Category Archives: alaska

Fairbanks: Chena Ice Museum

Posted on April 7, 2025 by Kiki

One of the attractions at Chena Hot Springs is an ice bar. You go in in a group and you get maybe an hour to hang out. They only serve appletinis, and they cost $20 a pop, so unless that … Continue reading →

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Fairbanks: Mush Puppies

Posted on April 5, 2025 by Kiki

They had dogsled rides at Chena, but I had already tried it last time I was in Alaska with my mom. Plus, I was running low on funds and had read that sometimes the dogs poop while they run, and … Continue reading →

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Fairbanks: Aurora Take Two

Posted on April 3, 2025 by Kiki

Chena Hot Springs is known for aurora viewing. We knew it looked good for that night, so I had my shoes and coat on, ready to go. I heard people running past our cabin squealing, so I went outside, and … Continue reading →

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Fairbanks: Chena Hot Springs Restaurant

Posted on April 2, 2025 by Kiki

They had a nice restaurant and bar. The clam chowder was recommended, and it was awesome, so rich with cream and butter. It was also suggested we order from the appetizers only. The buffalo wings were good and I ordered … Continue reading →

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Fairbanks: Chena Hot Springs

Posted on April 1, 2025 by Kiki

Chena Hot Springs was discovered on August 5, 1905 by brothers Robert and Thomas Swan, gold miners who had heard that a U.S. Geological Survey had seen steam rising from a valley somewhere on the upper Chena River the year … Continue reading →

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Fairbanks: Aurora Take One

Posted on March 30, 2025 by Kiki

The aurora was predicted to be awesome on our second night there, so I booked us an aurora watching in a lodge in the mountains. one trick they pull is that the price does not include the van up there, … Continue reading →

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Fairbanks The Treehouse

Posted on March 26, 2025 by Kiki

I have always dreamed of seeing the aurora. I did some research and Fairbanks in March is the best time. I planned 2 weeks so that regardless of the moon phase, weather, or a low aurora index, I would definitely … Continue reading →

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Day 13: Talkeetna and Anchorage or Bust!

Posted on August 29, 2008 by Kiki Maraschino

Our last full day in Alaska. Le Sigh. When I woke up, I almost forgot what state I was in. So thank God there was this lamp there to remind me. And this chair. And this other lamp. Secure in … Continue reading →

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Day 12 Denali Alaska The goddess of the log

Posted on August 26, 2008 by Kiki Maraschino

The next day I took the shuttle into Talkeetna, the base for climbers up Mount McKinley (Denali). It is a laid-back town full of artists and outdoors types. It is the place I felt most at home in Alaska. This … Continue reading →

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Day 11 On the Road to Talkeetna

Posted on August 26, 2008 by Kiki Maraschino

Day 11 we woke up in Denali State Park, and Ralph and Mary Anne set off on their white water rafting adventure. It was tempting, but I didn’t want to be a 3rd wheel and I think I prefer warmer … Continue reading →

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Alaska Day 10: Puppies!

Posted on August 24, 2008 by Kiki Maraschino

Today everyone got up at 6am to take an 8-hour bus tour around Denali national park. The pod seemed put out that I chose not to join them. But in the last week I have seen beautiful sights from an … Continue reading →

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Alaska Day 9: I Hear the Train a’comin

Posted on August 23, 2008 by Kiki Maraschino

Today we disembarked and began the second leg of our trip: the land portion. I LOVE traveling; I will pretty much go on any trip without asking too many questions. I wanted to leave a little mystery to this journey, … Continue reading →

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Alaska Day 8 Sunday: Fjord, Shmord

Posted on August 21, 2008 by Kiki Maraschino

Sunday we cruised through the fjords. Everything was gorgeous. It almost got to be too much. How much beauty can you really take? How much stunning but endless (and deadly) ice can you stare at, day, after day? How long … Continue reading →

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Alaska Day 7 Saturday: Glacier Bay

Posted on August 20, 2008 by Kiki Maraschino

As with the other “days a sea” I had pre-booked a spa treatment – bad move. As we cruised through majestic glaciers, the naturalist’s voice boomed out over the loudspeaker, “…and there’s another whale!” I perked up from the massage … Continue reading →

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Alaska Day 6 Friday: Skagway – Back on the Train Gang

Posted on August 19, 2008 by Kiki Maraschino

Day six we disembarked in Skagway, a town founded by prospectors, conmen and prostitutes. The main attraction these days is the White Point Railway. whose “golden spike” was hammered in 1900. At one point it helped prospectors carry supplies into … Continue reading →

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