July 2019 – Fairbanks, AK – Alaska Trip Part 6

Heading South from our time in Chena Hot Springs the lone road from this area brings you back to Fairbanks, AK. We have clearly realized our favorite camping spots are usually off the grid, in more remote areas, though given we needed to catch up on some laundry and it was 4th of July weekend we reserved the last spot at River’s Edge Resort & RV Campground for the long holiday weekend.

Arriving at River’s Edge Resort we had a bit of confusion at the check-in desk. Did we have a reservation? Would we fit on the site? The actual cost of the site? ..and the list went on… After finally looking at the site, and determining we would fit, we completed the check-in and headed to the rv/vehicle wash area they had advertised. This wash area was weak at best and very expensive…Joanne & I always work as a team, at these wash areas, trying to move as quickly as possible on the limited time with the water-hose that gobbles quarters like a banshee! After spending $20.00, we had the bulk of the heavy dirt off, though were left with a dirty water cloud haze on both vehicles still… UGH.

Next challenge, before actually parking on our site, was disconnecting the tow car. You never know when another inconvenience can surface on this “Revolutionary Journey” and today, when I went to pull the electrical tow cord off the mini, the entire receptacle came with it… UGHx2. While the problem wasn’t critical today it had to be fixed before our scheduled departure several days from now. Joanne & I teamed up again, as it literally took 4 hands to fish the wire through with 2 pairs of needle nose pliars and then try to screw the nut back onto the bracket. It’s was an annoying bleep on the day, that seems like no big deal, though took significant time to fix.

While the park had good laundry facilities, and was convenient to many of the local attractions, we felt the sites again were a little tight for our taste. Since there are only a few large adequately equipped campgrounds in the area, we discovered that this is a favorite spot for many caravan groups visiting. We actually counted 3 different caravan groups passing through during our time here. Most of the carvans had about 18 rigs in their respective groups. We actually talked to a Fantasy Tours Caravan Host/Wagon-master, who was very informative, and explained many of the advantages of being with a caravan. Maybe some day we might consider one of these, though we really like the freedom of being on our own.

Like most RV Parks this RV -Life always proves to be a social community. People are always there to talk to and we all know Mike can talk! As we take a walk around the campground we always meet up with wonderful people and get to chatting! We had put our laundry in before starting our stroll and when we went to move it to the dryer the door was closed – AND LOCKED! With a note saying – “Closing time was 8:00pm- NO EXCEPTIONS!” Guess we’ll have to get up early to get our clothes into the dryer! We are not the only ones. Some people still had clothes in dryers too… Whatever… we’re fortunately retired…

Given the amount of hiking we had started doing we decided Mike was in a desperate need of some new hiking shoes while in Fairbanks and we headed to the brand new REI store to do some shopping. Before leaving REI Mike had a new pair of Oboz Hiking shoes, a pair of Chaco sandals, and Joanne had a new Patagonia vest. I guess we blew this months clothing allowance at REI. Boondocking saves money on camping and probably shopping opportunities … as well. We need to get back to it after leaving Fairbanks and the big city…

Our time in Fairbanks, AK was spent touring the city including stops at The University of Alaska Museum of the North, Pioneer Park, The Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitors Center (Home to the NPS too..), Creamer’s Field (Migratory Waterfowl Refuge), and The Trans-Alaska Pipe Line Viewpoint…

Downtown Fairbanks, AK

Downtown Fairbanks, AK

Statue in Golden Heart Plaza in downtown Fairbanks, commemorating the first settlers

Creamers Dairy/Creamer’s Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge is a 2,200 acre (7.3 km²) bird sanctuary, located within the Fairbanks North Star Borough in the U.S. state of Alaska and partially within the city limits of Fairbanks. Among the birds that flock there in the late summer during their migration South are Sandhill Cranes, several different varieties of ducks and of course …Canadian geese. Creamer’s Dairy, also known as Hinckley’s Dairy, comprising the barn and five other historical buildings, was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1977. We actually visited here twice. First time we were ill-prepared as apparently you need sufficient bug spray and also binoculars. Arriving here on the second day we were ready and headed out on the Boreal Trail. The trail is 3 miles of easy walking through woods, wetlands, boardwalks, and ponds. The vegetation and bird wildlife all were intriquing.

Creamer’s Dairy

Creamer’s Dairy

Creamer’s Dairy

The Trans-Alaska Pipe-Line is a memorable part of Alaskas history and impacts every resident of the state with a yearly stipend extended once a year. While the pipe-line is an engineering marvel that has impacted local and global economies, it was constructed with detailed precision to try to minimize environmental impact both aesthetically and functionally. It is hard to believe the scale of coordination, planning, and engineering that went into the project some 40 plus years ago. The first pipe of the Trans Alaska Pipeline System was laid in 1975. Construction began March 27, 1975 and was completed May 31, 1977.

The Alaska.org website says it best:

“It took 70,000 construction workers and $8 billion of investment capital to build the famous 4-foot silver pipeline that twists it’s way through 800 miles of Alaskan wilderness to reach the nation’s refineries, crossing mountain ranges, earthquake zones, permafrost, and rivers. Some 420 miles of the pipeline are elevated (with 554 animal crossings), and outside Fairbanks is the place to see it. Interesting observation: Every hour, more than a million dollars of black gold flows through the pipeline.” – Now that is definitely a “Revolutionary Journey…”!