Alaska: Exploring Denali National Park with Truck Troubles

Full Time RV Problems: Finding a Place to Fix our Truck in Alaska

While we were driving up the Cassiar Highway to Alaska, a check engine light came on. The Chevy dealership in Anchorage said they could have our truck for three weeks.

That just wouldn't work for us.

Luckily, the Chevy dealership in Wasilla was able to squeeze us in. We have a code reader so we knew something was wrong with the EGR bypass valve, we figured it was going to be a simple replacement of the valve.

Wrong… They ended up having to take the whole cab off of the truck in order to gain access to the bypass valve... In order to remove and replace it.

A flawed design if you ask me.

Anyway, our trip was delayed. Thankfully, our friends let us stay at their house, and we were grateful and made use of the extra time with them.

Although our bank account took a pretty big hit, we were back on the road within a couple of days. The day we left the Anchorage area was clear and sunny. We hoped to see Denali on our drive. 

Some fun facts about Denali

• It is actually the tallest mountain if you measure it from base to summit. 

• In 2015 Denali was renamed from Mount McKinley.

• In 1913 four men accomplished the first ascent of Denali- 20,320 ft. 

• Only 30% of visitors actually get to see a full view of Denali.

Viewing Denali

We were hoping to be part of that 30%. We actually got to see Denali from the Fred Myers in Anchorage.

Then again when driving past Talkeetna. 

We also stopped at Denali Viewpoint South. Unfortunately, the peak was hidden behind clouds. We all silently prayed that we could see the summit, but she didn’t peak her head out.

God gave us a surprise a few miles later when it was just us four, we looked out our window, and there Denali was, in her full glory, peak and all.

We felt so blessed to see Denali that day, if our truck hadn’t broken down, we wouldn't have seen her. 

God heard our prayers and instead of answering them when everyone was around, he gave us a glimpse when we were alone. 

We pulled over to the side of the road and took a picture.

Where To Stay When Visiting Denali National Park

Denali State Park had plenty of boon-docking, but we decided to drive further, about an hour past Denali National Park.

It was a tiny town called Anderson, but interestingly, they have the Clear Space Force Station there. 

We stayed at Anderson Riverside Park City Campground. We basically had the place to ourselves over the Fourth of July weekend.

There is no use setting off fireworks on the Fourth in Alaska because it doesn’t get dark enough! 

• The campground was $25/ night

• Dump $10

• Electric only sites- 30 amp

Our camp host in Anderson was so kind. When he found out my husband was a Veteran, he gifted him with a hiking stick he made himself from a Birch tree. It is so beautiful, and we felt so honored. He also gifted us with autographs from some Astronauts and told us a little about his story.

The kindness we have received from strangers all over this country is so humbling. 

Things To Do in Denali National Park Within 1 Day

From Anderson, we day tripped to Denali National Park. This is a strange national park, as you have to take a bus in to see most of it.

We ended up going to the Visitor Center, catching a bus to the Sled Dog Demonstrations, then hiking the trail back to the visitor center. 

The presentation was pretty cool, you can get close to the dogs and pet them. They have a little museum set up.

They effectively harness the dogs and provide a demonstration, explaining that this is their method for exploration and park maintenance, aimed at preserving its natural state as much as possible.

Denali isn't directly visible from within the National Park due to being right under it. Proper trip planning is essential, considering tour availability and bus schedules, especially if you intend to thoroughly explore Denali National Park.

Alaska's State Bird: "The Mosquito"

The only negative to Anderson, Alaska was that we got eaten alive by mosquitos. We heard that Alaska’s state bird was the mosquito.

During our time in Southern Alaska we rarely saw mosquitos, but once we headed North, they were awful. They invaded our trailer and we were up all night with them buzzing around our ears.

I’m ashamed to say our white walls had blood spots all over them when we woke up.

Looking For the Positive

I was annoyed that we had to take the truck in and that they took longer than I expected, but because of the delay we got to be part of the 30% of visitors who got to see Denali.

I was annoyed that we were up all night, getting eaten alive by mosquitos, but because of our stay we got to meet the nicest camp host who gifted us with a beautiful walking stick. 

Romans 8:28

And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.

Reflection

I pray that we will all recognize positivity within challenging circumstances. I pray that we will possess a perspective that allows us to see the goodness in others. I pray that we will extend unmerited kindness to others, mirroring the generous actions of our camp host towards us. 

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