Welcome

The CoolRVers were actually a couple of retirees, Judy and Luke Rinehimer and their rescue German Shepherd dog, Miss Shady Lady. We were "extended-time" travelers for many years with a homebase in Cool, California for 40 years. Luke passed away in May 2019 and I continued to RV. Many followed along with our travels throughout North America in our 40' "rolling condo" and our later downsized Class C motorhome, enjoying the RV lifestyle. Your comments are always welcomed.


Click photos to view the images enlarged. Use your BACK arrow to return to the blog.





Saturday, June 25, 2011

Playing Tourist in Fairbanks – Part 2

In  my last blog, Fairbanks -- Part 1, I focused on the formal tours we took during our stay in Fairbanks, Alaska.  This blog will share some of our other Fairbanks experiences while on walking tours,  the Summer Solstice celebrations, foods, and unusual sightings.
Downtown Fairbanks
IMG_3825Fairbanks is not that large of a town, but the locals are very involved in making their community tourist-friendly.  A flood control project was completed not that long ago and the Chena River now flows peacefully through the downtown area.  The statue to the left is part of a huge plaza that celebrates cultures of both the Alaskan Natives and Indian Nations that were the early settlers of the area.  Walking and bike paths welcome folks along both sides of the river.
Observation area and footbridge.  Fun bike racks along river path.  How about Fairbanks by Segways?
IMG_3814IMG_3817IMG_3835
The local visitor’s center along the plaza features an area where competitive mushers can introduce their racing dogs to the tourists. Jody, a finisher of both the Iditarod and the Yukon Quest in her rookie year, was showing her dogs the day we stopped by.  These dogs are bred for racing, and are NOT Alaskan Huskies.  The dogs loved the attention, especially from kids.
IMG_3839IMG_3837
The biggest crowd we saw on our walk-around day was at the local Fudge Pot store!  (No, we didn’t stop)
IMG_3844
Midnight Sun Festival
We were in Fairbanks during the summer solstice Midnight Sun Festival and on Sunday these local streets near the plaza were filled with street vendors, food booths, and plenty of activities for the kids of all ages.
IMG_4167
The gang stopped to watch remote-controlled NASCAR racers.  This Army band had the crowd rockin’ with heavy-metal tunes, and local vendors filled the plaza area.
IMG_4159IMG_4161IMG_4162
Food menus were interesting if you like reindeer meat.  Bouncing booths were also popular. Check out the broncing salmon.
IMG_4168IMG_4169
Midnight Sun Fun Run
Saturday night the town kicked off the summer solstice with a 5K run that started at the University and finished near where we were camped at Pioneer Park.  The race began at 10 pm and officially ended at 12:11 a.m. with more than 3500 “competitors”, using the term loosely for those in costumes or pushing strollers and walkers.
IMG_4135IMG_4113IMG_4147
I’ve commented in previous blogs about the length of daylight we have come to expect while traveling in the Yukon and Alaska.  One of the highlights of the festival is a Midnight Baseball Game played without lights.  There was also a Midnight Golf Tournament.
Officially, the almanac for June 21, 2011 in Fairbanks read:
===========================================
RiseSet
Actual Time2:59 AM AKDT12:47 AM AKDT
Civil TwilightSun does not riseSun does not rise
Nautical TwilightSun does not riseSun does not rise
Astronomical TwilightSun does not riseSun does not rise
Moon12:58 AM AKDT (6/21)12:18 PM AKDT (6/21)
Length Of Visible Light24h 00m
Length of Day21h 48m
=======================================
Alaskan Salmon Bake
We spent our time in Fairbanks parked in the Pioneer Park RV parking area near the “Alaskan Salmon Bake” entrance.  For 25 IMG_3812years the “Salmon Bake” folks have put on nightly dinners featuring all-you-can-eat grilled salmon, prime rib, salads, desserts, etc.  This company has their own fleet of 10+ buses that go out to local hotels and campgrounds to bring in the tourists.  Commercial tour buses also drop off a ton of folks every night – rain or shine.
IMG_3953IMG_3951
On Friday and Saturday night they add King Crab Legs to the menu so we used our discount tickets to stuff ourselves one night. 
Before and After Dinner Scene
IMG_3949IMG_3950
Wildlife Report:
We didn’t see much animal wildlife while in downtown Fairbanks, but we did see a couple of unusual scenes during our local touring:
A street of “sod-roofed” houses. (Sod makes for good insulation.)
IMG_3944IMG_3947
This plane (a DC-4??) was in a local front yard and had a boarding staircase nearby.
IMG_3941
NEXT:  Denali National Park

1 comment:

Pat said...

Looks like you are having a grand time. Have you read the book, "Into the Wild". The bus in the true story is near Denali.