Monday, August 5, 2013

Fairbanks-The Beginning

 
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We began our trip in Fairbanks; our lodge was on located on the Chena River and surrounded by wonderful flowers, river views and lots of bronze statues.
 
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Our first morning we went on the Riverboat Discovery tour of the Chena River which ends at the Tanana River.  I began to understand why people fall in love with Alaska; we saw so many things that were new to us. 
 
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You have to look closely at this photo-the wing of the Float/Seaplane looks like it is part of the Riverboat. We have been intrigued with Seaplanes for a long time and watching them on our favorite Alaska shows has deepened those feelings.
 
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Need I say more!
 
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In the past, I've never been one for Log houses or cabins but this one certainly changed my mind.
 
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For all of my adult life, I have followed the Iditarod whenever it was televised. I watched and cheered on Susan Butcher as well as others. When we planned this trip, I was excited to see some dog sled compounds; I was even more excited when we took the Riverboat right past her husbands compound. Sadly, Susan lost her fight to Leukemia in 2006. Her husband, David Monson, demonstrated summer training and exercise of the dogs. Later, I met him and purchased a children's book titled "Granite", the story of Susan's lead dog. Susan and David wrote this book when she was hospitalized. I was very impressed by David and the cleanliness of the area where he keeps some of the dogs. We also met one of the younger gals who is training currently for the Iditarod.
 
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David's team is pulling his ATV(without an engine)for their regular exercise.
After we saw David and his team, we went on to a replica of a Athabascan village; I learned so much about the different cultures and peoples.  I hope you've enjoyed part of our first day!
Blessings to you,
Noreen & Hunter

17 comments:

  1. It is beautiful. I know you already know what is the only thing on my MOM's bucket list... Alaska. The remote leave her behind for a week or more and then come back and see if she is still alive. Looking forward to seeing more and watching my MOM's eyes glaze over.
    Blessings,
    Goose

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  2. How beautiful. Whenever I think of Alaska, I think of snow. These pictures look almost tropical!

    :)

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  3. Wow!! I love the river views!! I've always wanted to go to Alaska!! How neat that you saw some of the sled dogs! What amazing dogs!! Thanks for sharing your trip with us!!

    Blessings

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  4. Wow!! I love the beauty of Alaska need to put that on our bucket list!! I am glad you had such a wonderful time. I am wondering if you by any chance run into Sarah Palin? LOL

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  5. Great fun for me to see these photos. I have a friend who lives in Fairbanks and Joel and I have always wanted to go to Alaska...so beautiful there. What fun for you!

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  6. Wow.....what gorgeous country!! I can't wait to see more! I am so glad you had such a wonderful tome!!!
    XO Kris

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  7. Beautiful, Alaska is on my wish list to visit sometime

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  8. Wow...these were soo beautiful! What great shots you got. Soo glad you had a good time. Looking forward to seeing more!

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  9. Such pretty photos and how very interesting about the dogs. Thank you for sharing this awesome trip with us.

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  10. So glad you are home safe and sound. Looking forward to more about the trip.

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  11. Wow ... what gorgeous pictures. I'm so glad you were able to see some sled dogs ... I know that was a thrill.

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  12. Beautiful! Maybe one day we will go there . . .

    Your Pals,

    Murphy & Stanley

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  13. How very beautiful! Mom says one day she hopes to get there = maybe we can hope too - those sled dogs were great to see. Their home looks so very clean.

    Can't wait to see more.

    Woos - Phantom, Ciara, and Lightning

    Pee Ess - Mom is home, all went well, she is still numb. Here's hoping it did some good. Thanks for your prayers.

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  14. Hello, So glad you had a wonderful time. Those photos were really beautiful. It was sweet of you to thank your husband for taking you on the cruise. Sorry about the hail damage that happened while away. Life is always interesting and kinda keeps a girl on her toes :)
    Blessings, Roxy

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  15. Wow-How very beautiful. It sounds like you got an education, too. I have always loved watching the sled dogs. Hope you have gotten some rest- xo Diana

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  16. Being a Siberian and all, the Iditarod is part of my heritage. I've been an active participant in years past. You know ... following along via the internet. True story.
    Play bows,
    Zim
    PS: GORGEOUS pix!

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  17. It looks beautiful there Noreen! What an adventure indeed!! Look forward to seeing more!
    Xo Jeanne

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