The kids wanted to go back to the Chena River and hang out for the day Sunday but the parents won and we took a long drive north to the Arctic Circle. We had driven as far as the Yukon River in the spring before the leaves were on and the ice was out. The day started out a brisk 32 degrees and warmed up to 65. We were hoping to drive out of the smokey haze we've been living under for a few weeks from wildfires but it prevailed all the way so we couldn't see the beautiful views, oh well! The Dalton Highway is the only road going north all the way to Prudhoe Bay on the Arctic. It is mostly gravel...miles and miles and miles of gravel. They were spraying water on parts of it yesterday and turning it into a mud road. Not sure why. I meant to take a picture of our vehicle at the end of the day but forgot. We couldn't even think of playing a c.d. the road was so bumpy and there were no radio stations way up there, no cell phone coverage. It's a good thing the kids enjoy each other's company. We were grateful to find one place that sold gas at the Yukon River so we could top off the tank. Most people travel with extra gas but not us! Where's the adventure in that? When we arrived at the Arctic Circle there was a man from the DNR handing out certificates that say we've been there...nice. We cooked lunch and the guys fished at Fish Creek next to the 'circle'. It was another fun and beautiful day. Now that we've made the Arctic Cirlce trip we're thinking it's time to get a new windshield. They'd probaby impound our vehicle in Iowa but here we fit right in!
Yukon River visitors center. Notice the pipeline crossing the river alongside the bridge.
Got this unguarded shot of Steve's 'real' crooked, one-dimpled smile!
The Alaska Pipeline in Fireweed. There were purple fields of Fireweed everywhere.
This is the Finger Mountain area. I thought for a moment we'd been transported to Wyoming. Never seen anywhere in Alaska (so far) that looks like this.
And of course the kids had to climb!
Cookin turkey dogs (wieners to you, Mark) at Fish Creek.
Another fishing spot.
The gnats and mosquitoes were bad so Maggie started experimenting with homemade repellents and actually made one that worked (with Sarah's help).
A nice size Grayling to take home.
The girls have no problem filling their time while the guys fish. Moriah and Grace made an Eskimo village that included drying salmon, homes, gardens, dock, and boat. This is Moriah's.
Grace's home and garden.
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