Denali 2026. First trip of the year, and it was a great one!

We’re just back from our first week long trip to @Denali National Park and Preserve of 2026 and it was amazing. 6 full days of nothing but sunshine and temperatures at times into the 70’s—the longest stretch of beautiful weather we can remember in the park. It was just barely starting to green-up when we got there, and bursting with life by the end. We rode our bikes on the park road more than 150 miles and there were critters everywhere. That’s why we call it biking with bears ;)

Way too many pictures as usual. Click on an image for full screen, and your cursor arrow over the picture will bring up the captions that tell the story. Come along for the ride.

Another stunning aurora display.

What a night! A very strong, active aurora around midnight. This one was a lot of narrow, vertical streams and ribbons, so I shot a lot of vertical shots showing the aurora reaching from the heavens. Click on an image for full-screen.

Amazing early morning aurora.

5am this morning. I think I actually missed the strongest part of the show even earlier, but wow, what an intense, active display. I think the strongest I’ve seen this winter. Click on an image for full-screen and cursor over images for captions.

2026 Iditarod Ceremonial Start

The 2026 Iditarod kicked off on a very snowy morning in Anchorage with the ceremonial start. Big crowds downtown on 4th Avenue and all along the route. It’s one big tailgate party!