Hi there! Long time, no see. Sure, I popped in a couple of times to post and run while I was in the wilds of Alaska, but that hardly rates as quality time, does it? No. So here I am.
Let me tell you a bit more about my trip and the fun I had.
First, the trip up was quite good. Only two different planes and NO turbulence.
Flying over the area surrounding Fairbanks, I marveled at the verdant waves the trees created on the hills. Occasionally, a streak of black road would appear and then it would disappear into the trees or turn to pale gray or dun. Water sparkled in lakes and rivers, winking as if they knew secrets they’d gladly share if only I would come closer once on land. The hills rolled below the mountains, light giggles leading up to full belly laughs of nature. Or maybe it was stern parents overseeing the hills and their childish ways. I couldn’t be sure from up where I was. Another mystery to unravel once on the ground.
Arriving in Fairbanks, it was a touch overcast, but not overly so. And I didn’t much care because once I saw a bald eagle in flight over the parking lot, I was ooohing and aaahing to beat the band. The airport itself, well, it’s rather small and charming. It’s the sort of place you feel welcomed. Even lowly tourists (I refuse to use the other word) felt welcomed.
The sun eventually broke through the clouds and by the time we’d had dinner (at 10pm), I was in utter awe and deeply smitten by the place. There’s a certain sweetness to Fairbanks that goes beyond “small town charm”. It’s a proper city, just more or less a city on its own terms, like most of its inhabitants.
The people all seem to know one another. I guess that’s to be expected in such a cozy place. If one is in sales or perhaps works at the local grocery store, I’m sure you learn who everyone is quickly enough.
Dwellings range from trailers, trailers encased in buildings, tiny homes, grand homes. Whatever seems to fit those choosing to call the structure “home”. Yards tell as much about those inside the houses as the houses do. Some hide down long driveways, while others barely have three feet between them and the road.
The few stoplights seemed quick to me. Not so to my chauffeur. “It takes forever!” And the few cars we passed were gone in the blink of an eye. Again, not so to my chauffeur. “I hate this traffic!” Hell to one is Heaven to another, I suppose. Though, it’s obvious this grumbling was all for my amusement. It worked.
As I mentioned before, dinner at a late hour — with the sun shining — was intriguing. And the late light allowed us to see a few more sights before heading to a warm, comfortable sleep, which I desperately needed.
Morning came quickly, but it was welcome as I was eager to get started. There was much to do and I couldn’t wait to get at it. A walk with the dog, a warm bagel and some cranberry juice, and a quick stop to get supplies, and we were on the road to adventure. Tame adventure, sure enough, but still…it was Alaska! And this, my friends, is where I leave you as I dig through photos to share with you later.
P.S. I finally added a travel category. Please bear with me as I eventually work back and add that to previous posts. Don’t expect miracles anytime soon though.
