Denali, Blackhawks Down Under And Where The Road Ends

After an early breakfast and dropping off the rental car to the nice gals at Budget
RentaCar Penny and Evie, in the Fairbanks International Airport, Damien from Budget ran Rich back over to the "Last Chance" where Bill was ready and waiting to go. Departing Fairbanks and climbing to 2500' they found the highway leading south into the Denali range and soon entered the mountains. Realizing this would be filled with spectacular vistas enroute to Talkeetna, Rich energized the video camera only to find that the disk was full. Quickly realizing they were out of film, Bill intiated a descent into the Mckinley Park (Denali) airstrip. Battling swirling winds and a steep approach with other aircraft ahead they landed safely. Rich caught a shuttle to Healy Pass. On the way Rich met two ladies waiting for a shuttle, a mom and daughter. Turned out the mother was from Kansas City and the daughter was from Washington D.C. Snapping a quick picture and they yelling their names to him as he caught a different bus than they, it sounded like they were the "Copper" girls or that was the daughter's name. Anyway they were charming. Have a great trip girls!
The camera store in Healy, run by Paul, supplied all their needs and Rich returned to the plane with plenty of disks and batterys. Thanks Paul! Bill had been patiently waiting for his return and was approached by a moose and her two calves but he didn't have his camera ready. Rich snuck up on him and started shaking the wing and Bill thought the moose had come back and was trying to eat the plane! They both had a good laugh!
With a short gravel strip sloping uphill and 3000' of density altitude the fellas knew this was going to be a maximum effort to lift off. The "Last Chance" struggled to break free from the grade but finally lifted off and they began a circling ascent to get above the peaks. At 2500' above the ground and climbing they heard a flight of 10 Blackhawk Helicopters calling "North of "Windy Pass' at 2,000 heading south." Rich called them for a better position report and about that time all ten passed under the "Last Chance" about 200' below. Talking to the lead helicopter and counting as they passed beneath them, the guys fell into trail behind the blackhawks as they all entered the Summit pass. The Blackhawks quickly pulled away and saluted Bill once Rich told them who they were and what they were up to. The lead officer replied that they were deploying as a unit to the "desert". God speed, Airmen in the Blackhawks and we pray for your safe return!! Thanks for your courage and determination!!
Little did the men know that the excitement was just beginning. Fifteen minutes later a plane called a position report 20 miles south of the "Last Chance" and heading north up the pass. Setting themselves up to pass safely in the narrow confines of the mountain valley the other pilots, Dave and Jim made a circling pass around the "Last Chance". Rich got some great video as they made a graceful arc and departed to the north. Great piloting Dave!!
Again, these complete strangers saluted Bill when Rich told them the "Last Chance" story. Radios and air to air communications are just great!
Upon reaching Talkeetna the guys set up for approach to land and the pattern was filled with airplanes. Talkeetna has to be the busy airport they have ever seen. Aircraft taking off and landing everywhere and the ramp brimming with people and planes. Bill made a great landing. When Rich introduced Bill to the boss of the FBO, Jay Hudson, and told him he was a crewmember on B-17's in WWII, Jay really went to work to see the men enjoyed their stay. Colin from Hudson's Air Service made reservations for the guys at the local lodge and agreed to pick them up in the morning when they were ready to leave. Talkeetna is known as the place where "The road ends and life begins". 368 people make up this village and the Denali range surrounds it. Needless to say, it is a jumping off place for those who want to view, photograph, climb or muse over Mt. Mckinley (native,"Denali"). The Talkeetna river runs through town and supports a thriving river industry and fishery. Rich had mentioned to Jay Hudson that the guys wanted to wet a line for a few hours and Jay quickly gave them the short tour of town, deposited their gear in "Trapper John's Cabin" and drove them to "Mahay's Riverboat Service". Walking up to Steve Mahay Jay said, "Steve this man is 87 years old and flew 17 missions in B-17's over Germany and they want to fish for a few hours. I told them your the man." Just like that Jay jumped in his car and left.
How do you begin to describe Steve Mahay? Alaska legend and world famous river jet boat expert, Steve is also a consumate gentleman and made the men feel instantly at home while in the presence of someone special. Summoning his son Isreal, Steve told him they were going to get the guys on the river somewhere quickly. They told the guys to get lunch and come back in 45 minutes and all would be ready. Rich briefly
explained "Last Chance" and then said they he was also an ordained minister. Steve smiled broadly and said, "So am I". In an instant that wonderful spiritual chord was struck!
After lunch the men returned and Steve put them in the van with all the gear and they headed to the river. "I have one of my top guides waiting for you. He is donating his time this afternoon to both of you. One of my boats and all the gear is at your disposal at no cost and I hope you enjoy your time on the river." The guys were stunned at such a generous offer! Arriving at the river and introducing them to Alaskan fishing guide Rhett Nealis, Steve was quickly gone, on his way back to take care of some more clients arriving from everywhere.
The men were warmly greeted by Rhett and quickly felt his unabashed love of Alaska and people. Roaring upriver in the 425 horsepower jet boat the men marveled at Rhett's navagating skills. This is a mountain river with rapids and log snags everywhere. With a deft touch Rhett manuevered the boat around every dangerous obstacle and into each quiet eddy and had the men cast for trout. But fishing was tough as the season is a little late this year. Rich boated one small Dolly Varden trout while Bill struck out but it was an absolutely superb afternoon. A great boat, on a great river, with a great guide, all in the Lord's great "Creation". What more could two men ask for!! As a final touch, Rhett ran the boat downstream and pulled over to an exposed bank where the men could get a clear photo of the great mountain "Denali". It was a fitting end to an experience that neither man will ever forget. Many, Many, thanks Rhett for a memorable afternoon! Steve Mahay, what can be said except that you are a true example of brotherly love and humility in action. We can only hope to do so well!! Isreal, Sandy and Josh you lived up to the Mahay Motto, "the customer first" Thanks!
A nice dinner was enjoyed by Bill and Rich at the West Rib Pub & Grill in Talkeetna where Noelle made sure the guys had all they needed in food and drink. Thanks Noelle for your kindness and sweet smile!
The most exciting day so far and this trip is only half over. Wonder what's in store for tomorrow? Stay tuned!