12 February 2012 Denali

At the end of a week of more learning than I could have possibly anticipated, it was time to say goodbye to my new friends. I decided to drive south and spend a few days in Denali National Park. Denali is a beautiful place. While it is an extremely busy tourist area in the summer, visiting in February allowed us to see a different side of the park. We were able to snowshoe for three hours through some of the most delightful powder on a beautiful above-freezing day without seeing another person. Such solitude while exploring trails and ridge lines within this park is an experience that you can't experience in the summer.

After a fun day playing in the shadows of the Alaska Range, it was time to drive back to Fairbanks to catch the red-eye flight home. As I left Alaska, I was excited to know that while one incredible trip was ending, my journey was just beginning. I've always thought that a truly good trip changes you. I'm not sure how, but I'm certain this journey is about to change me in ways that I can't yet imagine.