Has anyone else noticed how late the road opening is this year? In years past we've been snowed out on earlier openings, so I gotta wonder about doing it a week later this year.
Any bets on road closure before the opening this year?
We had such a fun, productive trip last year that we were going to definitely put for this year's lottery - that is until I saw the dates. Even when it is the weekend earlier, it often gets snowed out, this year I think the chances are very high.
In the early years of the drive in, they weren't so quick to close the road, and it was pretty neat being in there with snow on the ground. But I remember driving over Polychrome and being thankful I had 4 wheel drive - that road is a bit scary without 3 inches of snow on the ground! After that year I think that is the year the Park Service decided they better close the road if there is any threat of snow - can't blame them!
We passed on the opportunity to go last year due to conflicts, and from the account of friends it was a good thing. Several years ago we hit it just right. I have set aside the time again this year if we're successful in the draw, but I'm not holding my breath that the road will even be open by then.
Unfortunately you missed a good one last year Hank - the mountain was out, some very colorful patches of fall color still remained, good bear activity, but the highlight was the lynx activity! It would have been fun to have run into you there.
I would be up for a get-together this, but I'm scheduled to head South by then so I'm going to miss out.
Posted by David Taylor on July 16, 2009 at 12:56 AM
I hope to be in the park in early September, as well as along the Denali Highway. If anyone else is up there around this time of year, it'd be great to have a meet up.
In years past we have carpooled with friends, between us assembling enough passes for the whole 4 days. Not a lot of seats in any vehicle, but it sure works for coverage, as well as great company. I'll post our results and seats available after the draw.
Posted by David Taylor on July 16, 2009 at 11:43 PM
Sounds great Hank, hope to see you and some others there. If you have any room, I'd be happy to chip in
While sitting and waiting for the fog to lift (no we didn't get out for our bear shoot), I talked it over with our traveling companion. Between us we were drawn for 3 of the 4 days, but a complication has emerged. His son and daughter-in-law want to come too, along with her mother. And another daughter-in-law wants to come, probably with her toddler.. It's sounding more like a much needed family gathering for them, even as the photography gets a lot more complicated. Odds are growing that my wife and I will give it a pass entirely this year, especially considering the late date of the road opening. None of the extra folks have bought plane tickets yet, so that could change in the next month.
Discussion
11 repliesAny bets on road closure before the opening this year?
In the early years of the drive in, they weren't so quick to close the road, and it was pretty neat being in there with snow on the ground. But I remember driving over Polychrome and being thankful I had 4 wheel drive - that road is a bit scary without 3 inches of snow on the ground! After that year I think that is the year the Park Service decided they better close the road if there is any threat of snow - can't blame them!
Are you going Hank?.
I would be up for a get-together this, but I'm scheduled to head South by then so I'm going to miss out.
In years past we have carpooled with friends, between us assembling enough passes for the whole 4 days. Not a lot of seats in any vehicle, but it sure works for coverage, as well as great company. I'll post our results and seats available after the draw.
We had to bow out of the trip with friends due to schedule conflicts, but will be thinking of you lucky dogs!
Send pictures!!!!