We had to get up early on the departure day. The morning started as the last few had, in foggy drizzle. The bus windows quickly fogged up, and we didn't see much outside until we stopped above the snow line at Eielson.

The light coating of snow everywhere was beautiful. It would have been nice to go hiking in it.

We didn't have any weather problems driving out, but the wet road led to muddy windows. The drivers took a few moments to wipe them off whenever we stopped.

A final look at the Thorofare River.

Closer to the park entrance, we spotted a nearby bachelor group of Caribou. Two of the bulls were practicing sparring. They didn't appear to be serious about it, but they gave us a good show.

The drivers had a deadline; we had to get to the park entrance in time to board the train. However, Luke stopped to let us photograph this beautiful landscape scene.

The Friday weekend group was quite different than the 4-day Monday group that proceeded it. The first group consisted of adults, mostly older couples and single photographers. Meals were relatively quiet and peaceful. The second group contained young couples, single moms, kids, and a pack of Japanese who didn't speak much English. Meals were bedlam.