We spent three nights in Fairbanks because we read that would give us a 90% chance of seeing the Northern Lights. This is our second try seeing the Aurora Borealis, having previously flown to the Arctic Circle in Norway, only to have it snow and be overcast during our stay. This time, we were foiled once again with cloudy overcast weather (as is evident in all our pictures) and no low probability of lights even without the clouds. Our birding attempts met similar somewhat lackluster results. But hey, we were in Alaska, so we made the best of it.
The interior Alaska Antler Arch, made up of more than 100 moose and caribou antlers collected from all over the Interior of Alaska. Doug is trying (in vain) to find some birds.
Outside the Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitors Center was this early 1900s cabin, still sitting in its original location – though back then it would have been one of many lining the streets. In the early 1900s, Fairbanks was caught up in gold rush fever.
We stopped to get a glimpse of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System, which runs 800 miles, crossing three mountain ranges and over 500 rivers and streams. The pipeline is four feet in diameter, and cost $8 billion to build in 1977. At its peak in 1988, 2,000,000 barrels of oil per day flowed through the pipeline.
At the Fairbanks Community Museum we saw several dog sleds used in the Iditarod, Yukon Quest Sled Dog Race (another 1,000 mile race), or just for training purposes, such as this one. It is hard to imagine racing 1,000 miles through the Alaska wilderness in winter with just this to haul all the gear needed for yourself and your dogs.
Doug looks impatient to try his beers at the northernmost brewery in North America, Silver Gulch Brewing.
Post-beers, Doug looks much happier.
Why yes, I do have a crepe in each hand. I’m sampling Doug’s savory crepe, while holding onto my healthy banana crepe (held together with Nutella).
Finally, a lifer! Canada Jay. One of the very few birds we saw, in spite of repeated attempts.
Some of the very little wildlife we saw, a beaver.
Polaris, by Cheryl Hamilton and Michael Vandermeer, was installed in 2014. “Ice, Quartz and the Aurora Borealis” – what’s that? – “combine in a testament to the rugged beauty, climate and history of Fairbanks Alaska.” The largest spire points towards the North Star.
Unknown First Family by Malcolm Alexander. The 18-foot-tall statue was installed in 1987 and is dedicated to Alaskan families of the past, present and future.
The Lend-Lease Monument by R.T. Wallen, unveiled in 2006. It commemorates the lending of nearly 8,000 of warplanes to what is now Russia to use on the front lines of WWII. Fairbanks was the exchange point.
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Love the pics of impatient Doug & happy Doug! And all the rest of your posts, too.