Fairbanks–back to civilization (July 15, 2012)

Before pulling into our rave park on the Chena River in Fairbanks, we stopped at Santa Land where Connie had a good time with Santa with a little “lap time”.

We were treated to a town tour and out to the Alaska pipeline.

The pipeline was built from 1974 to 1977 and runs over 800 miles, crossing 34 major streams/rivers and 500 minor streams and rivers.   The first barrel ran through in 1977.  Most of the line is 48” in diameter and at present, 5 of the 11 original pump stations along the line, can move 20,000 to 60,000 barrels per minute.

The Alaska pipeline has “pigs” in it.  Say what?

Then off to the river for a ride on the paddlewheel, “Discovery” which stopped at a re-invented native village showing how the natives lived, hunted and survived.  Also, their beautiful handmade clothes from leather and furs.

 

A bush pilot gave us a demo of a take-off and landing on the river.  Main mode of transportation up here with the size of the state and the lack of roads.

Then a demonstration from the bank of the river by Dave Munson, who is Susan Butcher’s widower and still runs the dog kennel they owned together.  Before she passed away 6 years ago, she held the title of the woman who had won the 1000 mile Iditarod more than any other woman racer.  Dave doesn’t race in competitions anymore but is still a big promoter and breeder.

The very next day, we all traveled in our trucks and cars to visit personally with Dave Munson and listen to him tell about the races, the dogs and answer all of our questions.  He only does this “cookie and ice cream” get together with Spike and his tours, so we really felt privileged.   One of the ladies in our group, Randy, got all dressed up by Dave in Susan’s racing clothes and gear to show us all of the layers it takes to stay warm in temperatures down to 60-70 degrees below zero.  She was such a good sport and warm!

We all enjoyed the puppies and the dogs.  The racing dogs are not what most people envision.  These dogs don’t own an ounce of extra fat.  They truly are athletes and they absolutely LOVE to run.  No one has to convince them to run.

Tomorrow, July 19 we leave for Denali National Park.  With all this rain, we’re hoping hard that we will get to see the mountain – Mount McKinley.  The natives have always called the mountain Denali – “The High One”.