Guess what?? When we woke up this morning it was still raining. We called for a late check out and played Farkle until lunch because it was raining. We watched the news and packed for the airport. While we packed, we realized we had some leftover food, water, and supplies. Earlier we had noticed that there were some homeless people living nearby in a park, so we stopped by and gave what we had to them. We always like to do this at the end of the trip. They seemed thankful.
Since it was still raining, we drove around Fairbanks to catch some of the ambience. We were able to see the big antler arch, the giant painted steam pipes, and several statues. Afterwards, we decided to head to the Aurora Ice Museum because it would be a nice indoor thing to do in Fairbanks.
How BIG is Fairbanks??? The Aurora Ice Museum is on top of every list of Things to do in Fairbanks, however not one list says that you have to drive an hour and a half to get to it. Dorothy
told us it was 61 miles, but it took even longer than expected because of more road construction. This road construction included some paving and reflectors without lines, but it also included pot holes and deep dirt that hit the bottom of the car. Much of the road to the Ice Museum had Buck bucking us like a bronco.
In the middle of nowhere and literally at the end of the road, we arrived at the Ice Museum. Inside the museum it was 25 degrees so we bundled up to start the tour. Although beautiful inside, it took no time at all for us to be ice cold. Inside there are many beautiful sculptures and even a bar where you can get appletinis in ice glasses. And, if anyone is interested, there is a hotel inside the ice museum with beds and everything – all made of ice – and you can spend the night for $600. It was all we could do to survive the tour and, now had a confirmation that yes we would have frozen to death before starving to death back in the pioneer days. While we were in there, we talked about
how cold 50 degrees below zero must be (thats the temperature when its optional for students in the area to school). Just think, 50 below is 75 degrees colder than that ice museum!!! Brrr!!!
After the long trip back to Fairbanks, the rain was slacking off so we stopped at Pioneer Park to get out and eat at the Alaskan Salmon Bake located there. They cook the salmon outside on an open wood grill. It was delicious. When we were done, we walked all around Pioneer Park and saw many interesting log houses that are original to early Fairbanks. Some had their history printed on the outside while others were open to tour. Posted near the door to the schoolhouse was an introduction to chainsaw class for women. Anybody want to go?? This building and many others are still being used today (a 100 or more years later). While we were walking around the sun FINALLY came out bright and strong. Sadly, we only had one hour left before heading to the airport. Well, at least our day ended on a bright note.
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