North in Denali

Alaska
Denali
National Park

June 23, 2001

We continued driving north from Mt. McKinley towards the Park Headquarters. The character of the mountains had changed, they were not snow capped as those further south. We were now in a valley, pure wilderness and although we didn't see any large animals, it was still nice to be in unspoiled wilderness.

As in other remote areas, such as the Arizona desert, you have to constantly watch your gas gauge. I've found the best rule is when it reaches the half way mark, fill it up. As we drove, the gas gauge was going down.
Finally, at a little town of Cantwell, we came upon a gas station, but it was only 6 AM and it wasn't open. Jim suggested trying the credit card slot - stuck the card in, the pump came on. Our lucky day.