Flying Over Mount McKinley
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Whether you are going to Alaska on a Princess Cruise or traveling independently you have to splurge and get yourself on a flight to see Mount McKinley.
Heading up with Fly Denali1
We arrived in Denali to the Denali Princess lodge and started our true Alaskan adventure today. In the afternoon we were on a bus heading to Fly Denali with our hosts Guy, Karen and Nicole from @PrincessCruises as well as Rick and Denise from @RickGriffin on Twitter.
Awesome Group to head up into the skies with!
What a great bunch of people to fly with. Our group loaded onto the 9-seat 1966 De Havilland Beaver bush plane. Our pilot Jim Andie has completely restored the plane with his own two hands and it is his baby.
We were in for a bumpy ride as the wind was bursting. Originally we had a tour planned to land on the Mount McKinley’s glacier, but the weather wasn’t cooperating today and our flight was changed to a fly over with the possibility of landing.
The Clouds were movin' in!
Jim called the shots in the air. As we bounced around a little bit and the clouds came in, he decided that we wouldn’t be landing today.
No Worries.
We ended up circling Mount McKinley witnessing spectacular views. It felt as if we could reach out and touch the snow capped mountain. A depression of clouds had formed over the summit causing an awe inspiring site right before our eyes.
Alaska-Mount McKinley-Views-Flying
It is almost impossible to convey the beauty from the air.
Everyone in the plane had window seat with unobstructed views and Jim made sure to turn the plane and pass from left to right letting everyone enjoy equal amounts of time. We were treated to a complete panoramic scene of snow capped mountains.
Alaska-Mount McKinley-Flying-Snow Capped Peaks
Fun Fact: Mount McKinley is the Highest Mountain in North America at 6194 meters. The locals call it Mount Denali and Athabaskan word meaning “The Great One”
Headsets are on and we are ready to go!
Donning our headsets we could speak freely to one another and marvel at how privileged and lucky we are to be here. Captain Jim couldn’t be a better guide. His soothing voice kept us all calm during the pockets of turbulence and when he told us to think of the wind as waves in the water and we are simply riding over top, it helped everyone enjoy the rhythm of the flight.
Alaska-Mount McKinley-Flying-Above the clouds
Our return flight saw some more bumps and turbulence but Jim turned on the music to relax us all. He announced that our landing was going to be a bit swirly but not to worry. What does swirly mean? We asked. “The winding is swirling in a spiral and we may be tossed around a bit.” He replied. His skill guided us in without a hitch and we were all surprised at how smooth touchdown was.
I had to laugh when Captain Jim announce “Another Death Averted.” He had a great sense of humour yet was extremely professional and talented. A lesser pilot probably would have had a heavier landing, but we sailed in with ease. He has been a pilot for 15 years flying everywhere from Panama to Alaska.
Alaska-Mount McKinley-Flying-Pilot
He chatted with us and joked with us and when he told us that he sold everything he had to fulfill his dream, I swooned with admiration. Dave and I love people that take life by the horns and pursue their passions.
This flight is not to be missed!
Our trip to Mount McKinley was certainly a great experience. It was a thrill ride filled with incredible scenery. It truly was one of the greatest adventures we have done and lucky us, we get to fly a couple more times during this amazing Twitter Trip Sponsored by Princess Cruises.
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16 Responses to Flying Over Mount McKinley
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Great shots! Mt. McKinley is on my bucket list–hoping to make a summit attempt in the next couple of years (funds pending). I hear it’ll be the coldest three weeks of my life!
.-= Alan´s last blog ..PMBA Assignment 7: Permission Marketing =-.
We met a great climber that talked about climbing Mount McKinley. He said it is more difficult than Everest due to the technicality of the climb. He certainly inspired us. He is a photographer, written a book and climbed all over the world. His name is Laurent Dick.
Like Alan, it’s on my bucket list too….my grandfather and father have both been there so I almost feel obligated to visit it, and I’ve been told it’s one of a handful of places in the US that has a mystical feel to it…
I’m with you guys too on the issue of pursuing one’s dreams – I have great admiration for those who have the courage to change their entire life to follow their heart – good for Jim!
.-= Trisha Miller´s last blog ..Under The Microscope: Tourfolio.com =-.
I hope you make it to Alaska soon Trisha. You are right, it is a mystical place that is filled with rich history and it is a land of legends. Alaska has always been the great frontier to us all. I hope that Jim reads this, he will feel great knowing that we all admire him for fulfilling his dreams.
Wow, some of those shots just look unreal! I’ve never seen Denali from above so now you have me really motivated to return to Alaska – that last picture is stunning!
Thanks Shannon. Dave is really picking up his game here in Alaska. His photos are mind blowing!
Wow, what a great flight! Beautiful picts. You guys are very lucky to by in Alaska. It’s somewhere I have always wanted to go, but so far never have. Although I did see some of the Aleutian Islands from a ship…
.-= Maria Staal´s last blog ..Radbod the Bishop Part I =-.
Thanks Maria. We do feel very lucky to be here in Alaska. Every morning we wake up and say to each other “Can you believe this?” I hope that you fulfill your dream and make it here soon.
Stunning photos as usual.
I agree with you about following your passion. When I took a sailboat cruise in the US Virgin Islands, our captain had sold most everything in Michigan and sailed down to the islands with his boat and dog. He had this great lifestyle where he lived on his boat and sailed part time to earn cash and then hung out on St. John or explored the Caribbean.
.-= Jennifer Barry´s last blog ..Chile’s Proud People =-.
That is a wonderful story Jennifer. When you meet people that are living their dream, it is an incredible feeling. You can see the happiness in their eyes. More people need to go for it and live life the way they want to live it. People like Jim and your Captain are an inspiration.
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Great pics! I hope one day to climb Denali… we’ll see what happens
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I agree! I flew with them last year over Denali, and it was breathtaking. It is a must do when you are in Denali! They are a great team