Tuesday, July 12, 2011

We saw several moose as we returned on the Chena Hot Springs Road, including this one playing in the water and diving under the water. 

After breakfast (that's right, another"Chena Fresh" salad) at the Chena Hot springs Resort, we stopped at Sam's Club and then returned to our RV campground.  We unpacked and headed for the Alaska Raw Fur store just a few blocks away.  They had everything from tanned animal skins to leather jackets, hats and gloves, to bolts of material, to beads for crafting, and books and more.  It was interesting but I walked out without any purchases.

Just 12 miles south of Fairbanks is the North Pole, a little town that celebrates Christmas all year round.  Streets in town are named after Santa, Frosty the Snowman, and Blitzen the Reindeer.  Although the town is not the exact geographic North Pole, it is the summer home of Santa Claus. It's a town where 1,600 residents leave Christmas lights up all year along with candy canes and garland.  I sat on Santa's lap and even LeRoy put his hand out to shake hands with Santa and have his picture taken. Wait until Brady sees that! 

Took a nap and went dwntown to Big Daddy's for BBQ ribs and chicken.  Supposed to be famous as Dave Ferraro of the Food Channel filmed a show from here.  We are breaking camp early tomorrow morning and moving out to Denali Park.  Lots to do to get ready to pull out.