Fairbanks and the world of Alaska

Our longest single stay was in Fairbanks.  This gave us a chance to rest, ( and resting involved soaking in the Chena Hot Springs with Don and Sharon), see some of the most interesting and exciting sights and enjoy the spirit of the North Pole.  One of the best excursions was a river cruise on the Discovery, were we "discovered" more on the life of First Nations, and some of the notable people in Alaska

The "Discovery"

We all had a chance to "play" while waiting for the Discovery to depart

Can't get away from the polar bears

Waiting to explore -40 deg temperature of Alaska winters; but Santa is used to it

Here is Jo, Sharon and Don at -40

One of the best known Alakian "notable" is Susan Butcher

 Susan Howlet Butcher was an American dog musher, noteworthy as the second woman to win the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race in 1986, the second four-time winner in 1990, and the first to win four out of five sequential years.  She has become an Alaskan notable.  Susan Butcher died on August 5, 2006 after fighting graft-versus-host disease and learning that the cancer had returned. She is survived by her two daughters, Tekla and Chisana, and her husband, attorney and musher David Monson.

Susan, David, and the lead dog Granite

David Monson still maitains the kennel

The sled dogs are trained in the summer by pulling a quad.

The start of the pull

The end of the pull

The next stop was an Athabascan Indian village and demonstrations on their lifestyle. 

Preparing and preserving salmon

Making clothes,  This one is hand made and sells for $10,000

This refrigerated storage, at least in the winter.  Also designed to keep the "critters" out.

The day after the Discovery we visited the North Pole, and Santa's house.  We know that the Santa in the house was a standin as the "real Santa" was leading out caravan

Jo and Sharon telling the faux Santa what they want for Christmas