed a wild animal, the animal will ultimately lose. (Mom! No need to comment, here.)

Grizzly Bear:  We really wanted to see a bear. We were not disappointed. It’s just awesome to look at a bear lumbering through a river bed and know he is free and wild. He can live and do as bears do. I was so happy for him.

Trumpeter Swan:  This swan spread its wings the moment I pointed my camera. She felt pretty! Trumpeter swans are the largest swan in the world.

Wolf : Cole says the wolf was the best and I have to admit this one was magnificent.  Between 7,000 and 10,000 wolves inhabit Alaska, with approximately 100 of them within Denali National Park and Preserve. During pup-rearing, both male and female wolves produce the hormone prolactin, known as the “nurturing hormone.”

Caribou: When we asked my dad what his favorite animal of the day was, he said caribou. “Really?” Cole and I both wondered. Well, every animal needs a fan, and this caribou was a handsome devil!  Did you know, Caribou and reindeer are the same species?

At the end of our trip, a rainbow showed up to remind us not of luck to come, but of how lucky we already are!

I know you are going to think I am very Odd, but at the end of the day, we saw so many wonderful things, I could have sworn my own kid was growing horns. Now isn’t that just so silly?!

Glad you were in my Odd neighborhood. Feel free to drop by any time. Odd Loves Company and odd loves you and you and you!! I would love to hear from you in the comment section of this blog, or on Facebook or Twitter!

Katybeth

Alaska Adventure~Day 1

Alaska~Day 2

Alaska~Day 3: Glaciers & Wild Ice Cream Eating Meese

Alaska~Day 4: Puppies and More

Alaska~Day 5: Wild Alaskan Man

Alaska~Day 6:~ Moose, Caribou, Dall Sheep, Bear….Oh My!

Alaska Day 7~Alaska Day 7~700 Alaskan Miles!

Alaska Day Wrap-Up ~So you want to go to Alaska….?