SP Kennel is located in Two Rivers, Alaska – just on the outskirts of the larger town of Fairbanks. Fairbanks is centrally located in the state. The largest town in Alaska is of course, Anchorage. This is where the Iditarod starts and most of the population of the state resides.
Anchorage is in Southcentral Alaska. Anchorage to Fairbanks is 350 miles. Depending on road conditions, it can be a 6 to 8 hour drive or depending on wind and sky conditions, it can be a 35 to 50 minute flight. Either way you travel, you will pass by the highest and most magnificent mountain in Alaska (and in North America), Denali – formally known as Mt. McKinley.
Once in a while – when the stars align, the weather gods are smiling, the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) is in a good mood and the Alaska Airlines corporate office don’t mind burning some additional fuel – the pilot will be allowed to verve slightly “off course” and do a literal Fly By of Denali. I have been lucky enough to have been on four flights (in 25 years) when they have diverted the airplane simply for the view. I fly to Anchorage and back fairly often. I always choose a seat on the right side of the aircraft while heading south (and the left side while flying north) because I know that Denali will be just out my window – in both good weather and bad.
This past week Alaska Airlines did it again. It was an AMAZING fly by and well worth the extra fuel. The mountain’s summit elevation is 20,310 ft. The pilot kept our aircraft at 23,000 ft as he flew around this enormous hill. In my state of awe, I even remembered to take a video for you folks who might not get an up close and personal view of one of the greatest mountains on Earth. Spectacular!
More often I get to see Denali from the ground. She is just as stunning!
Jaw dropping beautiful. You are so fortunate to have Denali in your backyard, never been on a “diverted” flight, so much better than ground level view. Thank you for sharing.
Oh my, this is amazing.
Thank you so much for this – majestic views, both of them, and spectacular Alaska images!!!
Awesome, humbling. Thanks again.
Thanks , great photo from Denali.
Did the flight ( small plain ) round the Denali with a tour, had blue sky.
Have a Great Day.
Hi, from Florida, Thanks for the gift, ” Jefe” Dog fan.
Gorgeous!
Gorgous! Its amazing to think Susan Butcher and Joe Redington summited via dog team back in the day!
Awesome as the two times I was in Alaska you are not guaranteed a good view! Thanks!
Majestic it is!!!
I love those opportunities – and I take photos each time too. These are wonderful!
I visited Alaska in May/June 2013. l arrived in Fairbanks in a blizzard . But when we flew to Juneau a few days latter it was brilliantly clear not a single cloud in the sky . I was lucky to be on the right side of the plane , a window seat and we went right next to Mt Denali …Magnificent . We then spent the last 10 days of our holiday in Talkeetna and Denali National Park and every day was crystal clear. Including the day we flew over the Alaska range to land on Ruth Glacier . So impressive and l felt so lucky . Such special memories and great photos . Joanne and Denali …yes l named my Golden Retriever (he is white in colour) after the visit . Melbourne , Australia .
Thank you for thinking of us and sharing this beautiful sight with all!
Wow! Wow! Wow! Beautiful! Spectacular! Thanks for sharing this.
Magnificently awesome. Thanks so much. The pictures I took of Denali a few tears ago are hung in almost every room of my house. Amazing– thanks.