Fairbanks – Alaska
In December 2022, my daughter and I took a trip to Bozeman, Montana going via Alaska for a quick visit with one of my “ice” friends who I met in 1993 in McMurdo, Antarctica. She was working on her Doctorate in Marine Mammal Biology at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. I was one of a number of “Kiwi’s” working in McMurdo as support staff at the time.
I had travelled to Alaska twice previously, both times during the Summer. This time was even more special as it was during the Northern Winter.
It was quiet the adventure to even get to Fairbanks. We were delayed in Los Angeles for 24hrs due to bad weather in Seattle and Alaska. Thankfully we were able to stay with some wonderful friends in LA. We arrived in Seattle the following day and were delayed a couple of hours due to a broken tow-motor (needed to push back the plane form the terminal), icing on the wings of the plane and then it was touch and go as to whether we would get off the ground due to bad weather coming in again. We arrived in Anchorage late at night, only to be told that we had to wait for new aircrew as the crew scheduled to fly us to Fairbanks had been on duty too long to be able to crew a plane. We arrived in Fairbanks sometime after midnight. As my Mother-in-law says, “Making Memories!”
We left Brisbane at 35ºC (95F), arriving in Fairbanks at -16ºC (3F). Alaska in the Winter is stunning.
If the weather is yuck in Fairbanks, check out the Museum of the North at the University. We enjoyed looking at the exhibits which are well displayed and informative.
Hours and Admission Information is – HERE.
Museum Information is – HERE.
If you are able to get out to Chena Hot Springs, it’s worth the trip. We spent ages in the hot Springs, had a meal and a drink in the restaurant before taking a tour of the “Ice Bar” – Aurora Ice Museum just for something different.
Chena Hot Springs Information – HERE.
If you are looking for more experiences and adventures go visit the Explore Fairbanks website.
Discover more from On The Road and More
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
