August 14th, Kantishna Roadhouse

Kantishna Roadhouse web site

Is this a beautiful place, or what?  We are far into Denali Park, far away from the hotel chains and commercial outlets that crowd each other at the entrance to the park.  We are in a place where few people go.

We were served dinner last night after arrival and being shown to our cabins.  There is no television and no phone in the rooms. Also no internet available. Apparently they do provide it for the staff, as I found a wireless connection, but it wasn't open to guests.  So no blogging. The cabins are beautiful! Pine interior and so cozy.  It almost makes me wish it was colder so snuggling under the down comforter would be appreciated. Actually, the weather has cooperated beautifully!  Apparently July was very wet but we have been lucky to have good weather.  Denali (no longer referred to as Mt McKinley) has been visible in parts every day, which is also not common.  For some guests, it is never revealed.

We were seated by lottery, so you meet new folks. We sat with "Charlie" and her granddaughter, Maddy ("my name is Madison, but I prefer Maddy.") and the Small World Concept was reinforced once again. As it turns out, Charlie has a schutzhund club back in Virginia and I have likely seen her at events throughout the years and just never knew her!

I wasn't able to stay long for dinner because suddenly I had a stabbing headache and felt nauseaus. I have no idea where that came from. I tried the clam chowder, but it wasn't sitting well. The waiter was such a dear, trying so hard... he brought out some fruit, but I had to excuse myself. I felt just fine this morning.

It rained around 5 this morning but I didn't hear it!  By the time we got up, all that was left was damp grass and a freshness to the day. Breakfast was great, and afterwards people move to a buffet-style lunch preparation where you pack your lunches for the day. A man we spoke with at breakfast is from Anchorage and is showing visitors around; he has never been this far into the park before.  In the winter months, he and his wife RV in the Lower 48.  Many people vacate during the off-season.  We also met more Wisconsinites who are part of our Cruise West family! This couple is from Mequon! Some folks, like Charlie and Maddy, had done the cruise portion first and others, like the folks from Mequon, would be with us for the entire journey.  Still others were at the Roadhouse as as independent travelers or with other groups.  Some of the Cruise West group elected to stay at North Face Lodge, which is also deep inside the park, several miles from Kantishna. We chose Kantishna as it appeared more rustic and less hotel-like.