Fairbanks, Ak. We make the turn.

How to correct a problem viewing the Map

I've heard a few folks were having problems viewing the map that

shows were we are and where we've been.

Long time Blog Follower Bruce sent me the following info a while ago

and I'd like to share it with you.

The map did not appear when I first clicked the link. 

However, when I clicked on the Tools menu of Windows Explorer 10,

 then selected Compatibility View,

 the map appeared without any problem. 

Thought I would mention this in case anyone else has the same problem. 

Thanks Bruce for following along, and thanks for this helpful info.

If anyone continues to have any problems let me know and I'll try to help

troubleshoot it.  If you haven't yet checked out the map - it's kind of neat.

When we have internet it shows our current position.

Anyway...

We are in Fairbanks, Alaska.

This is our northernmost point of the trip.

From here tomorrow we being the long trip back to the lower 48.

Our pace from here will pick up a bit as we have our good friends from

Switzerland flying in to RV with us (and some more of our friends) and

they arrive in Seattle on July 20th.

The fun will continue to roll!

Our weather in Fairbanks has been not what one would expect in Alaska.

We left the cool temps (highs in the low 70's) of Denali

and arrived to mid 80's in Fairbanks.

We are in an RV Park with the AC on for the Doodles.

Go Figure.

Our drive up from Denali yesterday was an easy one.

Only about 140 miles and we spent last night and tonight at the

Rivers Edge RV Park on the banks of the Chena River.

Along the way we passed by Skinny Dicks - a Fairbanks institution.

I was unable to get a photo as we went by too fast but I got this

off of the internet.

The name and front decorations are only the tip of the iceberg as I understand.

After arrival Dave came over and asked if we wanted to go for a Canoe or Kayak

paddle down the river and we said sure.

We got the gang together and about a hour and a half after arriving we were

floating down the rain swollen Chena River.

What better way to spend a hot day than on the cool Chena?

I guess the only better way would be on my own boat out

at Cape Lookout floating in the warm Atlantic but that's for another time and place.

We passed by the Riverboat 'Discovery' which we will be taking tomorrow.

We capped off the evening with an Alaska Salmon Bake at Pioneer Park.

All you can eat Prime Rib, Salmon, Crab Legs, and beer battered Cod.

It was served from outdoor grills and food stations and then

had the choice of outdoor tables or indoor.

Unfortunately all the outdoor tables were taken so we were indoors.

Then at 0900 this morning we were boarding the riverboat "Discovery II" for

our three hour tour.

(can't you hear the Gilligans Island Music Playing?)

First on the tour was a float plane demonstration.

Float planes are an integral part of the Alaskan lifestyle and economy.

The roads only reach the population centers.  All of western Alaska and most of the interior

has no roadways and the only way in and out for people and supplies is by air.

A mother duck and her ducklings have no such transportation problems.

Our next stop was Trail Breaker Kennels.

Started by the late Susan Butcher - 4 time Iditarod Sled Race Winner.

The kennels are now run by her daughter.

We enjoyed and informative talk and saw the dogs in action pulling a

4-wheeler around the property.

At the end of the run the dogs headed straight for a swim in the cool river.

Next stop down stream was a replica of an Athabascan Fish camp and village.

The Athabascans are the native people of interior Alaska.

We came ashore and learned about the lifestyle and history of this

first nation group.

The coat being worn is a traditional everyday coat that would have been worn in

the winter.  Today it would cost over $10,000

Behind and to both sides are ceremonial coats made of Moose hide.

It takes weeks of hand processing to turn a Moose hide into something that can be worn.

Our boat tour was another 2 for 1 saving from our Alaskan Tour Saver Book.

This saving was $60!

Total Savings to date $363.00

Book Cost $99.00

We saved $264.00!

After our boat trip (a very worthwhile day)

we took a quick ride out the the Alaska Pipeline.

Over 800 miles long the main pipeline transports oil from the North Slope Oilfields

to Valdez, where it is loaded onto tankers.

(remember The Exxon Valdez?)

This is a "pig"  (not Kate wise guy)

A pig is inserted inside the pipe at a pump station and travels thru the pipe to

the next pump station.  It's fins scrape and clean any wax or paraffin buildup from

the pipeline and also prevents and surging of oil in the pipe resulting in smoother

flow and less energy needed to move the oil.

Tomorrow morning we are on our way east and south.

Where we will end the day is unknown.

I want to put on some miles in order to "bank" some time

that we can use later when we are at some places that will be really neat.

So stay tuned.

There is a lot more adventure ahead.