This is the 16th in a continuing series about our trip to Alaska
Maybe after today’s article, I can stop talking about the roads. After what is known as the worse stretch of roads going to Alaska, The Top of the World Highway [see PART XV, which can be accessed at blog.rv.net/author/barry-zander], we have arrived in Fairbanks, a fairly typical U.S. city of 33,000 and with 70,000 in the “interior” or non-coastal expanses of the state. All the major retailers are here, and for us, we see a chance for relaxation in the days ahead – but not yet. After nine hours of playing tourist today and another full day tomorrow, we’re on our own for two days before departing.
Statistics about the number of people who brave the harsh winters here probably aren’t important to you as an Alaskan traveler or a prospective one, and besides that, we hear lots of statistics that change depending on the teller or brochure. Alaska, with its 1.2 persons per square mile, also has 3,000 rivers (or maybe 4,000), many of which we have already crossed in our two days in the state. I’m even more impressed with the estimate of 3 million lakes. Where does that 1.2 person stand? Probably in water.
Here are some other interesting observations. Monique and I think that at this time of year there are at least three times as many RVs on the highways as cars. The wildflowers along the Richardson and other highways make the long stretches of roadway enjoyable. The state flower, the forget-me-not, competes with fireweed and other colorful wildflowers for attention all along the way.
We also believe that here are 2.4 gift shops per tourist here with no sign of any having trouble staying in business for four months a year. We encountered several of them in one of the most orchestrated tours we’ve seen since Disneyland. The Binkley family has put a day or more of historic and profitable information in front of us, from the Riverboat Discovery III ride, which passes a world-renowned sled-dog training facility, gives very interesting information about the river and its history, and then stops at the replica of a Chena-Athabascan Indian village. Definitely a place to see while in Alaska.
In the Athabascan Indian Village, Panning for Gold & Watching Campion Sleddogs
As an added memory, we met Dave Monson, who runs the training facility and husband of the late Susan Butcher. Susan was the first woman to win the prestigious Iditarod sled-dog race in 1986 and went on to repeat the feat in 1987, ’88 and ’90. Hence the saying, “Alaska, where men or men and women win the Iditarod.” And on our way back to the dock, Mary Binkley, who fashioned all these events, came out into her yard and waved as the riverboat passed.
After lunch we took the gold mine tour and then all 300 people panned for gold. Each participant found gold in his or her pan – real gold from real panning. Our cache was appraised on the spot for $52, not exactly the mother lode, but gratifying.
Oh, and you may have heard that you don’t have to worry about where to stay at night … you can just stop on the side of the road for the night. We haven’t really seen RVs doing that, but, of course, most of our driving has 
been from 9 to 5. However, we have seen “No Camping” signs at all the large pull-outs. It could work out to sleep in roadside pull-outs during the day and travel at night. Since there is no real night, you won’t miss any sights, but the museums and attractions will be closed. There are no RV spaces available in our campground in Fairbanks now.
If you feel confident enough to drive to Alaska on your old tires, you can take advantage of no sales tax, but that’s true in Oregon and Montana, also.
It rained today, which is a very unusual occurrence since Fairbanks averages about 11 inches of precipitation a year, almost qualifying it as desert. Our tour bus driver told us that going outside when the temperature gets down to -40 is akin to getting hit by a baseball bat. We don’t want to personally verify that.
Smoke from forest fires that can burn in the buried vegetation for 25 years can be a problem. That smoke comes from Siberia as well as Alaska. One more road alert: the dreaded frost heaves, dips and humps in the pavement or gravel, can sometimes be expected when you see “drunken” or leaning spruce trees on the side of the road. Growth of the trees is stunted by permafrost. They can’t get a strong footing, so they lean. This isn’t foolproof, just another indication that there may be problems coming up on you quickly.
While the lion maybe king of the jungle, the “doyon” or chief of animals in Alaska is the wolverine. Truly a nasty beast.
Now for a few more pictures from the past two days. There is so much to see that the sprinkling of photos I’ve included in this and past articles doesn’t even come close to telling the story. I just hope it whets your appetite enough to brave the Top of the World Highway and visit the Last Frontier.
