July 16, 2010

July 16, 2010

Started the day out stopping at North Pole, AK. Everywhere you look there is candy canes, and Santas. Saw some real reindeer and of course Santa Clause. After a little prodding I got the girls to at least sit with Santa so I could have a picture! Of course there was shopping, which as anyone that knows Paul would know he was less than enthused. Rather than Santa I think his Christmas mascot was the Grinch!!

Shortly after that we arrived in Fairbanks. We will be visiting friends here. Judy and Regi Soolook. Regi is a native Eskimo. They are truly wonderful people that we enjoyed a great evening with. Regi even taught the girls how to say a few things in his language. Judy filled us in on what there was to see and do in Fairbanks and then drove me around on a little tour, this way I will know exactly where to direct Paul tomorrow.

Oh and I forgot to mention, shortly after we arrived here Paul noticed that the rear bumper was cracked, probably due to the spare tire and the girls bikes that are mounted there being bounced around excessively on those awful roads getting here. Anyway he thought we should have it fixed before we went any further, so here again we ended up at a welding shop (that make 2) to have the camper repaired. (I'm thinking maybe Paul should be a little nicer to Santa and maybe a set new camper keys would be in his stocking this Christmas) But lucky for the girls and I there was a cute little 50's diner that happens to be the northern most railcar diner right next door to the repair shop, and since it just so happened to be lunch time the girls and I had him drop us off and we had a great lunch. Paul would like it noted that lunch cost more than the repair did!

We also so a bull moose running down the side of the road. That makes 4 moose, 6 bear, buffalo, an eagle, a porcupine, and lots of sheep!

Tomorrow we are planning sightseeing in Fairbanks.