07/11/2010 - Sunday

Today was an easy day, one with no previous plans except to determine what we wanted to do.

The hotel only had a buffet breakfast so Judy and I drove over to a 'Fred Meyer' store and had a coffee and pastry at the Starbucks counter. Frank and Karen decided to walk around town to see what they could find.

We started by catching up on the laundry. After that I went and had the oil changed in the car. So far we traveled just under 6,000 miles.

Judy and I then drove along 'Farmer Loop' road which was listed as prime Moose spotting area. Yep, we did not spot any.

We also caught up on our paperwork - travel notes, etc., and cleaned up the back of the van a little. We also planned our activities for tomorrow.

Mid afternoon we drove over to a Denny's for supper.

Late afternoon we took a local free shuttle up to the 'Museum of the North' which is part of the University of Alaska at Fairbanks. The museum has many displays of the Native Alaskans, by area of the state (lower east, central, southwestern, etc.) and well as historical items from the modern settlement of Alaska.

OBSERVATION:
I do not remember if I mentioned this before, especially in the last few days. It is different living in an area where there is so much daylight. I know that it is only at this time of the year up here. For example, today's times are:
Sunrise 3:35 am
Sunset 12:15 am
Amount of sunlight 20 hours, 40 minutes.
Amount of 'dusk' type light 3 hours, 20 minutes
(It did not really get dark)


We get busy in the evening, but cannot tell that it is somewhat late when we look out the window, we need to look at a clock. Another example. This morning (?) I woke up around 3:30 and it was bright. I looked a the clock and went back to sleep. If I was home I probably would have gotten up with as much light as there was.
The people who live here all year long must have an interesting time adjusting to the major swings in day light and nighttime.


Signed:
The Wayward Travelers.