Day 24 - Tok, Alaska to Fairbanks, Alaska

Friday, July 1, 2011
Day 24-Tok, AK to Fairbanks, AK

By: Gene & Marge Arnott, Rig 3

As seems to be altogether too common, we were awakened once again to the sound of rain on our roofs.  We soon set out in our sparkling clean coaches down a gravel road through the park to the wet highway on our way from Tok to Fairbanks.  So much for clean coaches.  Unfortunately we had to leave our tailgunners, Spence and Madi behind to deal with an engine problem on their coach.  I would have thought they could have come up with a cheaper way to have a day or two to themselves.  Thanks to Lee and Pug Cook for volunteering to fill in.

As we proceeded toward Delta Junction and the official end of the Alaska Highway, several rigs stopped at the Delta Meat Market and made lunch of the free samples.  Along the way several bears and moose including a cow and calf were spotted.

Most rigs stopped at Delta Junction to mark the official end of the Alaska Highway and take the obligatory pictures required.

Official end of Alaska Hwy
L-R Dick, Carl, Diane, Chris, Jill, Art, Marge, Gene

Rika’s Roadhouse and Landing was an interesting stop for pictures and lunch.

Rika's Roadhouse

We also got our first view of the Trans-Alaska Oil Pipeline as it crosses the Tanana River.

Alaska Pipeline

Most of us stopped at the Knotty Gift Shop for our half free ice cream cone.  It was half free because we got one free with their ad, then had to buy another one to prevent spousal abuse.

Knotty Gift Shop "knotty, not naughty"

Santa Claus House, North Pole, AK

Further down the road we were “privileged” to see Santa’s House at North Pole, AK.

"have you been good, Marge?"

Some were even pictured with Santa.

Shortly after that we arrived at our RV park in Fairbanks where we enjoyed a social hour.

Later we ended a good day with dinner to celebrate my birthday.