Fairbanks

Well we made it to the top of the world! Or at least as far north as our budget of time and money allows on this adventure. :)

Fairbanks, AK, (64.82 N) is extremely far north, less than 120 miles from the Arctic Circle. It is roughly on the same parallel as the northern Swedish city of Skellefteå and Finnish city of Oulu. Apart from those cities, this parallel is sparsely populated due to its cold climate.

It's the largest city in the interior of Alaska (32,469 city and  100,605 metro area), second only to Anchorage as the largest city in Alaska. It doesn't feel big to me. But adequate and homey. :)

The airport was fascinating to us with many, many backcountry airplanes sporting big tires lining the ramp. The airport also has a float plane lake and there are many float planes on the ramp as well. When we landed and pulled up to the self-service gas pumps we waited on and admired an immaculate orange Cessna 185 on floats. It is a jaw dropping view to a pilot or aviation enthusiast. :)

Doug found our restaurant for the evening meal and since we just snacked at Denali National Park we were good and hungry after a day of flying. The meal was an authentic Alaska Salmon Bake, with the main course of Silver Salmon (grilled right in front of us), deep fried Alaskan Cod, and prime rib, plus all the trimmings served in an outdoor setting beneath a grove of Aspen trees. An amazing and pleasing dining experience. :)

Besides being the farthest north we would go, Fairbanks was the apex of our trip in another way. From here tomorrow we start our last day in Alaska, then join the ALCAN Highway for the long flight home across Canada and the Western United States. It's bitter sweet, but we couldn't be happier! We've seen everything we set out to see and more, with "ridiculous (great) weather," as one of our pilot friends who also flew to Alaska this summer remarked. :)

We're grateful and humbled by all we've been able to see, and the good fortune and good people we've met and enjoyed along the way.

Tomorrow the journey continues, and the adventure continues, to the Southeast, towards home. :)

Did I Mention It's My 42nd Anniversary Today!
I Love You, Elizabeth! Thanks for the clandestine cards and bear!
And for being a most excellent wife!!! :)