Wednesday, 24 June 2015 - Fairbanks

It was a fairly early morning today as we needed to board the coach by 8:05. At least we didn't have to get the luggage in the hall earlier. It was nice to spend 2 nights in one place. Had some coffee in the room before we left since we knew there would be refreshments aboard the riverboat.

Just a short drive and we arrived at the dock of the Discovery III, a reclaimed riverboat owned by the Brinkley family who came from Minnesota and stayed in Alaska. The weather was forecast to be about 84 today, but it was a brisk morning for us as we had decided to wear shorts for the day. Onboard there were delicious donuts and hot coffee and we pushed away from shore on the Cheena River.

The trip was well orchestrated with ship to river to shore conversations. We listened to a bush pilot as he was attempting a take-off from the river. However, he couldn't get clearance from the control tower due to the smoke.

Then we got to the home of an Iditarod team trained by Laura Allaway. She demonstrated how some young puppies learned the ropes both mentally and physically from some of the older dogs. They were some of the dogs trained and run by Susan Butcher, who won the Iditarod numerous times. She was married to David Munson before her death in 2006. He carries on her legacy and they hope to have another winning team in 2017.

We then had an interpretative tour of an Askaban village that featured explanations of life, traditions, and clothing of the native people.

After our 3 hour tour, that also included a glimpse of a house that Ronald and Nancy Reagan used when visiting Fairbanks, we went to the huge dining room and had a delicious family style lunch of beef stew, roasted vegetables, salad, and a brownie topped with salted caramel and coconut.

Back on the coach, we traveled about 20 minutes to the Gold Dredge8 site. There was a very informative presentation on the history of the Alaska Pipeline. It is a major feat how the pipeline was constructed to withstand the permafrost and earthquakes that are present in Alaska.

We then boarded a train for a short journey during which we learned how the gold was dredged before all the regulations by OSHA, the EPA, and the MOSHA imposed on the operations. The companies also had loss profitablity because of the standardization of gold at $35 per oz.

Sharon helping Earle pan for gold. Sharon was the winner with $15 worth, then Carole with $14, and Earle with $7. It was fun and once you get the hang of it, fun to do. You just have to trust the fact that the gold settles to the bottom under the sand.

Back to the hotel to reorganize suitcases and prepare for our departure tomorrow. Had a delicious Copper River Salmon dinner as our last taste of Alaska. It's been an unbelievable adventure and we have seen so many breathtaking sights as well having learned so much.

Disappoint 5-2 loss to the Reds today. We listened to the game as we repacked. Starting pitchers seem to be in a bit of a slump. We will be home just in time to be at Friday night's game at PNC Park.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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