Autumn in Alaska

> The last couple of weeks have convinced me of one thing: September is definitely the time to visit Alaska. Today is the 8th of September and we've just entered Denali National Park, where we're staying in the Teklakana Campground. The 30 mile drive here from the main park gate was a technicolor experience, filed with reds, yellows and greens as the fall colors burst through every inch of the Tundra offset only by the bright blues of the glacial lakes and whites of the glaciers themselves. This is truly a spectacular time to see this state. > > ...but the colors are not the best part. In August while driving north on the Alcan we passed a steady flow of RV's heading south, looking very similar the schools of thousands of pink salmon swimming up the rivers beside the same highway. Now though, the roads are empty. The tourists have gone, well most of them anyhow. > > Despite the sunny blue skies, the place is empty. We sat for 20 minutes the other night (in t-shirts) watching the sun set on the Exit Glacier on Kenai Penninsula. We had the entire glacier to ourselves, something you couldn't dream of while the cruise ship tour boats waited in the parking lots here last month. > > Admitedly, a lot of Alaska is starting to close up shop with "the season" coming to an end. But there's still lots to do, and every thing that is open, is running with a discount knowing it's mostly just locals now, taking a break with their famous after a busy couple of tourist months. > > So if you're planning a trip to Alaska, I believe Sept 1-15 is probably the best time to go. I know we're loving it.