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 
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.