Distance: 11.4 miles
Avg speed: 13.0 mph
Max speed: 29.1 mph
Ascent: 413 ft
Saddle time: 00:53

I awoke around 7AM to the sound of rain hitting the fly. It’s an all to familiar sound here at Denali. It should clear up as the sun rises and heats up the air. So, I went back asleep til around 8:30. While gloomy it sounded like the rain had stopped so I got dressed and broke down the internals of my little home. I then grabbed most everything including my bike and headed to the common area for shelter, breakfast and to pack my panniers. I’ll let the tent stay here and hopefully dry off before tearing that down.

The common area was packed with people and all of their belongings strewn on the tables. One couple removed their stuff from one of the two tables they were using so I had a place to sit. The girls from the night before asked if I was still going to sanctuary as I mentioned last night that might push through to Riley Creek. I said I’m not sure yet. I’ll probably make the decision once I arrive at sanctuary. They were pushing me to do it.

After breakfast I filtered some water and tore down my tent. When I returned everyone had cleared the area and began their day. I too should push off while the weather is holding up.

There was a rather fancy scenic pull out complete with bathrooms so I figured I’d stop to take a look considering I past it on the way in. A group of 3 woman and 1 guy were trying to take a selphie so I offered to take the photo for them. Afterwards, the three women wanted a photo with me so I asked if they also capture one on my phone.

I arrived at sanctuary in under an hour and decided to roll in to check it out as planned. While rolling in I started the only camper currently there. I apologized for the stealth entrance and he was super nice and friendly.

Rick is a 61 year old divorced grand father with 3 children of his own. He worked in Denali in the 80s and has been coming back yearly ever since mainly for photography. He knows many of the staff and bus drivers so he occasionally catches rides back into town. He loves coming to sanctuary for a week before heading out to wonderlake. Today, he was going in on the bus to eat a cheeseburger and he asked if I needed anything and he would pick it up. How very nice of Rick to go out of his way for a complete stranger. I thankfully declined and he then he offered me some candy. I didn’t want to refuse his kind gesture so I happily accepted 2 bite sizes Snickers bars from his personal stash. I knew right then that I should stay the night.

Rick suggested a spot that he said was his second favorite. It had a killer path to the river where I’d need to go for water so I secured it. He had mentioned that I was the third cyclist this week that had stayed but most were only going as far in as igloo and then exiting the park. In fact, the couple with baby stayed here. He said they were so nice but super paranoid of the bears. Rick said the wife was adorable as she would clutch the bear spray even if she ventured 10ft away from camp. He said he’s been alone the past few nights so I’m sure having someone to talk to is nice.

Rick was so excited to show me some photos of the elusive Lynx that he got a few nights back. The cat actually wandered into his camp and actually say next to his tent. He was so excited as this obviously never happens. He said he will go it again tonight searching and if I was interested u could join him. You know I’m not passing up this opportunity! He said he would be back probably around 5:30pm (he was catching the 1pm bus into Riley Creek I believe). So, he headed off towards the road to meet up with his buddy who would here anytime.

The first thing I did was setup camp. Rick had mentioned that it hasn’t rained since he arrived a 5 days back which is great as I’m tired of rolling up a wet tent and rain fly! So, fingers crossed the pattern continues!

I then decided to do a little exploring so I headed into the woods for a little adventure. It is so amazing how thick the ground cover is here. Your foot sinks at least 10 inches into the extremely soft covering. I cannot imagine how long it would have taken people 50+ years ago to trek though this terrain with the gear they had. Amazing…

After about a 1/4 mile I decided to head back and have lunch and work on my posts. As I’m sitting there quietly two large bunnies entered the common area and were picking crumbs from between the gravel which lined the floor of the common area. They were totally fine with me being there! I captured some shots and video and even talked to them a little. They are definitely built a little more rugged up here in Alaska but are adorable nonetheless!

Rick returned and asked if I was still up for the hike to try and photoshoot the lynx. He also brought me 4 more mini Snickers as he had a bag full in his rental car back in town. Again, so generous of him to go out if his way. His bus driver buddy had captured a photo with his iphone if a lynx with 3 kittens entering the woods across the road. Rick was super excited to search that area so I put on my hiking boots and off we went!

We did a good search while talking about lynx and other wildlife. Rick is very knowledgeable and was eager to share his experiences. In all the years he’s been coming he’s never had a bear encounter in Denali. His good friend whom is the camp host at wonderlake (I met but didn’t know his name) was viciously attacked with his girlfriend many years back in Glacier National Park. They needed to be air lifted to the hospital in Kalispell where they spent months recovering. Apparently the guy kept his clothes he was wearing and you could see just how bloody and ripped up they were. I’m surprised the guy isn’t freaked out and never returned to the woods… But here he is…

We were unsuccessful in locating the Lynx so we headed back. Rick said he’ll probably go again as it gets slightly darker. He believes she’ll be more active then. Again her offered and I accepted as I was having a blast! So, we decided to go after i ate dinner. Rick went if to photograph some nature.

Our second trip was also a bust. But, as Rick pointed out, at least we got in a nice hike! For me it was an awesome adventure. Rick was a little disappointed as he really wanted to get a shot of the Lynx with her liter. He mentioned that tonight might be clear and that the northern lights may be visible. He said, if I wanted, that he could wake me if he sees them. I was like absolutely. Unfortunately, they never came…