Fairbanks

[Bethers]

Decided to take a few days in Fairbanks. Haven't touched the blog yet - will probably do that catchup after I get to Valdez. Did get my oil changed on the rig at the Ford dealer here. I remember I did that 3 summers ago, also. It always feels good when they tell me everything is looking good.

Saw lots and lots of sandhill cranes today. I'm going back there tomorrow and will do the 2 mile hike - and hopefully see more of them and other waterfowl. It's a migration area, and must be the cranes time.

For those coming to Alaska - I elected to stay in a state park in the heart of Fairbanks this time - the Chena River State Recreation Site. They have dry camping sites and w/e sites ($17 or $28). It's in walkable distance to two major grocery stores, but once you get in here, other than, yes, you can hear some road noise, by looking, you have no idea your in town. And it's nowhere noisy like the stores parking lots are. I really don't like doing those anymore other than an overnight on my way somewhere quickly. Getting fussy, aren't I?

Oh, yesterday I saw quite a few moose. The first one and I almost had a collision. I had my heart in my mouth for several miles after that. She showed up in the flash of an eye. She and I both responded quickly, and between us, we avoided an accident. Whew. No pics of that moose - I just sat and breathed deeply for a couple minutes. Pics of a couple others - when I get to the blog! The near miss meant I just had to get ice cream later that day. Yum. And I'm still waiting for bullwinkle. No bull moose for me 3 years ago, and so far this trip all females. No matter. Love them all.

[Liz]

Glad to know about the state park Beth. Where did you see the cranes? Looking forward to the blog update.

[bluepinecones]

So glad you and the moose didn't collide!
Looking forward to the blog update.

[BirdbyBird]

Glad you both had such good reaction times. enjoy checking out the city again. Your summer isn't over yet so there may be a bullwhinkle in your future yet!

[VickieP]

Beth, you need a dash cam!

[sharon]

Yikes! I loved Fairbanks....but then I loved all of the places we went! LOL! Glad you and Miss Moosey were able to avoid meeting. Have fun chasing down the cranes.

[Echo]

So glad that you and the moose didn't get personally acquainted!!!

They are an awesome and majestic animal. I remember how excited I was in NH when the mom and calf crossed the road in front of me.

[AlmostThere]

It took me a few years learning to drive here in WA and not to continuously scan the ditches for moose. They aren't too bright when it comes to passing vehicles. Instead of turning and going back into the woods, they will try crossing the road at the last second. Glad you are safe.
Late May is calving time so keep an eye out for those babies, too.

[snowball]

really glad that you are safe continue looking and bet you will find Mr Bullwinkle
sheila

[cpatinjones]

I have been keeping up with you thru your blog. Loving your journey.