Sunday, May 31, 2015

Fairbanks,Ak.

So far, we're not impressed with Fairbanks. The downtown area is less defined than Atascadero. Plus, there also seem to be less people on the street than in Atown. On the drive up here this morning we went past the Alaska Mtn. Range. It's a beautiful day today; temps in the 70's, clear blue skies, wonderful views. Here's a shot of the peaks sticking out above the clouds, with the Tenana River in the foreground.


Yesterday we made it to the end of the Alaska Highway in Delta Junction, Ak. Sue was almost in tears she was so happy. So far we've driven 4000 miles since we left home. Tomorrow is a layover day in Fairbanks to do our house chores and relax a bit, then on to Denali National Park.

Just south of Fairbanks is the town of North Pole. Some enterprising young man decided if he named a town North Pole, that toy manufacturers would flock there to make the claim they made toys at the North Pole. Never happened. However, this is where all the letters to Santa are delivered each year. There is a store stock full of every imaginable Alaskan Christmas gift. They even have some of the letters children write to Santa. Here's my favorite- this kid really has his priorities straight.


Gary- was this your letter?

Hopefully the next time I post there will be pics of Denali.

ds




Posted by at

9 comments:

  1. KKMay 31, 2015 at 7:17 PM

    Love the Dear Santa letters. A Monkey and a a pickle. Funny. Great to hear you made it to AK. Continue to enjoy your travel. I was driving down my hill on the way to the zoo on Saturday and saw a herd of deer...right here in A- Town. I will send you the picture :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. jslJune 1, 2015 at 9:56 AM

    The Christmas list makes perfect sense, Kristen: Place the earbuds from the iPod on the pitbull. Turn up Nine Inch Nails full blast. That way it won't hear as you use the pickle to entice monkey into the pitbull's cage. After the ensuing commotion, use the shotgun to get their attention and separate them. Violà!

    ReplyDelete
  3. jslJune 1, 2015 at 9:57 AM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  4. jslJune 1, 2015 at 10:00 AM

    Deleted comment was a duplicate of first. Still trying to figure out why...

    ReplyDelete
  5. MarshaJune 1, 2015 at 1:56 PM

    Ahhh, Alaska. :-) Glad you are finally there. I agree...nothing much to see in Fairbanks other than the wonderful ice cream place. I always take guests on the Discovery Cruise. It is good....educational and relaxing. The University has a fabulous Museum. I hope you didn't miss that. My cousin has a son who is currently leading a climb up Denali. He works for Alpine Ascents. Look closely and maybe you will see him. Ha Ha. Don't miss a stop in Talkeetna. My favorite little spot.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Brian LJune 2, 2015 at 1:43 PM

    A good way to start a long conversation with any Alaskan: "I don't own a gun."

    ReplyDelete
  7. jslJune 3, 2015 at 9:45 AM

    And the conversation gets even better when you say, "For fun, I dress up in spandex and ride a bicycle."

    ReplyDelete
  8. LouieDJune 3, 2015 at 9:56 AM

    You guys don't want me to come back alive, do you?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Brian LJune 5, 2015 at 8:26 AM

      I think if you take JSL's advice, there is a risk of that happening... but I'm serious: if you admit that you're not carrying a gun, people will be dumbfounded, and try any way to get you to carry one for your own safety. Seriously: try it. A 9 year old walking around with a shotgun wouldn't raise any Alaskan's eyebrows.

      Delete

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)