Muscatine Travel

09/08/2024

Drum roll please! The award for best dressed goes to Denali's Night Sky!
With a sky filled with emerald greens and crimson red against a royal navy background, it is hard to outshine the Northern Lights. As skies in Alaska darken our park embraces the final of Evening Wear. Auroras represent outfits suited for an award ceremony or black-tie gala. The way the lights shimmer and wave like a long dress moving along the red carpet. What makes the lights shimmer?

The Sun is constantly sending waves of energy towards the Earth. On occasion, excess energy is offput from the Sun in the form of coronal mass ejections (CME's) and sent our way. For the most part, Earth's magnetic field redirects the energy from the Sun but during a CME that extra energy can follow the lines in the magnetic fields to the North and South poles. (This means that when aurora is happening near the North Pole it is simultaneously happening at the South Pole!) As that energy interacts with different particles in our atmosphere it creates waves of visible light for us to view.

Are you hoping to catch the Northern Lights? This year may be your year, we've reached a solar maximum meaning the sun is really active this year. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration releases an aurora forecast to help you plan your evening viewing. You can check the forecast at the Space Weather Prediction Center by searching for "NOAA Aurora Forecast" on your favorite search engine.

If you can't make it to see the aurora in person, what outfit would you plan to represent the aurora at home?

Alt Text: A wave of green light swirls in a night sky above snow-covered peaks and spruce trees.
Photo Credit: NPS/K. Miller

09/06/2024

08/26/2024

Our office will be closed Friday August 30 and September 2, 2024. Thank you!

08/23/2024

Imagine this: there is a bear eating blueberries about 100 yards off the road. How special! Now imagine if there were 50 cars piled up, all trying to see the bear. Perhaps there are people out of their vehicles - it's a chaotic scene! Now imagine watching the same bear from a bus. Perhaps there are three buses there, all sitting quietly, watching the bear do what is does best: eat. The buses help protect our wildlife from stressful situations, but they also allow you to see wildlife being wild.

The bus system has been in place since 1972, one of the first mandatory visitor transport system in the National Park system! Why 1972? The George Parks Highway was completed in 1972, connecting Anchorage to Fairbanks by road. Visitation skyrocketed from 46,000 in 1970 to 137,300 in 1973. This immense increase in visitation was expected by park officials, hence the bus system being implemented the same year the highway was completed. This forward thinking has set Denali up for success and our bus system continues to be the model for traffic management in National Parks.

The number of vehicles we allow on the road is dictated by our Vehicle Management Plan, which in turn is informed by data collected by Road Ecology Rangers. These rangers ride the buses and collect data not just on the animals observed, but also on the number of vehicles present when stopped for wildlife. This helps the park keep track of how many vehicles are present around wildlife. Combined with wildlife behavior data, we can look at long term trends of how animal behavior changes based on the number of vehicles around them.

The bears, moose, caribou, and all other wildlife appreciate having a space where they can be truly wild. As you explore Denali, remember that you too are a part of the wilderness, and we appreciate you helping us keep Denali wild.

How can you reduce your impact on the environment in your community? Are there any long-lasting changes you can make?

Alt Text: Three tan grizzly bears with their faces down in a vibrant patch of red and gold shrubs, munching on wild blueberries.

NPS Photo

08/22/2024

Our office will open at 10:00 this morning. We apologize for any inconvenience. Thank you!

08/21/2024

Join us for an amazing adventure! A Caribbean yachting trip from St. John's to St. Thomas will offer some stunning scenery and fantastic experiences. You'll have the chance to explore beautiful islands, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant marine life. Whether you’re interested in snorkeling, relaxing on pristine beaches, or enjoying the local culture and cuisine, this trip promises something for everyone.
This is an exceptional package! Here’s a quick breakdown of what’s included in this luxurious Caribbean yachting adventure:

