This post holds quite a few pictures, so I’ll try to keep my words simple and let the pictures speak for themselves…for the most part.  Since I forgot to bring my camera with us on September 2nd, I’ll move along to September 3rd and share our visit with Dan and Rita in Fairbanks.

Our first stop was the Great Alaska Pipeline

A sign stating distances of where things were in terms of where we were at the moment.

I liked the Visitor Center distance at the top stating “not exact but close enough”.  As you can see, the Visitor Center was pretty much a stones throw from the Pipeline.

Dan has a lot of knowledge regarding the Pipeline and we were happy he shared with us

On to the next stop – Creamer’s Refuge – Creamer’s Farm took on a new meaning when they made available grain the Migratory birds in the 60’s.  Each year 1,000’s of geese and sandhill cranes gather to store up enough energy for their flight south.

Hubby and Dan check it out

Preparations for a long flight

Next Stop – University of Fairbanks Museum known as the Museum of the North – What an amazing structure.

Flowers – oh how they do stop me in my tracks.  The group was way ahead while I held flower studies on the grounds.

Oh dear flowers, I can’t pass you by without capturing a little snippet of your beauty

And so it goes – I took pics at the speed of lightning so my hubby, bro and sis-in-law wouldn’t have to wait long.

Just one last picture before heading into the Museum

This is the guy who was in charge of meet and greet at the entrance – I offered a friendly smile

And hubby offered his wallet while I continued to smile and hang on…

Moving right along…Here we have the skeleton of the woolly mammoth – I had no idea these creatures existed and well adapted to the glacial environment.  Fossil remains can still be found in Alaska.  The Mammoth could be as large as 14′ at the shoulders with tusks as long as 13′.

A male steep bison – this body was discovered in the summer of 1979.  It was then excavated and stored in a freezer until the mid 1980’s.  Then the taxidermy was performed.  How amazing is that?

An old Alaska Kayak – I love how this is showcased with paddles ‘n all.

On into the museum we enjoyed many works of art.  Here is Rita checking out this massive painting.  I really like this picture of her.

Next stop:  The Georgeson Botanical Garden – It’s used for research and provides food banks with produce.

Simply amazing

and beautiful

and full of surprises – It’s huge!

Pretty pumpkins and such

Such a pretty pansy – Love the color

The garden is well thought out and flowers and vegetables grow in harmony

The splash of pretty blue sky made such a beautiful background

and again

I don’t know what I expected but I certainly didn’t expect all of this in Alaska

Flower box – overflowing color

I enjoyed the unexpected

But this big blue eyed beauty was the prettiest of them all.  Her mommy let me take her picture and I didn’t hesitate.

What a little sweetheart – I wonder if her mommy made that beautiful dress?

Next Stop – University of Alaska Large Animal Research Station – A little visit with the musk ox – We got there too late for a tour but we enjoyed these animals.

Next on the list – First Friday aka Gallery Night!  Rita fell in love with this lovely painting and her hubby purchased it for her.

And what better cross street to find her painting than on the corner of Well and Good?

Off to the Alaska House art gallery

Loved this place – I brought up the tail end all the time as I lagged behind taking pictures.  There was never a question if I were in the front or far behind.  I was always the last one.

Onwards to Pioneer Park’s art gallery – but first things first, pictures!

I don’t know about you but I was so surprised to see so many beautiful flower gardens in Alaska.

I realize these pictures have nothing to do with gallery night.  But we were in Pioneer Village and when something cool shows up, pictures are sure to follow.

Nenana is her name, she measures in at 237′ long and was the largest sternwheeler built this side of the Mississippi.  Here she rests as a National Historic Landmark.

The Harding Rail Car – resides at the park.  It was used by President Warren G. Harding in the 1920’s when he visited Alaska.

The Harding Rail Car rests below that beautiful shelter.

Back to museums and goodies – I was specifically looking for a pottery piece.  The candle holders on the right intrigued me but they were not the ticket.  I think it had to do with a certain piece I saw the previous day and was not able to get it out of my mind.  Oh the choices…

After visiting 5 or so galleries we moved along to Wolf Run Restaurant for dinner.  For some reason, I got so tickled with this picture as you can see my hubby turning around to make sure I was still with them.

Loved the stained glass door of Wolf Run but didn’t like how the picture turned out.

But what I can say – Great place, delicious food and amazing atmosphere – What a nice day!

To be continued…

Blessings – Debbie