{"id":13478,"date":"2020-12-23T03:32:01","date_gmt":"2020-12-23T10:32:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mywalkabout.net\/?p=13478"},"modified":"2021-12-03T05:37:52","modified_gmt":"2021-12-03T12:37:52","slug":"the-covid-wild-alaska-adventure-biking-to-wonder-lake","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mywalkabout.net\/?p=13478","title":{"rendered":"The Covid Wild Alaska adventure – biking to Wonder Lake"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The row of mountain bikes<\/strong> catch my eye as I was exiting the bus upon my arrival to the Backcountry Lodge<\/a>. Although I had just decided to rest and heal during my time here, I thought that a little bike ride along the lone Denali park road wouldn’t hurt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

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A little drizzle<\/strong> was falling as I strap on my helmet and test out the gears on the bike. Waterproof cover was on my backpack and bear spray was securely hooked to my side as I start pedaling up the steep incline that takes me out of our valley and onto the 92 mile stretch of National Park awesomeness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Some thought I was nuts biking solo<\/strong> due to all the bears in the area, but I shrug aside those notions and the naysayer voices. I am here to feel alive, not just to live. If a bear mauls me and I survive, I have quite the story to tell. If I die, well that is a story in and of itself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The low clouds decrease visibility significantly, hiding the mountains and the wildlife within.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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My goal was to try and bike to Wonder Lake<\/strong>, about five miles from camp. On clear days one can see the reflection of Denali on this body of water, making for some fantastic photography. I hope to get a break in the weather for this opportunity myself, but my chances are slim.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I whisk by changing leaves and Fall foliage as I go. Moose creek is the only sound I hear, other than my own heavy breathing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Eventually<\/strong> I reach Wonder Lake<\/a>. A couple of wood ducks are on the water, but no one else. The low clouds shroud the place in mystery. I am thinking about leaving the bike and hiking the trail, but then I notice a sign which changes my mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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A feeling comes over me<\/strong> that lets me know today is not the day to hike solo here. I’ve learned over the years to listen when this happens. I decide instead to keep on biking just to see how far I can go before my legs give out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Turns out I had about ten more miles in me. No bears or any animals for that matter were seen on this day, only the quiet open expanse of Nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

The drizzle turns into a downpour on my return ride back to camp. I let the bike fly down the road on the descent, water spraying everywhere, soaking me to the core.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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