Fairbanks II

After some much needed rest (most of us slept 8 hours), breakfast and laundry we decided to tour. Our first stop was the Akyeska pipeline, more than half of the 800 miles of the pipeline are above ground. It was started in 1975 and completed in 1977, was privately funded at a cost of 8 billion dollars, it carries 1 millions barrels of oil per day which is about 5.2% of the US daily consumption. The above ground portion of the pipeline runs in a zig zag fashion, this allows for the pipeline to move on its supports and to help protect it from earthquakes.

Our next trip was to the Chena River Hot Springs. On our drive we saw 4 moose and some beautiful views of the Chena River. We arrived after a 50 mile drive at the hot springs and were rewarded with the smell of sulfur and a man made pool of hot water. We all expected hot water bubling naturally from rocks, we had lunch and went back to Fairbanks.

Tonight we celebrated Dads (now belated) 60th B-Day at Pikes Landing. This restuarant has a huge deck overlooking the Chena river, while were there a paddle wheel went by, several boats docked and a float plane landed. We had a great time teasing Dad with a very special birthday cake. Afterwards I stopped in the parking lot of our hotel and took a picture of this 1946 Aeronca, the plane isn't notable the time is. I took this picture after 11pm and not flash.