Epic Alaska Adventure - Spring 2024
| << Leg 13 - Valdez, AK to McCarthy, AK | Trip Home | Leg 15 - Talkeetna, AK to Tok Junction, AK >> |
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Leg Stats
- Time Enroute: 2.4 hrs
- Distance (direct): 211nm
- Distance (actual): 324nm
- Fuel Used: 22.3 gal
I had been monitoring the weather and determined that we should continue to have good weather to continue onwards to the Talkeetna area via Gulkana and Tahneta Pass.
I had found a nice tent camping site in Talkeetna that we would plan to use. In particular, I had high hopes for some clear views of Denali. Around 11am, the cabin staff helped us get our things back to the airstrip to get ready to depart, and I spotted another Mooney!
We loaded up and departed under clear skies. The takeoff, being my first on gravel, was a bit exciting since practicing soft field technique on pavement really doesn't simulate gravel well at all, as it turns out. We made a slow left turn over the glacier and headed towards the southwest.
The route to Talkeetna via Gulkana and Tahneta Pass is beautiful, with a few nice glaciers enroute.
As we approached Talkeetna, I was excited to see that the skies were still quite clear, and I was able to make a close approach to Denali.
The Ruth Glacier, leading towards the summit, is spectacular.
We made a few scenic loops and then headed over to Talkeetna, where we landed and taxied over to Sheldon Air Service. We were greeted warmly, and although transient parking was full, they helped me find a place to park by moving some things around, and offered to let us camp somewhere on their land if we couldn't find a space in town.
They helped us gather our things in one of their vans and dropped us off in Talkeetna to the city park by the river, where we set up camp.
We walked into the very busy town and got some lunch and did a little shopping.
The beautiful sunny skies and clear views of Denali continued throughout the day from the river, right by our campsite.
We did a lttle more exploring in the town, and checked out the general store.
In the evening, we settled back into our campsite and then joined our new tent neighbors for a campfire.
Finally, we enjoyed a 11:30pm sunset over Denali, which would be our last sunset in Alaska.
Leg Photos
Trip Leg Navigation
<< Leg 13 - Valdez, AK to McCarthy, AK
