Now in Fairbanks

Yesterday we drove from Delta Junction to Fairbanks where about 25 miles were under construction. The right side of the two-lane highway was all torn up so we traveled in the left lane until we would see an oncoming vehicle, then we would move over. It was pretty uneventful until we got almost to Fairbanks and the highway was passing through Eilson Air Force Base and I saw a moose with two calves on the shoulder of the road. As we have so many times, we stopped quickly, pulled over and I jumped out to get an "up close" picture. Before we knew it, other vehicles had stopped behind us and oncoming vehicles came speeding up to us; lights were flashing and machine guns were drawn! You guessed it: they don't want you stopping on a military base for ANY reason! But I showed them - I got the picture anyway, which is attached. We also stopped at the North Pole which is a must-see tourist spot. Santa was most accomodating when we issued a special request, which you will notice in the picture.

For dinner last night we went to an all-you-can-eat Salmon Bake that also served prime rib, halibut and cod - all of which were wonderful. Afterward, there was a show at the Palace Theatre which was a great historical and funny recap of Fairbanks' history. Today, we arose bright and early to get to a stern-wheeler riverboat called Discovery II. It sits on the Chena River. On the way, you get to go ashore to view a replica of a Chena Athabascan Indian Village of the early 1900's. It was very interesting and was hosted by some girls from that tribe. We then went to lunch at the Pump Grill, which was another all-you-can-eat senior's event. Our bus driver was quite the Fairbanks hostess and took us to a farmers market and to the Aleyeska Pipeline viewing spot, where the pipeline runs above ground. By the time we got back to the RV park, we were exhausted and needed naps. Tomorrow is a "free" day which means clothes washing, grocery shopping, rig maintenance and preparing to go to Denali for the next three days. Our biggest wish is that the rain will let up. Ever since we met up with the tour group, there has only been one day without rain and the temperature stays in the mid-50's. Oh well, we are having fun in spite of it all!