We left Anchorage and drove 243 miles to Denali RV Park. We made stops along the way to see if we could see Mt. McKinley, however it was too cloudy to see much of anything. Unfortunately, this would be the theme for our entire trip in the Denali National Park area.

Day 37-39 – Denali

Day 37 – After getting set up it was time to board the bus that would take us to Cabin Night Dinner Theater. This was in an authentic log cabin with family style dining served by the cast of the show. Once dinner was over, we were treated to a musical about life in northern Alaska during the gold rush.

Day 38 – We boarded the bus for a Denali National Park Tundra Wilderness Guided Bus Tour. This 5-hour tour took us to some of the more remote areas of the park where non-NPS vehicles are prohibited from going. Along the way we learned about the park, its inhabitants, the history, and were we could camp more remotely if we chose to do so. And Mike pointing to the mountain on a sign is as close as we got to seeing it in person!

Once we got back to the park, many of us headed to Healy and 49th State Brewing for dinner.

Day 39 – We got up early and headed to Denali National Park Visitor Center to get a stamp for our National Parks Passport book. We also did a little shopping. We had to get back because Mike and some of our group then did an 11-mile scenic float down the Nenana River. I chose to stay behind because they were calling for cold and rain. Mike had a great time, however, no wildlife was spotted.

Day 40-44 – Fairbanks, Alaska

Day 40 – We drove 120 miles to Fairbanks/Chena River KOA to begin our adventures the following day. We drove through more wildfire smoke, and we even had to follow a pilot car for 20 miles through the fire area. We have definitely seen more than our fair share of wildfire devastation in Alaska and Canada.

Day 41 – We ran errands and Mike got a haircut in the morning, and did laundry in the afternoon. (This is real life, after all!)

That evening we boarded the KOA charter bus that took us to Pioneer Park for an Alaska Salmon Bake. Mike had salmon and I had prime rib. After dinner we walked through the park to the historic town, complete with buildings and cabins moved there from other areas.

We then went to The Palace Theater in Pioneer Park and watched a wonderful musical about the history of Fairbanks. They bill themselves as “The number one show throughout Alaska and Canada,” and we have to agree that it was certainly entertaining!

Day 42 – We went on the Sternwheeler Riverboat Cruise on the Chena River. As we cruised along, we stopped for a float plane demonstration before continuing to the Susan Butcher Sled Dog Center. There we were treated to a sled dog demonstration. We then went to the Athabasca Village where we disembarked and learned all about how the Athabaskan people have lived for thousands of years.

After the cruise was over, we went into the dining hall for lunch before heading back to the campground.

Some of us then went to the University of Alaska Museum of the North to learn more about the Alaskan people. We’ve found that as we traverse the Alaskan landscape we are learning more about the culture and the spirit of the Alaskan people. Living here year round takes heart, determination, and a fighting spirit. Many are dealing with -40 degree temperatures in the winter, not to mention only 3 hours of daylight as well.

Later, we went to The North Pole! That’s right – we went to see Santa himself. North Pole, Alaska, has embraced the Christmas spirit and created a wonderful place to embrace your inner child.

Day 43 – We got up at 4:30 to be at the Fairbanks Airport for what was supposed to be a 7:00 flight to the Arctic Circle and Coldfoot along the Dalton Highway. Unfortunately, our tour with the Air Arctic/Northern Alaska Tour Company had to be canceled due to heavy smoke in Coldfoot from the wildfires that have been burning for weeks.

We went back around noon to see if the 1:00 flight would take place. Since Coldfoot was still covered in smoke, our alternative flight took us to Fort Yukon along the Yukon River. Since it was still above the Arctic Circle, we decided that would be our best option to get above the circle—and more importantly-get our certificate for going above the Arctic Circle! We had a guided tour of the remote village of Fort Yukon and learned how they get supplies by barge, the closest grocery store is Fairbanks (by plane), and if you’d like to be a teacher there, they will gladly pay you $89,000/year! However, you have to sign a 5-year contract.

Day 44 – Today we did the Gold Dredge #8 Tour. This tour took us to the Trans-Alyeska Pipeline (Alyeska is the company that now runs the pipeline), a train ride through gold country, and the chance to pan for gold! Mike and I together got about $20 worth of gold! We also got a great history lesson about the Pipeline and we toured Gold Dredge #8.

This week was packed full as you can see. Our next couple of days will be travel days to get us to our next adventures. Stay tuned for more fun in Alaska!

We’re Mike & Jennifer Skinnell, and together we are The Rambling Quilter. We travel the country full-time in our 41ft. fifth-wheel pulled by our F-350 – affectionately named Beauty & The Beast. Jennifer writes our blog, travel articles, contemporary romance, cozy mysteries, and “Don’t Wait – Our Full-Time Journey Through Breast Cancer”. Our blog is purely for information and entertainment purposes. However, if you’d like to support Jennifer’s writing career, her author link to her books is below.