Wow!   What a day of driving!   Left Talkeetna at 9 a.m. and got here to an RV Park in Cantwell at 1 p.m.  Shortly after entering Denali National Park, snow flurries started.   Then heavier. And then even heavier!  Finally I thought I was going to be stuck in a full-scale blizzard!  I was okay with the snow, but I worried that the roads might start to get slippery, so I slowed to a careful pace.  Fortunately the traffic was almost non-existent.    The snow began to really accumulate on the motorhome and on the road, but I finally made it to Cantwell General store where I met Native American owners, Alex and his dad, Alex.  Friendly enough, but prices were sky-high.  Cantwell RV Park was just around the corner and so I pulled in to secure a place to spend the night. 

Eileen and her husband had just come back north to open the park after spending the winter in Melbourne, FL where her parents live.  No water at my individual site, but for $20 I get electricity, so I'll be toasty warm.  Fresh water and a dumping station at the edge of the park.  Since I arrived so early, Eileen suggested that the Denali park road was just 28 miles up and that since the season hadn't begun, I could get in free.   Did someone say "Free"?  Child!  Off I went!

More snow again, but then sunshine.  For the rest of the day, it alternated between snow and sunshine.  As it turned out, not only did I get into Denali National Park for free, but the park road which is normally closed at mile 12, was open all the way to the 30-mile marker until Tuesday when the season starts.   After that, vehicles can only go 12 miles along the road.   For the next several hours I meandered through the park seeing one majestic vista after another.  The place is breathtaking!  Eileen asked that I not download any photos b/c their internet connection is weak and a download could crash the system, even though there are only 2 other visitors here.  So pics will have to wait until tomorrow or the next time I have internet access, kids.

At the 30 mile mark there is a large observation deck overlooking the valley and mountain range.  It was there, amid howling wind and pelting snow that I met Nina.   She and her husband travel in a truck camper (pic tomorrow) and Nina invited me in to show off their digs.  She told me that their truck camper was very stable and very safe.  Hmm...it sure has everything I need and I really liked the small, compact size. It's very, very tempting.  Much easier to get around in.  I'm going to do more research on truck campers; they sure are popular here in Alaska!

Well, I saw precious little wildlife, but tons of gorgeous scenery.  I also learned that the rangers have opened about 20 rv slots for the public to use free of charge until Tuesday.   Weekenders from Fairbanks or Anchorage may inundate the place tonight and take all the available spots, but if not, then I plan to get there early tomorrow and see if I can't snag a free spot for the weekend right there in Denali!  They may not have WiFi so you may not hear from me for a couple of days, but be assured I'll be in gorgeous scenery and with terrific weather.

And now?   Off to bed.  This puppy has had a full day and is tired, y'all!