Airport Transfers: Convenient transfers to and from the yacht.
7 Nights on an Emerald Superyacht: Enjoy the luxury of a top-tier yacht with all the amenities you could wish for.
20 Meals: A variety of dining options, likely featuring gourmet cuisine.
Complimentary Beverages: Includes wine, beer, soft drinks, and selected cocktails throughout the day.
Coffee and Tea Stations: State-of-the-art machines to keep you refreshed.
Daily Water Restock: Stay hydrated with fresh water replenished every day.
First-Class Service: Attentive and professional English-speaking crew to cater to your needs.
Included Excursions: Explore with knowledgeable local guides on exciting excursions.
Complimentary Wi-Fi: Stay connected with free internet access.
Port Charges and Gratuities: All additional charges and tips are covered.
Airfare from Chicago: Your flight to and from the destination is included.
Round-Trip Coach from Muscatine: Comfortable transportation to and from the airport if you choose this option.
This all-inclusive package ensures a worry-free and luxurious experience, allowing you to focus entirely on enjoying the Caribbean's stunning beauty and diverse activities. If you have any specific questions or need advice on what to do during your trip, feel free to ask!
It sounds like this December 14, 2024, sailing is going to be quite popular! If you’re considering this incredible Caribbean yachting adventure, it’s a great idea to book soon to secure your spot. The combination of luxurious amenities, all-inclusive services, and the beautiful itinerary makes it a sought-after experience.
$5,395 per person for a luxury yachting adventure like this does seem like a solid deal, especially with everything included. Given the comprehensive package—luxury accommodations, gourmet meals, premium beverages, excursions, and more—it’s a great value for a high-end experience in the Caribbean.

If you’re ready to book, it might be worth doing so soon, given the popularity and limited availability. If you have any other questions or need further details about the trip, just let us know!

08/21/2024

“Give every day the chance to become the most beautiful day of your life.” ~ Mark Twain

NPS Photo: C. Cahill
Alt Text: The braided East Fork Toklat River basin under an overcast, grey sky, with a small patch of sun creating a rainbow over the tundra-rich hillside.

08/17/2024

08/16/2024

08/14/2024

Do you have a broken blueberry?... You can fix it with a berry patch! 🫐😃🎉🍇
If you’re exploring Denali National Park and Preserve this summer, don’t miss out on the wild berries scattered across the landscape. From juicy blueberries to tangy cranberries, these little gems are a “berry” delightful treat for hikers and wildlife alike. 🍓🥾✨
While hiking the trailless wilderness of Denali may not be everyone’s jam that’s just fine. Denali has pints… I mean miles of front country trails to spread the love.
Not only do these berries add a burst of color to your hike, but they also offer a taste of Denali’s natural bounty. Remember to forage responsibly - ensure proper identification - leave plenty for the local wildlife who depend on them. 🍃🦌🌲
What’s your favorite type of berry? Share your berry-picking adventures and beautiful Denali views with us!
🫐🫐🫐

08/09/2024

"Chasing Sunsets in the Land of the Midnight Sun."

📷 - Wild On Alaska

08/05/2024

Happy Work Like a Dog Day!

We are very proud of our century-old tradition of dog mushing in Denali National Park & Preserve.

Our website has a great 21 minute video which details how our Canine Rangers work in our park, today: www.nps.gov/dena/planyourvisit/kennels.htm

Does your dog have any special jobs it likes to help you with?

NPS Photo/ D. Tomeo

Alt Text: A close-up of the smiling face of a tan and brown sled dog which is lying down in the snow, attached to a sled line.

08/04/2024

Aaaahhh. Stop and smell the fireweed. Breathe in the peaceful mountain air as you renew your spirit. Take those memories with you and leave no trace that you've been here.

Learn more about Leave No Trace principles on Denali's website: https://www.nps.gov/dena/planyourvisit/leavenotrace.htm

What is your favorite way to enjoy wilderness peace?

NPS Photo/Jeremy Nicholson

Image Description: A young fox sitting in a patch of fireweed sniffing the air.

08/02/2024

It's National Twin Day!
Grizzlies in Denali have twins quite often - about 60% of litters have two cubs. Three cub litters and one cub litters are possible as well at around 20% each. The number of cubs per litter is determined by the health of the mother at the time of denning in the late fall, even though mating takes place in June and July! Learn more at https://www.nps.gov/dena/learn/nature/grizzlybear.htm

Photo: NPS/Emily Mesner

Photo description: Two bear cubs stand next to each other on a gravel road with green trees in the background

08/02/2024

Our office will be closed Tuesday August 6, 2024 while we attend a meeting. We apologize for any inconvenience. Thank you!

