We took the train early EARLY this morning from Fairbanks to Denali, and we're staying in adorable rustic cabins outside the park and (more importantly) outside of the Denali village - which is full of tourist shops, tour buses, and, well, tourists.
We did a little shopping, and then we hit the bars. Tomorrow, we'll take a 12 hour tour of the park and preserve. Wildlife, here we come!
Tonight, however, it's time to hit the hay. But I wanted to quickly post new shit I've learned about Alaskan wildlife.
Five kinds of salmon. Hold up your hand and follow along. Your thumb rhymes with Chum (Chum salmon). This is a stretch, but point at the person next to you with your index finger and threaten to sock them in the eye (Sockeye salmon). Your middle finger is the tallest/highest - kind of like a king (King salmon). Your ring finger might have a silver ring on it (Silver salmon). And your pinkie? Pink salmon.
Baby whales - calves
Baby glaciers - calves (well, sort of)
Baby bears - cubs
Baby foxes - kits
Baby wolves - pups
Baby otters - pups
Baby salmon - alevin, fry, parr & smolt
Baby moose - calves
Baby caribou - calves or fawns
Baby eagles - chick
Lots more to learn tomorrow I'm sure!
Five kinds of salmon, but only four names for baby salmon. That's some fishy math.
ReplyDeleteAcross the border King are known as Chinook and Silver as Coho.
ReplyDeleteSee you guys next year and we will teach you Canadian eh!!!