Exiting Denali National Park and the Denali Visitors Center, we headed back to Anchorage, about 5 hours away. We had already packed our luggage into the rental Toyota Camry and checked out of our lodge, so we pulled onto Highway 3 South.
After a while, we decided we needed to stop for a cold soft drink and ice cream. We pulled into a small, insignificant market with a road sign that advertised "Liquor Shakes", though that was NOT what we were looking for. Apparently this longtime family owned business used to sell both items and "grandpa" thought it funny to run all the words together and make people talk. So the sign stuck and is still making folks talk today.
The lady asked us where we were going. "Anchorage" was our reply. She began to tell us the highway was closed before Willow because of a forest fire that had jumped the road and was burning along both sides. We thanked her for the information and headed towards the fire.
Talkeetna was the town a few miles nearest our side of the fire. We soon found ourselves in a long line of parked cars on Highway 3. We could see the smoke ahead of us. People were watching its progression, hoping the highway would soon open. In a few hours we were told by a volunteer who drove along handing out cold water that the road was impassable; that the winds had picked ip and the fire was still out of control, and that it was unlikely the road would be open before morning. She suggested we go back to the Red Cross Shelter that had been set up in Talkeetna for those displaced from their homes or for those of us traveling to points beyond.
We called around but all the motels, hotels or Bed and Breakfasts were full...no place to stay. The couple running the shelter were retired military veterans and were working very hard to accommodate people. I slept a few hours in the car while the others opted for a spot on the floor in the shelter.
It was a long night. About 1:30 Debby overheard a conversation that the road was opening and cars were getting through. So we headed out and soon found ourselves waiting in line once again. A few cars at a time were being escorted through and then a group from the other side heading North would be escorted. So we patently waited in the early morning "midnight sun".
Sitting and waiting, I caught an unusual movement out of the corner of my eye. There, in the light of morning was a Bull Moose running up and down the fence row, looking for a way out, I suppose. He was a beautiful animal. His Antlers appeared dark, like in velvet and beautifully curved as he looked towards us. Apparently the long line of cars behind us made him change his mind about wanting to cross the highway. He turned and disappeared into the trees.
This escorting routine took two hours before it was our turn to roll. We entered the edge of the burn in 3 or 4 miles. Heavy smoke still rose up from charred logs and stumps. Thick, acrid smoke lingered across the highway. Visibility was so low we could barely see two vehicles ahead of us. Some houses had been spared, yet there were reports of others going up in flames. Volunteers had been able to evacuate people and sled dogs from the fire's path.
We followed the lead vehicle for 16 miles. All the time, seeing the results of the destruction of this wildfire. We felt sorry for the lady we had seen at the shelter who lost everything she had. Reports circulated that the blaze may have been started by some kids shooting off fireworks.
I must put in a good word for The Marriott Suites of Anchorage where we stayed. We had spent our first night in Alaska at this Marriott. They kindly allowed us to store our excess luggage for the next two days, while we stayed near Denali National Park entrance, without charge. We had reservations there the night of the fire, but because we were unable to travel, they were kind enough to not charge us for that night. Additionally, they let us check into our room at 0730 the morning we came through. We remained there three more nights.
We applaud The Marriott Suites of Anchorage for their extreme kindness and for going out of their way to accommodate strangers.
Nancy became very sick with a bad cold; weak, slight fever, nauseous, sniffles and coughing . Ron took her to the Doctors at Providence. The doctor told her she had "Nausea" and sent her home. (Don't you just love modern medicine?)
End
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