I got back from flight-seeing around 11:30am; the guided outings had left around 9:30am. I decided to hike to the top of Camp Denali Ridge, and perhaps meet the strenuous group on their way down. That trail was unmercifully brutal; I was immensely grateful I had gotten myself into reasonable shape that summer. It took me an hour to climb the mile-long, 1500 ft. hill. *

From the top, the climb was worth it (though I had to rest myself for several minutes before I could reach that conclusion). From my new vantage point, the formidable slope separating Camp Denali from North Face Lodge appeared completely flat. The entire Wonder Lake region looked like a lush red carpet rolled up against an impossibly-massive white backdrop.

The cairns at the summits seem unnecessarily tall, but I imagine they need to be in order to be visible in the deep winter snow.

I hung around for a while, trying to decide which direction to go. I was surprised to see no sign of the strenuous hikers. There were more cairns in the distance to the east, so I headed off in that direction.

It was a good day to be up on the ridge, with an unobstructed view of the entire Alaska range.

Looking back toward the Kantishna hills. 3500 ft. is above tree line in Denali, and I had neglected to put on sunscreen that morning. As a result, I ended up with a mild red neck by the end of the day. All the better to help my fellow guests remember that I was "Andy from Alabama."

After walking 2 miles over rolling rock hills, catching glimpses of moving figures in the distance that were always gone when I got to where I thought I saw them, I finally arrived at the Pika Hut. This remote cabin was built by Camp Denali, and serves as a teahouse and occasional overnight shelter. I arrived too late for tea, but I was impressed that I caught up with the strenuous group before they headed back to camp. I should have taken more time climbing that %&@#$ ridge. I enjoyed a more leisurely return pace.

Pika Hut hike GPS track. Our guide was amused by the fact he was coming back with more people than he left with. I don't guess it normally works that way. He wouldn't elaborate, but he said he had two demerits, and my addition might help him get rid of one. :-)

To my surprise, Chuck and I were assigned to the same cabin. Perhaps they figured two single travelers who had visited camp before as part of a group would be a good match. Our top-camp cabin, Sourdough, was a big step up from Permafrost. I took the right side of the cabin, Chuck took the left.

Even Sourdough's privy was nice, close by and complete with a Far Side book.

At first I thought my good fortune at not getting a cabin a quarter-mile down the hill was due to Chuck's seniority, but then I learned two rookies, Margaret and her husband, had Paystreak (right next to the lodge and the bathhouse). So I guess I just got lucky that I wasn't banished to 40 Below.