The Famous Alaskan Oil Pipeline at Fairbanks -- A Few Feet of the 800-Mile Project
The afternoon rain has turned into a very rare thunderstorm. We are celebrating the dim light outside, and maybe it will clear the air for when we reach Denali in a few days.
From the “Never-Bored RVers,” We’ll see you on down the road.
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Jerry X Shea
Also want to see XV – Make sure you go to Pioneer Park and go in the -40 degree room. You only go in for about 4-5 minutes, but you sure get what it is like to be in really cold weather. Also to the Air Museum – it will surprise you what they have in there. Keep posting.
Jerry X
Margie
Hi Barry and Monique,
I live in Anchorage and have been enjoying your posts about your trip up to Alaska, especially since I bought my first RV a couple of months ago, became a fulltimer, and will be heading out later in the summer for a two year trip around N. America. I just realized today after reading his latest email that we have a mutual friend in Sam C. How ’bout that?
When do you guys get down here to Anchorage? It would be great to catch up. I’d love to see my first RV Caravan! Please feel free to email directly.
Cheers,
Margie
Chris Clarke
Hi Folks, I’m really enjoying your driving diary and am happy to say that I found part XV. It was fascinating. Here’s a suggestion, open up Google Earth and you can “drive” along the stretches of “road” that you adventurous sorts are following. There are photos taken along the way just like in the cities and some other picturesque one taken by others who have travelled it before. However, the pictures that Barry & Monique have included are great, diverse, and really add to the experience.
Thanks for all that you have given us so far.
Chris
Dick and Cindy
We were in Valdez last year on the 4th of July. The town put on a free hotdog lunch and everyone was invited, even we visitors. Then later, before the fireworks, they provided, free, a giant fire and s’mores. Then some fantastic fireworks. Nestled down there at the foot of the mountains, just off the ocean, it was quite a sight. Some friends we met there took pictures of the fireworks and I was surprised you could see the display since it was still daylight! Wonderful memory.
Garry Scott
Keep it up, fasinating reading, from Garry scott England UK
macsly
That is 392 miles from Whitehorse to Tok. And I wish that Barry and Monique had stayed here for our July 4 celebration.
macsly
I’m a new RVer who lives in Tok. It is 392 miles and in the car we make it easily in a day. Most of the road is pretty good except from the border to here. The Top of the World would take you several more days, first to Dawson then down to Tok. We are headed down the road in September for the first time in 36 years. I expect some changes.!
Old Gray
I’m also hoping to find out about Chicken: Blog post XV! Loved XVI. Great writing, great pictures.
Jane
I also missed your XV post…went to blog.rv.net/author/barry-zander but it was not on there…Can you re-post it? I also look so forward to your adventures and hate to miss XV….sounds like that might have been rather exciting…
Norm Bakemann
So how long should it take to drive our 40ft Motorhome with tow car from Whitehorse to Tok , be there in a week
Brian Morris
Thought for a minute I had missed your post XV but it appears many others did also. Looking forward to saving and reading it along with all of the others. Brian
Jim & Glenna Penny
We missed XV as well ! Look forward to your installment daily. Thankyou
!
Don & Irene Ritchey
Yes please post #15 for us either you were to discusted with the road conditions “over the top” or ???
bob west
Yes I too am reading and wanted to hear your take on the TOW as you seem quite sensible. I chickened out last year and didn’t go to Chicken. The road around Destruction Bay was no treat but I think better than the TOW.
ft-rver
What happened to entry # 15? Yes, we are keeping up with you with great interest and enjoy the blogs very much. I am keeping a full pdf library of your Alaska trek. Thank you.
Wayne Cunningham
Last year we made that trip with our Classc and another friend and their little travel trailer.
Having come from southwest Florida we spent 10 weeks in Alaska.
We are enjoying every post about your trip, comparing notes and laughing as we recall the same things. We drove about 22000 miles and were gone 6 months.
The trip of a lifetime.
Stay safe and there are three places we suggest for eating experiences.
Itchiban in Fairbanks
The brewery in Fox ( can’t recall the name) but it is a very small town. Probably the best meal in all of the 6 months gone.
The Fresh Catch Cafe in Homer.
When they say fresh they mean it. I watched the fisherman bring in the fish and scallops right off the boat and into the kitchen.