Alaska Wrap Up

We had a few priorities on this trip: to see the northern lights, a killer whale and a moose. When we met up with David and Arlene, we added a sea otter to the list. Fortunately, we got them all.

Who knows what next year will bring….

Native Cultural Center

David and Arlene had an extra day in Anchorage after Mike and Chris departed.

Text and photos for this entry courtesy of David.

This was a charming place, filled with pride, history, and the fun and the whimsy of dancers of native dance. I estimate the dancers ranged in age from 6 years old to late 80s I marveled at the skill and beauty of the many creations from beautiful fur parkas to the tools used for hunting and the knots and ropes created as a testimony of the clan’s history. I was disturbed by the history of the schools and churches with presentations of mistreatment, sexual abuse, and the requirement that this wonderful creative culture was forced to comply with “white culture.”

Odds and Ends

A few more Aurora photos; why not? After all, it was the central reason for the trip. 🪐🌟🪐

David is a bird photographer! In addition to his many other talents, David can now add bird photography to his repertoire. This is a magpie jay he got with his cellphone in front of Dimond Center Hotel. Nice capture!

Some scenery from the train. Early in the day - since eventually in Alaska everything begins to look alike 🫢. And no one was quick enough to catch a shot of the one swimming bear. 🚞🚞 12 hours!

The pipeline! We drove by it on the day we went moose hunting, but then our Aurora guide, the other Mike, told us there was a specific viewing place where you could actually go up close, and it wasn’t far so Mike and Chris popped by.

When a yogi travels and is without her props, a waste basket is a good substitute 🧘‍♀️

Antique Auto Museum (not to be forgotten!)

Fantastic collection of antique automobiles at the Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum in Fairbanks. Many reviews on trip advisor and the guide books said this is not to be missed even if you are not an auto enthusiast. Mike had to work but Chris, Arlene, and David got to spend some time perusing all the super cool cars! And they all still run but for a few.

In addition to the cars, they had actual antique clothing. Next time I go ice skating, I’m getting myself dolled up in an ensemble of yore!

The autos were pristine and several employees were around with feather dusters keeping them shining. Lots of “do not touch” signs making me REALLY want to touch them 😛. Fortunately there was one you could actually sit in.

Very impressive that they had a suit that belonged to Bing Crosby!

More photos from Arlene and David’s extra day in Anchorage at Dimond Center Hotel

The long strips on the wall near the cafeteria are baleen. The part of the jaw of a whale that filters plankton and small fish.

The other photos are just small art pieces which just seemed fun

Hope for the best! 😂🤞

Mike and Chris are at the airport and Arlene and David have today and tomorrow to enjoy on their own.

Should we have had them sign a waiver for being unsupervised? 🤔

Nah, I’m sure the big kids will stay out of trouble.

Gorgeous scenery throughout

We certainly saw some very impressive and beautiful mountains and trees and wide open spaces. But how about these two beautiful girls! The loveliest in all of Alaska. Go sisters!