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Day 1
Day 1
We left Fairbanks early in the morning to drive to Denali National Park. Along the way we stopped to cut sticks for 'smores (since we knew we couldn't cut branches in the Park).
When we got there we were introduced to our Denali instructors, Ranger Filardi and Morgan and got to know them a bit. We set up our campsite at beautiful Riley Creek Campground.
Then we went for a hike. Even though it was raining, we had a wonderful time botanizing and birding.
We had dinner, and headed back to camp, where we ate lots and lots of 'smores.... those sticks we cut came in handy!
Cutting 'smores sticks
Riley Creek (the view from our campsite)
Botanizing on our hike
Day 2
Day 2
On our second day we headed into the park in a luxury van with large windows. First we headed to the "poop plots" where biologist Kaija was estimating the number of hares by counting poops in fixed areas. She taught us how to do this and we helped her for a few hours. Over lunch we "hotseated" her, asking her lots of questions. She did a great job answering them. The sun came out so we could dry our gear.
Then we headed further into the park, stopping whenever we saw something interesting. We saw dall sheep, a bear, caribou, and lots of birds.
After a long day outside we were excited to get back When we got back to camp there was a surprise waiting for us: a mama moose and her very young calf were plopped down in the middle of our camp! We could see the mama licking the baby. We waited patiently until they decided to leave.
Mama and a very young baby!
Poop plots with Kaija
A snowshoe hare
Arctic plants, well protected with lots of fuzz
Hotseating Kaija
This bear was right in front of our van!
Our tents
Day 3
Day 3
We started our day by packing up our gear and setting our tents to dry. Then we went on a hike up Mount Healy. We played games all the way up, and stopped several times to take in the gorgeous views.
When we got near the top we had lunch, and a smaller group ran all the way to the very top.
When we got back, Ranger Filardi swore in three kids as "Junior Rangers".
Then we said our goodbyes and headed back to Fairbanks.
Junior rangers being sworn in
Snack break!
Almost there!
We had a wonderful time! Many thanks to the wonderful Denali NPP instructors, and for the four Fairbanks- based instructors, and to scientist Kaija. We are grateful for the support of Alaska Geographic (who covered our costs in Denali) and to the US Forest Service, whose "Every Kid In A Park" program allowed us to kit out the kids in appropriate gear. We can't wait until next year!
Filardi and Kyle Campbell
Jamie Hollingsworth
Morgan Lawrence
Program directors Christa and Katie
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