Sunday, July 26, 2009

UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA AT FAIRBANKS

The campus is quite an impressive skyline site when entering Fairbanks
from the south.
We hiked a trail that is used by the University of Alaska at Fairbanks
for research and experimentation.
While walking, we heard a strange humming for several minutes that
sounded like a low key air raid siren before encountering a huge
parabolic dish antenna.
KC and I thought the dish was used for directing a Martian landing; it
actually is used for receiving signals from earth observing satelites.

Saturday, July 25, 2009

DAY OF RECOVERY & PREPARATION FOR TRIP TO PRUDHOE BAY

Friday, July 24, 2009

OSLO CARLSON
1991 to 2009
MAY HE REST IN PEACE
HE PROVED TO BE A SEASONED TRAVELER

Cremation:
Mt. McKinley Animal Hospital
Fairbanks, Alaska

Thursday, July 23, 2009

DRIVING THE DENALI TRIANGLE

Today we drove from Brushkana Creek to Cantwell to Fairbanks, via the
Parks Highway.

After ordering a spare tire and rim, we returned to Brushkana Creek
via the Richardson Highway to the DenaHighway, only this time we did
not have the trailer.

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

TRAVELING ALONG DENALI HIGHWAY - ALASKA ROUTE 8

The Denali Highway is a gravel road that follows the Nenana River for
135 miles from Cantwell on the south to Paxson on the north.
While the travel is slow, top speed is about 30 MPH, the drive is very
scenic and one can understand why this route has been designated an
Alaskan Scenic Byway.

Well, our travels this day are not without challenges; we got a flat
tire on the trailer and ruined the tire rim.
After changing the tire, we returned to the Brushkana Creek
Campground, about 35 miles from Cantwell for the night. We will set
out for Fairbanks tomorrow in search of a new spare tire and rim.

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

MAJESTIC MT MC KINLEY

North America's highest peak at 20, 320 feet and is the crown jewel
of Denali National Park although it is only visible 30 to 40% of the
time in the summer.
It is amazing something that big can completely disappear. In 1980,
Denali National Park was enlarged from 2 to 6 million acres to protect
Mt Mc Kinley
on all sides and to preserve the habitat of area wildlife. I guess we
were lucky to see at least the peaks of the mountain.

Monday, July 20, 2009

A QUAINT RAILROAD TOWN

Telkeetna, Alaska

This small town began as a trading post in 1896. The population
boomed during construction of the Alaska Railroad.
Telkeetna is the jumping point for many activities in Denali. There
is an Alaska Railroad stop in Telkeetna for a ride to Denali or
Fairbanks.

Sunday, July 19, 2009

ANOTHER TRAVEL DAY

Spent the day driving from Kenai City through Anchorage to Talkeetna.

Happy Birthday Joe!

Saturday, July 18, 2009

SALMON ARE RUNNING ON THE KENAI

Soldotna, Alaska

Sockeye and King Salmon are running on the Kenai River.
Fishermen abound and are fishing with dip nets as well as rod and reel.
Some are even lucky enough to catch their limit of three for the day.

Friday, July 17, 2009

ROCK CLIMBING ON THE BEACH

Captain Cook State Recreation Area on the Cook Inlet near Kenai, Alaska

Thursday, July 16, 2009

EXPLORING THE TOWN ON HOMER

Today we hiked on The Homestead Trail before heading to town to browse
the artist shops, stop for some refreshments and enjoy the beautiful
Kenai mountains and Kachemak Bay scenery.