Monday, June 21 started out with off an on heavy rain but we managed to leave the campground at Tok about 7:30 am on the way to Fairbanks. At Delta Junction we stopped at the end of the the Alaska Highway - we made it!
Just outside of town you have a first sighting of the Alaska Pipeline which in this case is crossing the Tanana River via a suspension bridge which is 1200 feet between the two towers and this is the second longest bridge for the pipeline. In comparison, the steel truss bridge to the left is only 783 feet long.
We had a great lunch in Fairbanks at Soapy Smith's Pioneer Restaurant--Alaskan King Crab Cake Special. Yummy! Then we rushed down to buy tickets to the 105th Midnight Sun Game which started at 10:30 pm. Gates opened for early entry at 8 pm and we were there. The world is a small place--the guy in front of us grew up in Cuba, New Mexico and he and John traded NM stories. Behind us was a teacher from the University that has a sister-in-law in Rio Rancho! When the game started, between the Fairbanks Goldpanners and the Military Heroes it was totally bright light and here is an image of the field at 12:05 am this morning 6/22 when the game is stopped for the signing of the Alaska State song and a ceremonial pitch of another ball. Great experience.
Before the game we went to the Museum of the North at the University of Alaska which is not only a beautiful building, but it had interesting history and beautiful art. One of the pieces of art provides an opportunity for interaction, to a degree. Created in 2005 it is titled, "The Great Alaskan Outhouse Experience." You are challenged to sit on the throne, as it is, and find about 10 items. What a hoot!
Tomorrow we are taking a day trip up to Coldfoot and the Gates of the Arctic National Park and Perserve. Thursday - Monday we have a reserved space at Denali National Park.
Ummm...so, what were the ten items that John thought of and the ten items that you thought of???
ReplyDelete: )