The Last of Fairbanks

(Note: We were out of Internet range for a couple weeks so I'm catching up... this was written on July 2)

We're coming up against 2 weeks in Fairbanks. We've still got a few things to do and see on our list before we leave.

Birdwatching at Creamer's Field

On Monday, we went to Creamer's Field Wildlife Preserve. This is a bird refuge that is operated and maintained by the State fish and game department. It serves as a migratory stop for several species that pass through Fairbanks twice a year. A number of species travel as far as South America, and one goes all the way to Antarctica, based on records of banding birds here and finding the bands there.

The Field is just that, a large field which was part of Creamer's Dairy Farm for many years. The open pasture with several permanent ponds provided a perfect place for birds to stop and rest. Hay and grains that were raised for the cows, along with seeds recovered form cow dung provided a feast for the avian travelers. The state acquired the farm in the 1970s, the farmhouse is an interpretive center. Well built paths around the field provide walking space for the many visitors. Covered viewing areas along the entry road provide space for bird watchers to spend afternoons or evenings watching the birds come and go. While we were there, a flock of sand hill cranes were mostly sleeping alongside one of the small ponds near the viewing areas.

Sleeping Sand Hill Cranes
The mile long walk along the edge of the field leads to the main office of the Alaska Bird Observatory, a scientific organization whose mission is to gather and report on the health of the avian community in Alaska. A biology team was working in the main room while we visited. A gift shop offered numerous birding books and other related items. We bought some trail mix and water to quench our thirst and hunger. We returned to our car and our home.

Pink Plumes on the Trail

On Tuesday, we planned a 60 mile trip up to Chena Hot Springs, northeast of Fairbanks. The weather was wonderful, sunny and temps in the mid 70s. Chena Hot Springs Road is a paved road up to the springs. Along the way, we stopped for a hike in the Chena River Recreation Area, another large state operation. The recreation area has facilities for camping, ATV trails, many places to enter the Chena River for kayak or canoeing, a shooting range, and trails which ranged from 1-1/2 miles to Angel Rocks or 35 miles for the adventurous backpackers. The road crosses the river and numerous creeks in many times, and many ponds and still backwaters also line the roadway. We were told that the moose are there, but you have to look for them.

We came prepared for the hike. I had my photography monopod which I use for a walking stick when I'm out hiking for pictures. Consuelo picked up an adjustable walking stick in Fairbanks soon after we arrived there. Both got a lot of use on this hilly, rock trail that followed Angel Creek. We also made good use of our bug spray, as swarms of mosquitoes followed us up and back. There were few mountain views, but there were lots of wildflowers to take pictures of. We got a good look at Angel rocks and then returned to our car. Thumper went with us, and got a couple swims in the cool river.

We continued up the road, on the constant lookout for moose, but mostly hungry for lunch. We finally arrived at the resort. This year round, off-the-grid facility is quite a place. 80 rooms provide lodging for guests who come for extended stays. Our first stop was the restaurant, which had a nice menu and was situated in a wonderful old log lodge building. Prices were steep, but we were at the end of the road to nowhere. We spent $50 for a roast beef sandwich, Alaskan haddock and chips (best fries Consuelo has ever had, she says) and one slice of cheesecake between us. Well worth it, though.

After lunch, we walked around the grounds, checking out the various pools and ponds. One is designated as a skating rink. We also looked at the lodging, which ranged from dry cabins to yurts to hotel style rooms.

Chena Hot Springs

The hot springs are offered for relaxing in a large outdoor pool, water temp around 105 degrees, no kids allowed. The kids have an indoor pool for their use, along with a couple hot tubs. Locker rooms are showers provide changing space, with a day use fee of $8 for seniors like us. We changed into our bathing suits and went into the outdoor pool for a bit, then went in and played in the pool with the kids. Consuelo went to change, and I took one more trip to the outdoor pool. It was all very relaxing, but it left me wanting to take a nap afterward. But we still had to go home.

Driving back down the hill, we took our time and looked more carefully for moose along the way. We saw a mother and calf at the far end of a pond, did a quick U-turn and got some pictures. A few miles farther down the road, a stopped RV clued us into a solitary bull in another pond. More pictures.

Grazing Bull Moose

I noticed that the relaxation from the hot springs lasted well into Wednesday, when we took a ride over to the Fairbanks Farmer's Market. We've now found that early farmer's markets tend to look the same, a variety of crafts, home made jellies, honey, breads, woodworking, etc. Very little produce at this point, and what there is must be hothouse, and is very expensive. $6.00 for tomatoes is a bit too much for me, though probably worth it for the taste.

We had planned to take a look at North Pole after the Farmer's Market, but I was too relaxed to shop anymore, and Consuelo's shopping urge couldn't overcome her desire to relax, too. So we stayed home, napped, and watched a movie, Blood Diamond. I got a few pictures of the setting sun a little after 11:00 PM.

On Wednesday, we packed up our home to move on down the road. This took a while, since we had time in 2 weeks to spread out quite a bit. We finally got underway about 10:30, traveled down to the little town of Nenana, where we shopped, bought a couple things, and had lunch. We then continued down the Parks Road to Healy where we stopped for the night.