We returned to Fairbanks from Anchorage on the 20th day of our trip. Thanks to the great hospitality of Frank and Heather, we stayed at their home the next few days.
Driving north from Fairbanks on the Haul Road on Sunday, we turned around at the highest point south of the Brooks Range. From this point it would have been “only” 350 miles remaining to reach Prudoe Bay.
Monday was a day to explore Fairbanks on the bicycles. It’s hard to imagine a nicer small town in the summer. On the other hand, the middle of winter with no sunlight and temperatures remaining steady at 40 degrees below zero would not be my cup of tea.
On Tuesday, Dan’s granddaughter Kaylyn joined us on the Riverboat Discovery, a sternwheeler, along the Chena River. The River flows through Fairbanks before reaching the Tanana River in a few miles. It was very interesting and the weather cooperated with little rain.
Riverboat on the Chena River
Looking north to the Arctic Circle along the Trans-Alaska Pipeline
Nice restaurant along the Chena River
Tribal salmon operation on the Chena River
Wild Iris
Bun on the Run – – – I like it
Classic example of the three levels of Boreal Forest along the Chena River – – – brush-high Willows, mid-level Birch & Aspen, and the taller White Spruce
Small float plane landing on the Chena River, a common mode of transportation
Caribou taking a break
Canadian Dogwood past its prime
It looks so wild and rugged, pioneer country. Another place on my bucket list!!
It’s a great place to visit in the late June through July period.