Fairbanks, Alaska

June 29 we moved on to Fairbanks, Alaska. The 4^th of July was coming up and we wanted to have a place to stay. Bill and Jan Moeller in their book RVing Alaska by Land and Sea had a great suggestion that you stay in the city during holidays because the locals leave. We picked the Chena Marina RV Park and Resort because Bob F and travelers had stayed there and liked it. We loved it. We were right on a float plane pond and we watch the planes take off and land. It was our daily entertainment.

Speaking of entertainment, there are many things to do in Fairbanks. We took a paddlewheel boat ride down the winding Chena River that goes right through the heart of Fairbanks. We thoroughly enjoyed the ride on the Discovery III. The narration was very informative about living in Alaska (the houses, clothes, life-style, and the weather). We went by the kennels of Susan Butcher (4 time winner of the Iditarod Race) and learned about raising, training, and racing mushers. The boat also stopped at a replica of an Athabascan village where we got demonstrations by Athabascans about salmon fishing, making clothes, food storage, etc. The entire tour was very well done and certainly informative. We would highly recommend this trip.

The University of Alaska is located in Fairbanks and we visited the highly recommended Museum of the North that was located on the campus. This is also a very worthwhile stop. We attended 2 presentations-one on the aurora borealis and another one on living in Fairbanks in the winter. My, what these people put up with when it’s 30, 40, or 50 below zero. (It’s very hard to imagine that when we are sitting in 70 and 80 degree weather with bright sunny skies.)

The museum had wonderful displays about the geology of the area (with a large gold collection), the natives and how they lived, the native birds and animals, etc. Again, it was very well done and we would highly recommend this as well.

We attended the local farmer’s market and picked up some vegetables and locally made items. We’re still looking for those giant sized vegetables that we hear about (it’s probably still too early in the season).

We continue to read about grizzlies that have been killed in the Fairbanks and surrounding areas. So far in Fairbanks and environs, they have killed 9 grizzlies in the past month or so. The local wildlife biologist said that’s an unusually high number. Most have been attracted to garbage and pet food left out.

A man was kicked by a moose and killed near Anchorage and south of here, some kids ran into a moose on the highway. (The moose and 2 kids died.) We drive slowly through moose country and haven’t hiked in the woods. (whimps)

We had ANOTHER water pump break, but they shipped us ANOTHER one (# 5) and we had it replaced in Fairbanks. No comment.

We celebrated the 4^th of July in the campground with our fellow travelers. We had grilled hot dogs, hamburgers, and all the fixings that were supplied by the campground. We continue to enjoy meeting and conversing with other RVers. We hear lots of interesting tales and stories.

The days are getting shorter. Only 20 hours of sunlight now. (No stars and no fireworks-can’t see them) Although, it never gets dark, we are adjusting and able to sleep.