Back from my meeting in Las Vegas . . . a quick flight up to Fairbanks and now on the road to Coldfoot. Original plan was to fly up, a small 9 passenger plane, an hour flight and a view of the White and Brooks Ranges from the air . . . but, weather forced us to drive up.Left Fairbanks before noon for the 6 to 7 hour drive to Coldfoot Camp.
Out of Fairbanks on Steeve's Highway, onto the Eliot Highway . . . then onto the Dalton Highway, also known as the haul road. Listening to various stories along the way.
Crossed the Yukon River after dark . . . and stopped for pictures at the Arctic Circle . . . very breezy up there! At the Arctic Circle stop, met with the tour van from Coldfoot and let our tour driver head on back to Fairbanks as we headed up to Coldfoot.
The plan, again, was to head to Wiseman for some Aurora Viewing, then take a trip up to Atigun Pass, the top of the Brooks Range where teh north slope begins . . . but, alas, the weather kept us from completing our mission . . . we did get to Wiseman, for a short while, but did not get up to the pass . . .
I've been to Deadhorse and on the north slope, just couldn't get there by ground this time. The weather and the tour group just would not support it . . .Our "reversed" trip was to have us fly back to Fairbanks . . . yet, again, it did not pan out . . . essentially stuck in Coldfoot Camp, stayed an extra night and day . . . with no joy. The tour group hitched us a ride with a couple headed to Fairbanks for the Thanksgiving holiday . . . so, got a ride back to Fairbanks in time to catch our flight to Anchorage . . .
On our way out of Fairbanks . . .TAPS Pump station 7 turn off . . .
We also passed pump station 5 & 6 along the route.
Snow encrusted Boreal Forest . . .
TAPS at the Yukon River Bridge . . .
Crossing the Arctic Circle, 66 degree 33 minutes
Sled dogs at Coldfoot Camp . . .
and our stop in Wiseman . . . where we were stuck in the snow for a good hour, with no shovel or other material or supplies ordinarily suggested for travel in this environment . . . not that we were in anyway in danger . . .
We did get to see the nice blue moon, the second full moon of the month . . . but no aurora's became visible, even with our extended stay . . .
Sign at Coldfoot Camp, with the Slate Creek Inn behind it. Comfortable, and thanks to the visitors that sent the cases of books, puzzles and games!
Standing on a quiet Dalton Highway at Coldfoot Camp . . . I'll have to continue the saga of the trip back later . . .
