Fairbanks, North Pole, and Reindeer v. 79

We had been watching the Northern Lights forecast for the dates we would be in Alaska.  2 days before we arrived, there had been a solar flare- a significant event, since it fires up the colors, and expands the viewing area.  We arrived by train at about 8 PM, and Bob headed over to the airport to pick up a car.  We were starting right in!  We talked to folks in Anchorage who told us to go one way, then we talked to folks in Fairbanks, who told us to go another...hmmm.  We took the Fairbanks advice.  We headed to the Hilltop- best burgers and the last truck stop before heading north 500 miles to Prudhoe Bay on the Arctic Ocean.  Ice Road Trucker country!  The kitchen had just closed- it was 10:00- our inner clocks were a bit off.  The waitress and cook saw our disappointment...and said no problem- order whatever you want.  We had burgers, of course, and some pretty awesome pie. We asked there at the Hilltop where we should go, and a trucker in line behind us said to follow his Pete until he flashed his lights where there is a rest stop and a great view.  "Pete" is a Peterbuilt truck- didn't know that at the time....  We parked at the rest stop, waited, waited.....  nothing.  At about 12:30 we started back to the hotel.  Bob drove for 15 minutes, I dozed, he looked up, WOW!  Dancing colors, green arches, purple, blue, and green streaks all above us.  We found a place to park, and loved the light show.  

These folks are serious about northern-ness!

   

We went to Mass at Immaculate Conception Church.  From its description, our hotel is on the location that the church was built on in 1904, and moved across the river from in 1911.  The townspeople wagered on the success or failure of the big move, and Father Monroe prevailed.  It was quite an event!  http://www.alaska.net/~icc/historyNonBroad.html

Running Reindeer Ranch is a very special place.  These are some big animals, who are very comfortable around people.  We took a walk through Jane's big back yard, learning about the boreal forest, and reindeer habits, habitat, and hierarchy.  We fed them some lichen she had gathered, then went inside to enjoy cookies.  The visit was more educational than I expected, with Jane showing us a collection of antlers that the reindeer shed every year.

Baby reindeer 5 days old!

An added reindeer bonus:  Newborns at the university!  We were able to get as close as about 20 yards to take pictures.

A stop at North Pole Alaska was highlighted by a visit to Santa's house.  Those elves are very busy- there was lots of extra stuff that we could buy!  Santa wasn't there, but we could sit in his chair for a bit.

I think Santa has enlisted the help of experienced toymakers...hmmmm

On the way back to Fairbanks we found some awesome ice sculptures outside a dentist's office.  I guess he was making up new uses for his drill on a slow day?

I'll write about dog sledding next.  There is just too much to show and tell for one post!