6/15/2015 Week 3 in Fairbanks

We stayed an extra night in Denali, and broke camp Monday at noon. We had lunch at 49th State Brewery. Lots of stuff in the yard, but one thing of interest was the bus where Christopher McCandless lived & died in the movie Into the Wild.

Rock Pool - Hot Spring

By the time we got to Fairbanks, it was late, so we camped at Rivers Edge RV Park. We had a riverfront site. The next day we met Laurie's brother Jim at Chena Hot springs where we spent a couple of nights. Chena is currently owned by a man who runs a large Recycling operation. Water at Chena comes from the ground at 155 degrees, and is used to heat the buildings and the hot pools. In addition they have a prototype turbine that uses a combination of the 155 degree water and an R-134a fluid to make steam and generate electricity. http://www.chenahotsprings.com/geothermal-power/

Moose and Calf in pond next to the Rock Pool

On Thursday we went to Jim's house in Fairbanks. And Thursday evening we went to watch Jim at Band Practice for the Fairbanks Community Concert Band. This is a very professional group of volunteer musicians, some active military, some retired and many  folks from the community who just love music.

Friday evening was Foodstock at the Howling Dog Saloon. A great 3 day music festival on 2 different stages.  Admission was $5 or 5 cans of food and all proceeds go to help the local community.
Saturday evening we watched the Midnight Sun 10k Run. It started at 10pm and finished at midnight. There were about 3,000 runners, many in crazy costumes.
Sunday was the Solstice Festival in Downtown Fairbanks. Lots of food vendors, 3 stages with constant entertainment including the Fairbanks Community Jazz band, with Laurie's brother Jim playing trumpet.