Fairbanks, Alaska

I ended staying a second night at Walmart because it started to rain, and then snow pretty heavily and it was only 28 degrees out .... so I stayed inside.  Three coaches left, but more came so we had about the same number the second night.  The "rule" is you only stay one night at Walmart and I didn't want to abuse it because Walmart is starting to change their openness in allowing RVs to stay because of the abuse, but I checked with the manager and he didn't mind ....

The next day, Wednesday, I headed toward a campground where I had reservations.  The snow was like nothing I had ever seen before - it was like pellets instead of flakes, and pretty slippery.  The reserved spot they had for me at the campground only had a household extension cord (no way!) and no water or sewer (for $200), so I left to find another spot.  I had to disconnect the Jeep to turn around, and then reconnect ....

I ended up at Pioneer Park.  I can park here for 5 days, $12 night.  It is just a parking lot, and I'm all by myself, but it works.  Next week a couple of campgrounds are opening up and I have a spot with water and sewer so I can get some wash done and a hot shower and do the dishes ... luxury!

Anyway, this is what I've seen so far ...

Airplane On The Roof - Pike's Aviator Green House has all the makings of a perfect rest stop: shops, a restaurant, a place to sleep and an attention-getter in the form of a plane on top of the building.


Alyeska Pipeline Visitor Center - Covering more than 800 miles, the trans-Alaska pipeline is a great tourist attraction as parts of it are above ground to prevent breaking due to freezing temperatures.
(Although I knew it would be there, it's still odd seeing it running alongside the highway).  I later learned during a movie at the Museum of the North, that they have to put a special material in the coating to prevent it from being damaged by the Aurora.

Something else I learned about the aurora (well several things, actually, but I want to share this one) is it is there all the time, 24/7/365. We can't see it because of the daylight and cloud cover, but it is always up there.  I wish I could have actually seen it, but it is cool knowing it is up above the clouds.

North Pole, Alaska - Santa Clause House (which is a huge gift shop devoted to Christmas "stuff")

The highlight so far, though, has been the Museum of the North at the University of Alaska.  It encompasses Alaskan history from the beginning through to today.  In the main level gallery the exhibits focus on the cultures, wildlife, geography and history of each of Alaska's five major geographic regions.

There is also an auditorium - I saw the Dynamic Aurora movie - and Galleries.  It is a great place to visit.

Yes, that is a table made from a Moose

Besides the revolving exhibits, there is a gallery of artwork done by local artists, which are very lovely, and outdoor exhibits as well (still snowing .... )



I just looked at the clock and it is 11:36pm.  I had no idea, as it is still day time outside, but I guess I'll pull down the shades and hit the hay.


Another big day tomorrow ....