North to Denali- lunch in Talkeetna

  Talkeetna, Alaska, United States
Saturday, September 6, 2008

Houston?

We finally got what we needed in Anchorage and got out of town.  The morning clouds were giving way to a sunny sky, and we drove through gorgeous mountains.  The vegetation started out green in Anchorage, but it gave way to beautiful fall color the further north we drove.  Outside of Wasilla, we drove through the town of Houston. (Ha! a much more beautiful Houston!) On the way, we would catch glimpses of Mt. McKinley through the trees.  At first I thought it was a cloud, but then realized that it was too pointy to be a cloud.  Dang, that is a friggin' big mountain    (20,320 feet).

Mt. McKinley (Denali)

About halfway, we decided to stop in Talkeetna for lunch.  Just outside of Talkeetna, we got a really good view of Mt. McKinley (also called Denali).  Amazing!  I busted out my new telephoto zoom lens; it kicks ass.  After enjoying

Kiss a Moose

the view for a bit, we made our way into Talkeetna.  It's a cute little town, with lots of charm and lots of tourists.  We ate at the West Rib Grill and Pub.  I had a halibut sandwich and Rick had a caribou burger.  Both were delicious.  We wandered around town a bit (doesn't take long) and we were on our way.