Faibanks, Alaska. home to approximately 100k people and a lot of wildlife. Capitan ET Barnette opened a temporary trading post here in 1901 and when Felix Pedro discovered gold in 1902, it became a permanent post.  in 1903 is was named Fairbanks and became an incorporated city.

i’m here with my Mom, and we started our trip with a city and heritage tour.  we were the only people on the tour, so our guide was flexible about what to see, and since it was a beautiful day we spent most of our time outside.  we had a quick drive through downtown, stopped into a curling club (becasue why wouldn’t you when the door is standing wide open) saw the University Alaska Faibanks Museum and Botanical Garden.  we then headed off to see the Alaskan Pipeline, some musk ox and Pioneer Park, which used to be called Alaskaland.  welcome to Wally World.

although Pioneer Park was a little touristy, it was fun and free.  lots to see and learn, plus funnel cake.

we ended our day with a trip to Chandalar Ranch to see the Nothern Lights.  they were spectacular, and i do have pictures which you won’t see yet, as i really need to to find the best ones to share, as there are a lot and most are just crap.  it’s really hard to get get a good photo……lots of trial and error.

since we didn’t get back from light viewing until 3 AM it was a slow start today, and we’re just getting ready to head out to brunch.  after that we will take a walk along the river and check out the town.  we might go back over to Pioneer Park for a bit and visit the Center for the Arts and the Pioneer Museum, which we didn’t see yesterday.  

at 4:30 PM we get picked up to head to Chena Hot Springs for a bunch of activities and hopefully another night of lights.