Re-Entering the Interior

Driving north from Valdez, the Richardson Highway follows the pipeline all the way to Fairbanks. Here is a shot as it comes back above ground after going under a river....



crossing a river.....

and with Tom and Truck....

Now we're on the Steese Highway north of Fairbanks. There since 1996 is Fort Knox Gold Mine. Alaska's largest operating gold mine....has produced nearly 3.5 million ounces of gold since 1996. Here is a picture of their water spout....they are doing hydraulic mining. (this picture is out of order...should be further down...)

Back on the Richardson Highway, here is a shot of the Alaska Range, Mts. Deborah, Hess and Hayes looking across the Tanana River.

and at the Knotty Shop, here is one of the larger breeds of mosquitoes.....

On the Steese Highway north of Fairbanks, here is Poker Flat Research Range, operated by the Geophysical Institute, University of Alaska Fairbanks. Primarily under contract to NASA, dedicated to auroral and upper atmospheric research. Only University-owned scientific rocket launching facility in the world and the only high latitude and auroral zone launch facility on US soil.

Just another summer day on the river....the Chatanika River....

And then on to Chena Hot Springs, outside of Fairbanks. Open year-round for over 100 years, a wonderful resort area. These are some of the original log cabins still remaining...

the hot pool.....

and the Aurora Ice Museum....actually an ice hotel open year round. Kept at 20 degrees it is full of various ice sculptures including a bar that serves apple martinis in ice glasses, while you sit on ice bar stools at the ice bar. There are also 3 rooms available for nightly rental, if you're so inclined. We weren't. Next it's on to Fairbanks and the arrival of Breanne's little girl on July 30.