A Very Wet Day

It seems that the kids have become accustomed to continual daylight.  Our activities usually conclude at around 11 PM.  Your body forgets what "normal" days feel like.  For all of our Texas readers, I won't dwell on the fact that it's in the 40s when we rise for breakfast or that it it tops out in the 60s.  We are reading about the sweltering heat but enjoying absolutely incredible Alaska summer weather.  We've mastered the art of layering!  While our first couple of days were cold and rainy with some snow reported in the park,  the rest of our time we have been blessed with sunshine.  

Tuesday morning was "Nan" time.  Nan is the resident wildlife biologist for the Denali Education Center.  She is such an interesting person and knows how to keep a group of teenagers engaged and attentive.  We all now know about moose, caribou, fox, and sheep, just to name a few.  She also told us about the role of plants and mosquitoes.  Speaking of mosquitoes, they have been behaving themselves!  What's up with that?  

The rest of the day was spent on the water.  We started with the 3 hour trip down the Nenana River which was laid back and filled with gorgeous scenery.  Our guides were informative and funny.  They actually let some of the kids row which they enjoyed.  Our second run was on the rapids.  Everyone had a paddle and was expected to "do their part" in getting us down the river.   There were a few water battles between boats and at the end of the run everybody was sufficiently drenched!  The guides let the kids jump in the water and swim for a bit....brrrrrr!  (they were in wet suits)  Needless, to say, we had a bunch of hungry campers so off we went for pizza.  I don't think that I've ever seen pizza trays empty that fast.  I'm pretty sure everyone got a good nights sleep.