Headed out from camp in the AM. The tilted RV had been removed! Drove past Chicken (again) and finished the Top of the World Highway headed to Fairbanks. However, these guys were not helping.
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Every time we went around a bend here was another group. None were interested in exiting the road.
We were staying at the Fairbanks Community Garden, a Harvest Host, who graciously let us stay 3 nights instead of the usual 1. We pulled into the Garden Saturday afternoon. Knowing we were staying for several nights felt so luxurious!
The Midnight Sun Festival in downtown Fairbanks ran 12: to 12: PM so we walked into town to check it out. I don’t have any pictures, but just close your eyes and imagine any county fair you ever attended and you’ll get the idea.
Now, “Midnight Sun” festival, you ask? At this latitude at the summer solstice sunrise is 2:57 AM and sunset is at 12:48 AM. It never actually gets dark! For me personally, that was interesting for maybe 3 nights. Then it just disturbed my sleep. One other problem is the pets – they don’t wear watches or read newspapers so when it’s light, it’s time to be awake! In any case, I bought a sleep mask…
Next day was Father’s Day and we had nothing planned! This was the first time since our departure! Andy settled in to watch the Masters’ golf, and I used the time to get groceries. There was a Costco! A great R&R day, and a great Father’s Day dinner.
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Monday brought another first. After all these gravel roads and dust, the rig was filthy. We found a car wash with an RV bay and washed it down. The bay has ladders on each side so you can reach to the top. We got $20 in tokens, then another $20. It was very dirty, and very big
Tuesday morning we visited the Alaska Museum and the Botanical Gardens, both of which were excellent.
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But the main event was that evening:
The Midnight Sun Baseball Game!
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The Alaska Goldpanners v. the San Diego Waves. The stands were packed. The energy was palpable.
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This game was the pivot point of the whole journey. It is played every year on the summer solstice. It begins at 10: PM and there are no lights! Andy’s dad Leo played in this game in 1946 and told the story often. Being at the same game 76 years later was a truly special moment.
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Next stop Denali.
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