Two young 50-something females. One big adventure exploring the Americas. Have liquidated everything they own and packed a Saturn Vue with bare necessities to set out on this journey. Planting seeds at each juncture symbolizing their new growth. With an open mind and heart, ready to get a true view of this world.
Showing posts with label fairbanks. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fairbanks. Show all posts

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Bridges to Denali




The grand finale has arrived! We board the train to Denali this morning. This is what we've truly been waiting for.











The train is all it's been promised to be. Our little group has an entire car to ourselves and the glass domed windows gives all of us an amazing vantage point, as well as a very comfortable ride. We will be on board for about 4 hours. The rain that has been threatening seems to be keeping at bay. We're ready for an amazing time!










Bridges abound on this particular rail section, making a beautiful route even more scenic.







Our train hostess keeps us informed of areas to take particular note. It's all beautiful, however.




Breakfast is served in the dining car below and we enjoy one of my truly favorite luxuries. Dining rail cars are just fun! And, the food served is very good - a bonus! A salmon burrito seems like the thing to have and it does not disappoint whatsoever.





Back in our domed seating area, our friendly bartender is serving Bloody Marys, spicy and delicious! Really, is there anything better than this? Oh yea, the destination is Denali!!!




Celeste continues to balance photography shoots inside and out the car, she and Stephen having particular fun today. He poses with his famed Mackinac Island hat (which, unfortunately, he loses en route.)


As we near the park, the last hour is a spectacular gorge. A section closest to our end point boasts rafters, who wave to us from our towering ledge. We will be in their seats tomorrow morning!

As the train makes it's final turn into the station, we are afforded a sneak peak of our lodge. It's been a beautiful trek in and we can't wait for what this amazing wilderness has in store.

There are pictures galore on this post, but it's the true feel of what we experienced and I want you all to enjoy, as well!

Monday, July 26, 2010

There's Gold Up in Them Thar Hills



After our dredge tour, we venture just around the corner for the true highlight of the day. A little train ride with the requisite entertainment begins this excursion.










Our ride through a mining tunnel with instruction along the way is really fun. But, the event we've been waiting for is found at the top.

After a little lesson, and a demonstration of the process in progress, it's then our turn to grab a bag of "dirt" and sift for our jackpot. All of us sure today's our day to strike gold!!



Robert can't quite let those rocks wash away, some of his fortune could be in there. Celeste and I come up with a few flecks, but no rocks.


Harrison (our nickname as he has uncanny Harrison Ford delivery) and Nancy search for their payoff.

Lisa is instrumental in aiding all of us in searching for the big one. She is especially patient with John. This is a show in itself. Our gruffest member of our little family is really starting to grow on everyone...he's endearing.



All in all, though no one earns their fortune this afternoon, we all agree it's been fun! Fresh baked cookies await (the much needed snack inhaled) and a return to our coach on the little train completes our gold rush experience. If only.......

Pipeline to Gold







Journeying to the gold rush takes us along the pipeline and what an amazing sight we behold. The 850-mile structure has made Alaska famous and the history that ensues from it's construction. Talk about going over budget on a project! Viewing the masterpiece is quite honestly amazing. We take turns posing. That's me with my bonding buddy on the trip, Glenda. Love her!





After a brief stop, we continue through the North Pole, yes, that's a McDonald's with a candy cane base. The sight of Santa Claus' home next to the RV park was a bit of a disappointment, I might add. No picture as I prefer my longtime fantasy instead.


Past Fairbanks a few miles brings us to our big excursion of the day. Goldstream Dredge No. 8 is providing a miner's luncheon and tour. Quite an interesting enterprise.