We have been having trouble getting a stable internet connection, so we have not been able to post for a few days. Finally, in Teslin, Yukon Territory, we are able to use the WiFi, so will try to catch up on pictures for the moment.
In Fairbanks, we settled in at the Riverside RV park.
We started our day with a visit to Pioneer Park for a 4th of July celebration.
“HAPPY
4TH OF JULY”
What do you think of when you hear “Theme Park?” For many, theme park will mean super duper
roller coasters, endless rides that may have your stomach playing “will I or
won’t I”. Well, allow me to tell you
about another type of Theme Park.
Pioneer Theme Park was very unique. First of all, it was free to enter and the
only cost involved special shows.
Because this was the 4th of July, our US Army men and women
were abuzz and American flags were given to all by several Boy Scout troops as
they entered the park. It was a very
festive atmosphere to celebrate our freedom.
A paddle wheel boat was decorated with Old Glory
Banners. The ceremony began with remembering
our country and the ones who had kept and those who are still keeping it safe
from harm. This is always a very
emotional time for me to reflect for those who have paid the ultimate price,
just as Jesus paid the ultimate price for one and for many, and for those who
continue to defend our country by leaving their families for the sake of many
families.
For those wondering about this Theme Park, it
revealed not only our past but how much we have advanced in technology. Following is a collection of pictures of
items I remember as a little girl or items before my time. So follow me through the 20’s, 30’s and on to
today,
Oh! By the way, there
was only one electric ride in the whole Theme Park. It was the carousel. This Theme Park had the theme of the Alaskan past. One new event that was the first for me since
this trip was a contest between sled dogs.
The dogs pull sleds different weights and it continues until there is a
winner with the fastest time. The winner pulled a sled that weighed almost 2000
pounds!!!!! As you can see, most of the dogs were Saint Bernards
This sternwheeler plied the rivers of the Yukon.
We made another short trip to view the famous Alyeska Pipeline.
The pipeline runs 800 miles from the oil fields at Prudoe Bay to t he tanker terminal at Valdez. Remember the EXXON Valdez tanker that ran aground in Prince William Sound spilling 11 millions barrels of crude?
Cross-section of the pipeline showing a "pig" that is used to clean the inside of the pipe.
The pipe is 4-feet in diameter and is covered with an insulated jacket.
Then we were off to pan for gold and strike it rich in the gold fields.
I think there is some gold in here!
Yep, there it is!!!!!
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| Gold Dredge #8 |
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Anna’s Musings 3
My grandson asked me while visiting Alaska, would I go to
the North Pole and ask Santa how is he behaving. Will his Christmas list be
filled this year with his request?.
I did go to the North Pole but I had to
stand in line with a lot of other parents and grandparents to get pictures for
their children and grandchildren. (but I was very lucky Santa went to lunch at
noon.
I saw only four of his reindeer resting in their sheds.
Well, let’s get back to some serious activities, like
panning for gold. Gold Dredge 8 had this activity that supplied a “poke” filled
with pay dirt right out of their sluice box. It was guaranteed that you would
find Gold. You would be happy to know that I found three little specks, so I
put them in a little container and in my pocket it went for a souvenir.
I went to see another one of Alaska’s wonders, the famous
TransAlaska Pipeline and actually touched it.
A breathtaking view of the highest mountain in the US, the
four-mile high Mt. Denalil (previously known as Mt. McKinley) was seen from
Denali National Park.
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