“It is derived from the word Deenaalee which in Koyukon language means the “high one”, Aarit had the answer. “Who is Koyukun?’ “The Koyukon are a people of Athabaskans Indians who live north of the mountain. The name was changed by Obama administration unilaterally against the will of Congress in 2015. And by the way, it is the tallest mountain in North America with an elevation of 20,310 feet. The name of the national park was also similarly changed but that was in 1980”. At Fairbanks Airport, we rented a minivan, grabbed an unpretentious lunch at Starbucks and started on our way to Denali Park. Aerial view of Denali Mountains In two hours, we reached our destination. The McKinley Chalet Resort turned out to be an upscale facility with Swiss style chalet type buildings connected by paved roads. Despite its sprawling setup with over 450 rooms, the woody surroundings gave the feel of seclusion and intimacy. We were assigned rooms in a building called Ridgeview. Each room had a private balcony looking out on spruce trees and gurgling brooks. The woody landscape with numerous Willows, Ferns, shrubs, and twittering birds was like a gentle symphony playing on our jaded senses. We had some snacks and headed out for dinner. Across the way, we came into Denali Square which had a collection of stores and eateries, and a central open amphitheater, The only restaurant that was open this season was Karsten’s Public house named after the man who led the first expedition of Denali. It was famous for craft brews and authentic Alaska comfort foods. Outside seating was in the amphitheater with gas fueled firepits and a performer singing John Denver numbers. It was one of the most UPAHAAR 2021 উপহার ১৪২৮ 20
25 Publizr Home