Fairbanks, Alaska!!!

Finally here! Set up camp in Pioneer Park, a smaller version of Greenfield Village. We toured the village and then went and saw a small portion of the 800 mile pipeline. Very impressive. It took 3 years to build starting in 1974 and finished in 1977. The pipeline goes thru 3 mountain ranges and crosses over 800 rivers and streams. The pink and magenta flower (fireweed)along the side of the pipeline were also abundant along the Alaska Hwy. They bloom in late summer and fall. Legend is once the fireweed reaches full bloom, winter is 6 weeks away! They looked pretty full bloom to us.

Alaska has the longest stretch of coastline, has more mountains then buildings and is celebrating 50 years of statehood (1959-2009).

Rode our bikes to the ball field to watch the semipro baseball team, the Goldpanners, play tonight. They won 6-5. They play every June 21st at midnight without lights. We were there until 10:30 and still can see the sun. It is unbelievable. Didn't see the northern lights and probably won't because of the long days of sun light.

We also saw a glimpse of Denali and Mt McKinley. The Athabasca Indians refer to Mt McKinley as Denali "the high one". Most of the mountain is covered by snow and ice all year. We are going to spend an entire day there on Friday or Saturday and have a much closer look.

Alaska has a term BEAR FOOTING, which is a verb meaning having a good time on the road. Also it is a state of mind, when your journey becomes more important than your destination. You know your BEAR FOOTING when you find yourself standing beside a mountain or river and can't remember the day of the week. Whats more, you don't care. Andy and I are BEAR FOOTING!