Alaska, day 1, Sept 5,2013

[grizz1]

After 18 hours of travel by car, 2 planes,and a  bus we arrived in Fairbanks AK. Early the first morning in Fairbanks, the Discovery lll was our next ride on the Chena River.

[grizz1]

Leaving the dock and going downstream on the Chena river. We later had lunch in the buildings in the background, they could probably feed 3 to 4 hundred at a time at picnic table style. Had a very good stew, rolls, tea and chocolate cheesecake.


One of the many log homes we saw on our trip, this one on the edge of the Chena River near Fairbanks Ak. They make me want to move in every time I see a home like this one.

[grizz1]

Trail Breaker kennel,along the Chena river. In the far right of pic is David Monson, husband of Susan Butcher, 4 time Iditarod winner.
Susan passed away in Aug 2006 and David still lives at the kennels near Fairbanks with 2 daughters and raises and trains dogs. Some of them are descendants of " Granite" the famous lead dog that led Susan to so many victories. If you do not know this families story and the story about Granite you sure should look into it, sad but truly amazing.

David running his dogs, they are pulling an ATV which has had the engine removed. They could really make this rig fly.

[grizz1]

In this photo we are nearing the end of navigation for the Discovery. The Chena river empties into the Tanana river just behind the fish wheel but is choked off by a silt bar. I will have pics of the Tanana later showing the Glacier fed river and the silt ground up by the Glaciers. The silt looks to perform the same as sand does in my area, always changing course of the water ways.

[Kt29]

Steve, you have truly captured the flavor of Alaska with your photography and storylines.  Thanks so much for taking the time to share these experiences with us.  I can't wait to see more.

[JerseyHunter]

Sweet pics i have a sister in law that lives in keni alaska Beautiful country.