Friday, February 2, 2018: Fairbanks, Alaska

Last night when we landed it was cold but beautiful even in the dark.  About a week ago, this area had temperatures warm enough for rain.  However, the temperatures dropped, so there was ice everywhere.  The moisture turned to snow, accumulating to at least 10 inches.  This whole storm produced beautiful effects on the trees, shrubs and roofs.  They have also had hoar frost – which is fog at freezing temperatures and the moisture sticks to the landscape. As we drove to the hotel in the shuttle we could see the beautiful snow accumulation on the trees. 

We made arrangements for a taxi to be at the hotel at 6:30 this morning to take us to the breakfast Rotary Club.  It was a great Club, and well attended.  I really wasn’t ready to get up, but then again by now it was 9:00 in Iowa, and we are always up by then, so why not attend a breakfast meeting. 

The Club Secretary offered to take us to the airport, which was great.  We picked up a Silver, Rav 4 Toyota.  It has 4-wheel drive, and the winter package – which includes a heater cord.  If the vehicle is allowed to cool down more than 4 hours, it is advisable to plus in the engine.  This allows the engine to start easier, plus it warms the interior much quicker – which is a blessing!           

Back at the hotel we saw Yukon Quest (YQ) personnel gathered – some in groups, some having meetings, and the YQ 300 Mushers were registering.   Veterinarians were also gathering – Cal talked to a group that had Vets from S Dakota, British Colombia and Australia.  The YQ300 Mushers were also registering at this time.

Snow Ladened Trees 

Sun Rise - 9:30 am

Veterinarians checking dogs

We packed our stuff in the hotel room and found Cal’s brother Wilbur, who was ready to go. We went downtown Fairbanks to check-out the start location, and the gift shop.  Wilbur wanted to buy something before it was picked-over tomorrow by those attending the race. 

We found a cute coffee/sandwich shop called the Fudge Pot, where we had a cup of soup and sandwich.  In the afternoon we drove to the University of Alaska which overlooks the valley.  We visited their museum on Alaska.  By 3:15 we drove to north of Fairbanks to the home of our PEO B&B. Jean & Bob are our host.  Jean had told me how to get into the house, as she was working late, after which she had to pick up a granddaughter.  Jean is a Family Practice Doctor and Bob is an Civil Engineer, specializing in Artic Sewer Systems.  Bob has patents on several of his designs. They have 5 children – 2 boys and 3 girls. The oldest son is a Surgeon, his wife is also a doctor.  Two of the daughters will be doctors, one is finishing residency and the other is still in Med School.  The other daughter is in early childhood education. The youngest son is a senior Engineering student.  Four of the children happen to be here this weekend, and the girls are going to be making a wedding dress for the daughter who is getting married in May.   It is an extremely active busy household. 

Immaculate  Conception Catholic Church

Rachel in Ice Sculpture

Soon after they arrived home from work, they invited us to go with Bob to the Community Theater production tonight. We first stopped for a bite to eat at a busy restaurant, so by the time we arrived for the show, it was one-minute till show time.  It was about a trip across the Antarctic.