calliwa Loc: Avon, IN

While I was in Denali National Park, I put on my brave boy cap and climbed into a small single engine plane for a flight into the mountainous area between the national park and Mt McKinley. I took many images from the plane, all through the glass windows, trying to keep the wing and wing struts out of the viewfinder. I found it quite a rush and it seemed there was one beautiful sight after another. I am not usually one to take these kinds of expensive side trips, but I can say this one was worth every penny. I have included a few of the many I took, just to give you a feel for what can be seen from a low altitude just above the mountains. Note the quote on the last image - this is a quote from the pilot as we landed safely back on Mother Earth. Hope you enjoy.

Landed on a glacier on the side of Mt McKinley


Mountain top view, more follow:








Pilot/Owner of the 1960's restored Turbo Beaver

Johnsr Loc: TN

Calliwa, On a visit to Alaska many years ago, the three days we were in the park, Denali was completely hidden by clouds. I decided to go up in a plane. When I told my wife I had bought tickets she said she wasn't going up in that "little thing". Then I told her how much I had spent. Being a depression kid she wasn't going to let that money go to waste so she went up. It was a glorious trip and we did see Denali! It was the only thing of the trip (and we had seen much) that she talked about till her death years later. Your pictures are great and they brought back many wonderful memories.
John Sr.

jaymatt Loc: Alexandria, Indiana

Great views. Glad you took the chance and made the flight.

Flyerace Loc: Mt Pleasant, WI

At least your pilot looks like an adult. I asked our pilot if he was old enough to drive a car. He looked about 14! He showed me his license. What a great trip. We had bad clouds on McKinley prior to the flight. When we decided to fly, the clouds opened up. Spent an hour flying around the entire mountain. Best part of the trip.

GrayPlayer Loc: Granby, Ct.

Alaska should be on everyone's "bucket" list. The vastness, enormity is mind boggling.
Thanks for the reminders.

romanticf16 Loc: Commerce Twp, MI

We had rain last September when we were in Denali-never a glimpse of Mt McKinley. It was still a worthwhile adventure with some neat bear photos feeding in the river.