North Pole and Fairbanks, Alaska

A short trip from Delta Junction and the scenery was very interesting. We followed the Tanana River part of the way and observed the wide area that it usually covers in the spring runoff. This time of the year is a meandering river that flows from side to side.

We looked at all the campgrounds in the Fairbanks area and decided to stay at the Riverview Campground in North Pole, just outside Fairbanks. It is a very nice campground and we will be here the rest of the week.

North Pole and Fairbanks

We made reservations for the Paddlewheeler Discovery for a 3 1/2 hour tour.

The weather has been mostly good to us.  The high temperatures have been in the high 60's and lower 70's and the lows at night in the mid 40's (good sleeping weather).  Now if only the sun would go down at a reasonable hour we might see the northern lights.  (It is almost 10 PM and the sun is still up!!)

8/11/2006

Went on the Discovery III this morning and very much enjoyed the trip.  See the review above.  After the ride we went to the Museum of the North on the campus of the University of Alaska.  This is a great museum and well worth the time to learn about the history and culture of Alaska.

The weather is turning rainy and cooler.  Jackets and long sleeves feel very nice.  High today was 68.

8/12/2006

Picked Jimmy up at the airport today.  He flew from Charleston to Chicago to Anchorage to Fairbanks all in one day!  We took him to the Pumphouse for dinner and then he crashed into bed.

8/13/2006

Took Jimmy to the Large Animal Research Station where we saw Muskox and caribou up close and personal, then drove out to the pipeline and then on the Discovery III.  Following the boat ride we went to Pioneer Park for the Salmon Bake.  We all agree the hailbut is good!!!