Northern Streamin': Tok, Alaska to Fairbanks, Alaska

Setting out this morning is bittersweet. We will come to the end of the Alaska Highway when we reach Delta Junction. How can that be? We really have lots left to see and do and we are far, far from home, but still and all the end of the fabled Alaska Highway seems to be coming too soon.

The drive today is beauty as usual. Crossing Robertson River Bridge shocks as we look down to see the river flowing out from under snow and glaciated ice looking to be about 10 feet thick. The ice is water-color glacier blue. The clear sunny day seems at odds with the ice and snow. Then we realize that the river begins at the terminus of Robertson Glacier.

When the highway passes through an area of permafrost or muskeg the trees are stunted. It seems north facing slopes are prone to the crooked little trees. The warmer south facing slopes nurture tall dense stands.

In Delta Junction we find the monument that marks the end of the highway. The visitor’s center provides a certificate that states the bearer has completed the drive. We have ours rolled up and protected in an empty paper towel tube. It’s interesting to note that Fairbanks also claims the distinction of being the end of the highway but history does not bear it out.

There’s a farmer’s market nearby set up in log cabin-like booths. We come away with loot in the form of homemade bread, peanut butter and chocolate chip cookies, garden fresh green onions and cucumbers.

We head out towards Fairbanks on the Richardson Highway stopping along the way at Rika’s Roadhouse on the south bank of the Tanana River. This is a historic site with a collection of log structures preserved and furnished as it looked in the early 1900’s. The park-like grounds complete with chickens and a penned lamb provide a great place for a leg stretching stroll.

Crossing the Tanana River we have a spectacular view of the Alaska pipeline. It’s suspended above the river and it looks just like …..a pipeline!

My Milepost tells me there’s a place called The Knotty Shop which features burl wood sculptures, but what’s more important is they offer a free scoop of ice cream if you bring in their Milepost ad. Done! Cute place, generous scoop, chocolate brownie in a cup with two spoons.

Last stop before Fairbanks is in North Pole, Alaska. They play on the Santa/Christmas theme big time. Mistletoe Lane leads us to Santa’s house where several live reindeer languish in their pen. Santa is “in the house” and available for a chat. He wants me to sit on his lap; actually he leaves me very little choice. So, big photo op and then we’re pretty much out of there.

RV park on the Chena (long e) River. Serenity among the big rigs.

Wildlife count: 0

Airstreams: 1

Miles: 202

Gratitudes: PKB: free ice cream JMB: there’s a Freddy Meyer in Fairbanks!

Gin Score: J: 1125 P: 1135