07/30/2024

We aren’t the only ones out exploring off the beaten path. Dall sheep (Ovis dalli dalli) are all over this park, roaming the high mountain meadows and traversing rugged ridges. These nimble creatures thrive in one of the world’s harshest environments.

In this moment, our curiosity is mutual. While you only see one sheep through the binoculars in this photo, you’ll rarely see them alone. Dall sheep take the herd life seriously - if you spot one, there are likely more nearby.

Who is in your herd?

Alt text: A female Dall sheep standing on a grassy hillside seen through the observer’s binoculars.

Photo Credit: M. Quesnel

07/29/2024

I live in that solitude which is painful in youth, but delicious in the years of maturity.
~Albert Einstein

Denali is nearly the size of Massachusetts (or just over half as large as Switzerland), and most of the park is devoid of human-made trails. The idea of hiking in the wilderness, with no trail to follow, excites some hikers and confuses or intimidates others. However, the nature of Denali's Park Road and bus system, and the terrain itself, can make trail-less hiking more approachable than it may seem at first blush.

Are you ready to hike off trail in Denali's Wilderness? Find out more here: https://www.nps.gov/dena/planyourvisit/dayhiking.htm

NPS Photo: Tim Rains
Alt Text: Tundra landscape with foothills and snow-covered mountains in the distance, veiled by a partly cloudy light-blue sky.

07/28/2024

Soapberries, raspberries, cloudberries, oh my!

It's that time of year again when berries of all shapes, sizes, and flavors are going to start ripening all across Alaska. Bears are going to be chowing down to build up their fat stores for the winter, birds and squirrels will be picking them up off the forest floor, and humans are going to be cooking up their favorites to make jams, syrups, pies, and a whole host of other delicious treats. From crowberry to lingonberry, bearberry to blueberry, there's no shortage of options to try.

If you are going to be going out into the park during this time, here are a few things to keep in mind:

-Be extra aware of your surroundings and careful not to surprise any wildlife in the bushes. Make noise to establish your presence. 🗣

-If you go out foraging, take care to leave some berries behind for others to enjoy. 🐻

-Use a reliable guide to identify berries. While there are many edible fruits and plants, there can also be lookalikes in the same area. Never eat anything you cannot positively identify. 📒

Learning about what's ripe and edible is a great way to connect with your environment. What's your favorite summer berry?

Alt Text: A cluster of pink and red cloudberries surrounded by green leaves under a cloudy sky.

Photo Credit: NPS/J. Zylland

07/27/2024

Bavaro, DR 🌴

07/24/2024

Embark on a journey to the heart of Europe and experience the stunning beauty of Switzerland. From majestic mountains to picturesque villages, Switzerland offers a unique blend of natural splendor and cultural richness. Specially curated travel packages ensure you have the trip of a lifetime, complete with convenient air travel options. Great offer, check it out !

Your stay in Zürich includes an orientation of the Old Town, a scenic drive to the castle and medieval cathedral, Lake Geneva at the foot of the Alps and more!

07/23/2024

The common raven, Corvus corax, is a member of a family of birds known as the Corvidae, which includes jays, magpies, and crows. The raven is the largest species of songbird and the largest all-black bird in the world. There is no mistaking its raucous call: the deep, resonant sound is its trademark. However, the raven can produce an assortment of more than 30 distinct vocalizations. Rather than a song, its sounds are more like talking.

Have you ever had an encounter, or a conversation, with a raven?

NPS Photo: Kent Miller

Alt Text: Black raven perched atop a red-budded, green fir tree.

07/23/2024

07/20/2024

July is National Blueberry Month!

Blueberries are a favorite food of Denali National Park and Preserve's bear population.

Grizzly bears are omnivorous, eating a mixed diet of grasses, berries, roots, fish, and small mammals. Blueberries and soapberries form the bulk of the diet starting in late July when grizzly bears go into a feeding frenzy called hyperphagia. During this time they eat nearly nonstop, attempting to consume around 20,000 calories every day.
For more information about what Denali's grizzlies like to eat, visit our website: nps.gov/dena/learn/nature/grizzlybear.htm.

What's your favorite berry?

NPS Photo



Alt Text: a chubby, blonde grizzly bear stands in a patch of red-leafed blueberry bushes.

07/19/2024