5 a.m. getting ready to leave Fairbanks on our Northern Alaska Tour.
Joy and her husband moved here from Minnesotain the 70's and run a general store. They had 23 children, many were adopted, and all helped to make survival in this rugged place possible.
The restroom facilities were primitive and exposing your backside was a major invitation to the mosquitos.
After crossing the Yukon River, we stopped to take a dip. (Not really!)
Aaron played a tune as we stepped across the Arctic Circle.
This cow stood long enough for us to take a few pictures from our van.
We finally arrive at Coldfoot.
Loading up to leave for Fairbanks.
We were up and out the door at 4:20 am this morning headed for the airport. We checked in at the Northern Alaska Tour Company for ourArctic Circle Native Culture Adventure. By 5:20 we were loaded into the van with 5 others heading for the Dalton Highway. A couple of 49 years from Maine, William & Mary, a couple from San Franciso, and Stephen who had just completed a 10 day float trip down the Yukon River with the Sierra Club. Aaron our tour guide was behind the wheel driving us on the partly paved mostly gravel Dalton Hwy that runs along side the Alaska Pipeline. We learned about the geology and cultures of the land we were passing through as well as history about the pipeline. We ceremoniously stepped across the Arctic Circle and visited Joy, Alaska. The disappointing news when we arrived at Coldfoot was that the poor visibility was going to prevent our second leg of our adventure. We did not visit the most inland Eskimo Village of Anaktuvuk Pass in the Gates of the Arctic National Park. Instead we spent a little time at the Visitors Center before flying back to Fairbanks. Our 8 hour drive took us into some of the most spectacular views of Alaska's interior. We did see a total of 4 moose, 2 snowshoe hares and more Ravens than we could count. Oh, and about a million mosquitos. Each time we would get back into the van after a stop, we spent about 10 minutes killing the pesky insects that had followed us in. Flying back, I got to sit in the co-pilot seat. I must admit it was a much more pleasant ride back to Fairbanks. A lot shorter and a lot fewer bumps. We got back to the airport around 5 o'clock. We are completely worn out but we had a great time. Mr. B was feeling a lot better when I got back to the room but he still isn't 100%. I hope he feels much better in the morning.
5 a.m. getting ready to leave Fairbanks on our Northern Alaska Tour.
Joy and her husband moved here from Minnesotain the 70's and run a general store. They had 23 children, many were adopted, and all helped to make survival in this rugged place possible.
The restroom facilities were primitive and exposing your backside was a major invitation to the mosquitos.
After crossing the Yukon River, we stopped to take a dip. (Not really!)
Aaron played a tune as we stepped across the Arctic Circle.
This cow stood long enough for us to take a few pictures from our van.
We finally arrive at Coldfoot.
Loading up to leave for Fairbanks.
We were up and out the door at 4:20 am this morning headed for the airport. We checked in at the Northern Alaska Tour Company for ourArctic Circle Native Culture Adventure. By 5:20 we were loaded into the van with 5 others heading for the Dalton Highway. A couple of 49 years from Maine, William & Mary, a couple from San Franciso, and Stephen who had just completed a 10 day float trip down the Yukon River with the Sierra Club. Aaron our tour guide was behind the wheel driving us on the partly paved mostly gravel Dalton Hwy that runs along side the Alaska Pipeline. We learned about the geology and cultures of the land we were passing through as well as history about the pipeline. We ceremoniously stepped across the Arctic Circle and visited Joy, Alaska. The disappointing news when we arrived at Coldfoot was that the poor visibility was going to prevent our second leg of our adventure. We did not visit the most inland Eskimo Village of Anaktuvuk Pass in the Gates of the Arctic National Park. Instead we spent a little time at the Visitors Center before flying back to Fairbanks. Our 8 hour drive took us into some of the most spectacular views of Alaska's interior. We did see a total of 4 moose, 2 snowshoe hares and more Ravens than we could count. Oh, and about a million mosquitos. Each time we would get back into the van after a stop, we spent about 10 minutes killing the pesky insects that had followed us in. Flying back, I got to sit in the co-pilot seat. I must admit it was a much more pleasant ride back to Fairbanks. A lot shorter and a lot fewer bumps. We got back to the airport around 5 o'clock. We are completely worn out but we had a great time. Mr. B was feeling a lot better when I got back to the room but he still isn't 100%. I hope he feels much better in the morning.
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I am really enjoying your blog. Hope Andy is feeling better. You make it all sound as though I am actually there!!
ReplyDeleteMary Lee
With all the beautiful scenery, you'd think you could get pictures of something besides Sharon taking video! :) Let her know we talked to Betty tonight and are stopping by tomorrow to see her and to pick up the grape salad recipe she already has for me. Sounds like a good time ( okay, not the 4:30 AM part or the mosquitos!) for you ladies -- here's hoping Andy is up and around joining you tomorrow.
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