On our final day in Denali, Skip and I did the gift shopping at the various shops around the lodge. In a grocery store across from the lodge, Skip bought a pack of cigarettes - shop keeper gave him a book of matches pointing out the telephone number on the cover for cannabis if we needed some.  We left laughing and worked our way up to the Dog Stand - and had hot dogs for lunch. This stand is very busy!
  Had dinner at Karsten's on the premises - shared table with Terri and Chuck. Afterwards, our tour host, Leah,

had a final get together of smores at the campfire.  Fun to sit around with everyone talking about our adventures!

We left early - wanted to head to river for last time.

  Up early to get the bus that would take to the McKinley Express - train from Denali to Anchorage. This is about a6 hour train ride.

This is a domed top so everyone had great views. Skip and I had breakfast and lunch aboard train. We had our own bartender and train guide throughout the journey. Could also order food at your seat!  On lower level of car you could go outside on enclosed platform.
  The farther south you travel the mountains recede and forestation takes over.  Let me tell you - lots and lots of trees.

  We arrived in Anchorage about 5:00 p.m., were taken to the Anchorage Hilton. Went to dinner at Fletcher's in the hotel; ran into Cindy and Ken on elevator and they joined us for dinner. Skip had spaghetti and meatballs; I had lasagna - and a few drinks - all very good!!!
  Up early for our flight home. Limo picked us up at 5:30 a.m. for 8:00 a.m. flight from Anchorage to Seattle-the Seattle to New York. Airport in Anchorage - is really nice and quiet - not millions of people running through airport to catch flights. Had breakfast at one of the restaurants.
  Flights were great! Thank you Carol (our travel agent) for putting us in business class - lots of leg room!!! Due to thunderstorms in the east, were delayed about 40 minutes.
 Driver picked up up and made it home around 2 a.m.
 GREAT TRIP - Our cruise ship Holland America, was great; Leah our tour host for our land adventure was awesome!
 Absolutely loved Alaska!!!!