“That big, white mountain is Denali, this is my best view in 4 1/2 months!” While I wasn’t as verbal, I was impressed as well. This was my best view in just over 4 months, and probably my second best of all time.

My lovely husband, who constantly checks the weather and visibility for his job, had told my parents and I that last Friday afternoon was a rare window where even the clouds around Denali were forecast to clear. No promises, but better take advantage of the opportunity. Somehow the word wasn’t out, our bus to Savage River wasn’t even half full.

Not only was the intern on the bus thrilled, but the driver soon pulled over at an overlook. Instead of the normal brief stop when the mountain is out, he gave us 5 minutes to get off the transit bus and take photos. When people thanked him he said, this was his best view of the summer and he wanted photos too. It was fun to see everyone so excited.

My parents and I disembarked at Mountain Vista and took a short hike, enjoying more views of the mountain. What a great week we had together – the World Eskimo Indian Olympics, the then lots of wildlife while based in Teklanika, and now Denali in all its glory.

Photos by Elton and Sharon Yordy