A few weeks ago in August I visited Denali National Park for the first time. I'll be sharing several photos from my amazing trip over the next few Saturdays. This was an incredible experience and I highly recommend visiting it. Particularly, in mid-August or early September when the weather is cool and the area is virtually mosquito-free.
Although my visit was in August I saw Christmas trees in Denali Park's gift shops and books stores which is where these photos were taken. This baffled me until a guide explained that according to the legend many years ago around August 25th people were snowed in at Yellowstone National Park, but instead of being upset they simply called it Christmas in August and celebrated. As a remembrance of that snow, every August all national parks display Christmas trees in August. Cool isn't it? You can read more about this custom here.
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Ha! What a great story. I love the little tree in the middle picture.
ReplyDeleteWhat a cool tradition. I guess I haven't been to a national park on Aug. 25. My sister lives in Anchorage - maybe I should try to visit at that time of year.
ReplyDeleteThis is great! I look forward to your other pictures!
ReplyDeleteThat is quite unusual, but looks like a fun tradition!
ReplyDeleteInteresting story and interesting pictures!
ReplyDeleteI bet you had an awesome time Kim; great photos. My son and DIL visited there on their honeymoon in June 4 years ago. Can't wait to see the rest of the photos.
ReplyDeleteAny excuse for Christmas decorations is fine by me!
ReplyDeleteGreat story and photos. Can't wait to see the rest of the photos from the park!
ReplyDeletelove the photos, I love the smell of christmas trees. Having grown up in Scotland, it'll my favourite time of the year for me :D **New Follower, thanks for visiting earlier**
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea, celebrating in August. Thanks for sharing...and for visiting my blog.
ReplyDeleteI wondered why the Christmas trees, unless they thought it was the North Pole and celebrated all year long. Of course, there are stores like that. There's a big one in Michigan. Here's My Saturday Snapshot
ReplyDeleteIt sounds a lovely place - but Christmas in August! My Snapshot is at http://goo.gl/g4s6H
ReplyDeleteLove the story and the pictures. Of course, I've heard of Christmas in July before...but never in August.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by!
I love the snowflake cutouts. It makes me realize how quickly Christmas will be arriving! Have a great week.
ReplyDeleteRebecca @ The Key to the Gate
It's never too early for Christmas in my book. :) Great story and photos!
ReplyDeleteMy (First) Saturday Snapshot
In Australia we sometimes do Christmas in July so that we can enjoy a full Christmas roast with all the trimmings (too hot to do this properly in Dec).
ReplyDeleteAwesome! I have always wanted to go to Denali! And I love the story. :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a great tradition. I guess it can snow anytime there...
ReplyDeleteThat is such a neat-o, quaint tradition.
ReplyDeleteAnd the dog ornament is a winner!
That is very cool! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great custom♫♪ Enjoy your week♥
ReplyDeletei had no idea!
ReplyDeleteThat's awesome! Denali is definitely on my bucket list of places to visit!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a fun tradition... and what a cute little Christmas tree in the middle photo.
ReplyDeleteOh a trip to Alaska! some day...
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