fishing community

Ken's Alaskan Tackle has been open for over 35 years providing the community with a go to tackle store that carries everything you need for fishing.  We stopped to get some fishing supplies because our friend wanted to fish for salmon.

Denali National Park

 we drove to Denali which was about an hor drive from our house.  We were going to take a bus tour with our foreign exchange student and her dad, who was visiting from Norway.  I have a few images from that bus ride. 

I always liked the signs that tell you how far certain places are

photo taken from the parking lot.

once on the bus, you can get off anywhere and just flag another bus.  We had stopped at the place below for a break.  Some people took a walk and didn't come back on the bus.  You don't have to ride the same bus to return.

the only bear we saw, photo taken from the bus

murphy dome

Murphy Dome is now a recreational site most popular with ATV riders and hikers. It lies about twenty miles outside of the Fairbanks, most of which are traveled on Murphy Dome Road off of Sheep Creek Road which can be accessed from the UAF campus. Murphy Dome Road turns to packed dirt and gravel just past Cache Creek Trail. The average car can still make the drive, but obey the speed limit and watch for potholes, road debris, and frost heaves on the way.

You’ll enjoy scenic vistas as you wind through lowland forest and climb up toward the Dome, with views opening up over the valley. The road curves around the outer rim of the dome toward the end with pullouts for photos or a brief stop. It’s a good idea to use your flashers, as the dust kicked up from the road can make it hard to see a stopped vehicle. At the top, park in the dirt and gravel lot in the center of the Dome. On one end stands a communications tower and on the other, the last operational remnant from the Air Force Base. ATV trails are scattered throughout, and also work for a quick day hike if you feel like stretching your legs.  Also a great place to pick blueberries.

This Dome is a popular place to watch sunsets in the summer and fall, or to observe the northern lights in winter. Mosquitos come in droves here during the summer, so bring your bug spray.

Info courtesy of alaska.org

leader board

 for the North American Champion Sleddog Race

getting ready

getting the dogs ready to race.  It took a few hours to get everyone organized and ready to go.

 

dog transport

each dog has its own section in these trucks.  I thought it was pretty cramped but the dogs weren't big and probably were used to it.  They seemed anxious to get out and run once they arrived.  

mushing 2

 getting ready