Talkeetna to Anchorage on the Wilderness Express

This morning, we took a Wilderness Jet Boat ride on the Susitna River, including a nature walk through a reconstructed trapper’s cabin and Native settlement.

When we got off the boat for the walk, our guide, Alana, was carrying a rifle in case of bear or moose.

After the jet boat ride, we spent the rest of the afternoon wandering through downtown Talkeetna, all four blocks of it. It’s a cute little town with interesting shops and restaurants. We had lunch at the Salmon Stop, which shares seating with the Historic Fairview Inn.

We tried to see Denali but failed again; I wonder if these people could help us?

On the train ride, the rail host pointed out Pioneer Peak in the Chugash Range (about an hour north of Anchorage). He said it’s often called “Little Denali”, so I’ll take that as a victory.

The sun doesn’t set on the Wilderness Express, but it can still look pretty nice!

We arrived in Anchorage and passed our pre-boarding Covid tests. Onward to Seward!