After a great night’s sleep in the Ramada Anchorage’s very comfy beds, we got a shuttle to the station for the Denali Star train to Talkeetna. (The Ramada Anchorage is no oil painting, but the comfiness of the beds and the lovely meal available at the Slippery Salmon next door, made up for that). The photo below shows the original steam train on the line.
The train trip was, I think, a little disappointing. We had seen so much magical scenery the day before driving to Anchorage from Seward that it was a little bit humdrum. Still, I enjoyed the ride on the train. After eating something from the on-board cafe for breakfast, Wayne headed for the dome car of our Adventure Class (Gold Class was a bit too expensive); Don and Mark settled for a bit of a read, listen to music, and ultimately, a snooze; Liz also went to her seat for a snooze and Helen, Bernadette and I played a rousing game of euchre. Afterwards Liz complained that her sleep had been interrupted by the noise of some three females playing cards. We had no idea what she was talking about.
On arrival in Talkeetna, we eventually borrowed a mobile phone to ring our accommodation and the Manager of Denali Fireside Cabins & Suites, Alicia, came out to pick us up in an old fashioned station wagon with wooden sides … just like in the 60s TV shows.
Alicia drove us in two groups to our accommodation which turned out to be very charming log cabins.
We organised who was staying in which cabin and all set off for a walk to downtown Talkeetna - a mere 5 minute walk away - even for me!
That night we enjoyed a lovely fire in the fire-pit (lit by Alicia and after that the fire constantly fed timber by Don, who loves stoking a fire).
The end of our day of travel and arrival in Talkeetna ended with everyone going easily off to sleep.