Fairbanks

After leaving Talkeetna, we drove further North to Fairbanks to catch a train from Fairbanks back to Anchorage. Alaska Railroad operates a scenic train between Anchorage and Fairbanks. They offer a first-class experience with the Gold Star service if you ever have the opportunity to go. At the station in Fairbanks, they have an elaborate model railroad set up in one end of the hall. You get a little perspective in the first photo with one set of trains in a U shape around the perimeter and another set in a center island. Though not known at the time, the couple in this photo were seated in the first row of our car and we were in the second. We had a good time during the ride with them and another couple. The last photo was a little funny for us Southerners. "All" the cars up there ran around with their tongues hanging out. Most of the parking lots looked like the old drive-in theaters with speaker posts at every spot (electrical outlets). Seeing this equipment was a reminder of the bitter cold temperatures of winter in Fairbanks. Engine block heaters are absolutely essential as the temperatures drop to an average -20 °F with occasional dips to the -50 °F or worse range.

Thanks,

Doug White

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