Gorgeous Drive to Fairbanks
The drive to Fairbanks was a pleasure, beautiful, clear and sunny all the way. The roads were dry and well-maintained. It always seems strange to pass through the deserted, boarded up village of Denali Park when only a few months ago it was alive with tour busses and people everywhere. Now the traffic lights are shut down, snow drifts block the streets and not a soul is in sight, even the gas station is closed!
The tourists are missing a fabulous time of the year, winter in Alaska. All summer they seek the northern lights only to be disappointed that they are hidden by continuous daylight. Now, with darkness and crystal clear skies the aurora borealis entertains all night long. And, wildlife abounds. Gone are the leaf covered thickets and densely foliated forests that provide hiding places, only thin bare branches screen wildlife from view. Hidden by summertime clouds many tourists never see Mt. McKinley, but it was clearly visible for hours during our drive.
And, as a special treat, three moose hung out along the expressway just a block from our hotel in Fairbanks! Only in Alaska.
Gail Niebrugge, Alaska Artist
