Sandhill Cranes
by zrim
Worth a trip to Alaska in itself. As we were driving around Fairbanks, generally getting ourselves lost as we looked for a place to lunch, we passed a sign for the Cramer's Field Migratory Refuge. Looked as though it had possibilities, though we lunched first.
On our return we parked the car and started along the path past various wetlands--saw enormous numbers of interesting waterfowl, but nothing we hadn't already seen. Then all of a sudden we heard the most outlandish trumpeting noises. Several sandhill cranes were flying overhead making the most riotous sounds imaginable. They circled and landed in a far off flock of birds. As we trained the binoculars we saw that the entire group were sandhill cranes.
We headed in their direction marveling at these huge four foot birds. We saw several males engage in their odd jousting domination dance. And we saw several more land and take-off--quite a feet given their size and gangliness.
"The Unknown First Family" Statue
by Stephen-KarenConn
Although Captain E. T. Barnette is credited with establishing the city of Fairbanks, the Tanana Valley has been inhabited by indigenous people for thousands of years. This statue appropriately gives homage to the unknown first people to discover the area. It is located in Golden Heart Park, bewteen the Chena River and the Log Cabin Visitors Center. This statue/monument is surrounded by a beautiful fountain and flowers in summer, and is one of the best known and loved landmarks in Fairbanks.
See the moose! We always...
by worldtrekker
See the moose! We always seemed to get moose visiting us at the campground in the early morning and late evening. They came to this little stream to drink. This is only meters away from our tents. They also walked in between our tents on occasion. Fascinating! They are very aware of your presence and can be quite skittish to fast movements.
Dumpster diving
by AKteri
A local custom not for the faint of heart is dumpster diving.
There are several Transfer Sites located around town which serve as a staging area for the borough's garbage.
Many patrons leave with more than they brought.
Diving can be competitive and there is an unspoken code of ethics. For example: If a patron is inside a dumpster, do not enter.
All kidding aside, it really is a fun thing to do and you wouldn't believe the things that can be found.
Some of our best finds: a hardly used multi burner gas grill, a sound system for my computer
Rain drops keep falling on my head.
by Grazina
Always carry a small package where ever you go, that way your not always running back to you hotel room for things you forgot...for they will all be in you little magic bag. In August I wore a light blazer and thick undershirts, the air was a bit chilly and the evening and nights were brrrrrr. Good walking shoe such as tennis shoe...DON'T forget to bring an unbrella, you never know when the next rain will fall. Your in America USA here, so not to worry about these little things that we take litely. I live in a tourist town, so things are going to be prices, as any tourist town. But, I myself I buy at a local store (Mal-Mart), buy all you films and what nots there before you travel off, then your not running around looking for a film shop and wasting valuable time off from you vacation. I work around water all the time, and I not an outdoors kind of person. But if you are going to camp, beach, out alway bring the proper gear: Here in Alaska I would say a wetsuit for swimming, and for camping in a tent on the ground in these part you would need a 1" high dences foam (Evergreen), And lots of hot COFFEE. As long as you do your homework and bring all that you think you need and not so much of other uncalled for necessity you'll be fine.
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Always something special at the Howling Dog.
Lindy swinging at the Silver Spur.
View of the Ranges
Quite a predicament... in ice
