Author Topic: Things are happening in Fairbanks  (Read 620 times)

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Offline Sourdough

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Things are happening in Fairbanks
« on: February 23, 2011, 04:25:41 PM »
A week ago we had the finish of the Yukon Quest International Sled Dog Race here in Fairbanks.  This is a lot tougher race than the Iditarod, and starts or ends in Whitehorse, Yukon Territory, Canada.  One year it starts in Canada and ends in Fairbanks.  The next year it starts in Fairbanks and ends in Whitehorse.   

Then there is the Iron Dog Snow Machine Race.  This race starts in Wasillia, and goes to Nome.  Then they turn around and race up the Yukon River to Tanana, then up the Tanana River to the Chena Flood Project, then across to the Chena River, then down the Chena to Fairbanks.  Ending on the river downtown.  Todd Palin is one of the front runners in this race at the moment.  They have already reached Nome.  They are expecting them fo finish Saturday. 

Then we have the Tired Iron races Saturday downtown on the river before the Iron Dog finish.  Tired Iron consist of Vintage Snow Mobiles.  Many have been fully restored.  Some date back to the 50s and 60s.

Then for the artsey crowd we have the Ice Park.  Ice carvers come from all over the world to compete in the ice carving compation.  Personally I skip that venue, there is Ice Carvings all over Fairbanks and North Pole.  Yes they are beautiful, but when I see them everyday since November, till they start to melt in April, they get a little old.

Then I am taking a couple of Cheechakos (New people to Alaska) out trail riding on Snowmachines Saturday afternoon.  We will be going into the mountains North Of Fairbanks, off Chena Hot Springs Road.  We should see Caribou from the 40 mile heard, along with local Moose.  Maybe some other wildlife as well.

Here is a link bout the Iron Dog :  http://www.newsminer.com/view/full_story/11556872/article-Iron-Dog-racers-running-neck-and-neck?instance=home_news_window_left_top_4

The Ice Park:  http://www.newsminer.com/view/full_story/11556743/article-Gates-to-Ice-Alaska-park-open-as-single-block-carving-starts?instance=home_lead_story

And here is one about the Ice Road (Dalton Highway) being closed and stranding truckers:  http://www.newsminer.com/view/full_story/11568394/article-Winter-storm-strands-trucks-on-Alaska-s-Dalton-Highway?instance=home_news_window_left_top_1

Just some tidbits about what we are doing up here in the North Land.
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Offline Spirithawk

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Re: Things are happening in Fairbanks
« Reply #1 on: February 23, 2011, 04:38:56 PM »
Cool! Stay warm, stay safe and have fun.  :D

Offline Flynmoose

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Re: Things are happening in Fairbanks
« Reply #2 on: February 23, 2011, 04:46:46 PM »
Hey Sourdough!
Thanks for the links!
FM
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Offline Pat/Rick

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Re: Things are happening in Fairbanks
« Reply #3 on: February 23, 2011, 06:59:02 PM »
The yukon quest must be something.  Beutiful country between whitehorse and fairbanks. I'd sure like to drive the alcan again.

Offline Sourdough

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Re: Things are happening in Fairbanks
« Reply #4 on: February 24, 2011, 05:53:10 AM »
Every morning when I read the paper I am impressed by the things people are doing.  And with the things going on in this state. 

Right now there is a group of guys riding bicycles out the Idatirod trail.  These are specially designed bikes with big ballon tires and studs to grip the ice.

The Iron Dog guys are facing a winter stornm in Nome.  http://www.newsminer.com/view/full_story/11575148/article-Winter-storm-may-be-a-race-changer-for-Iron-Dog?instance=home_news_window_left_top_4

Truckers are stranded on the Dalton Highway.  High winds keep drifting the snow across the highway faster than the plows can clear it.  Steese highway closed same reason.

With the fresh snow we have been getting the Aerial Shooters are Hammering the wolves, fifty some wolves have been taken down in the Nelchina area, and another 27 taken up in the 40 mile.  The best season is March, maybe they will get some more next month.  With the reacent success with the wolves, Caribou from the 40 mile herd have been reported this winter as far south as Chena Hot Springs Road, and as far west as the White Mountains.  They have passed DawsonCity in Canada and are nearing Whitehorse.  They have not been in those areas in decades.  Removing Wolves will help the calf survival rate this spring.  Now we got to work on the Bears, yes we got too many of them as well.
Where is old Joe when we really need him?  Alaska Independence    Calling Illegal Immigrants "Undocumented Aliens" is like calling Drug Dealers "Unlicensed Pharmacists"
What Is A Veteran?
A 'Veteran' -- whether active duty, discharged, retired, or reserve -- is someone who, at one point in his life, wrote a blank check made payable to 'The United States of America,' for an amount of 'up to, and including his life.' That is honor, and there are way too many people in this country today who no longer understand that fact.

Offline Pat/Rick

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Re: Things are happening in Fairbanks
« Reply #5 on: February 24, 2011, 06:36:42 AM »
Glad to see you guys are getting a handle on the predators up there. WA state has been talking of reintroducing more wolves to control the Mt St Helens elk herd. They have a big starve off rate.  When those elk are gone the wolves will start in on whatever else they can find. Of course they'll kill off deer as well. Anything to keep them evil hunters from harvesting them ya know. I don't know how much headway has been made in their efforts yet. Already wolves here in WA, can't figure out why we need more.

Offline magooch

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Re: Things are happening in Fairbanks
« Reply #6 on: February 25, 2011, 04:16:01 AM »
Olympia could use some wolves.  Right around the Capitol building would be a good spot to turn them loose.
Swingem

Offline Sourdough

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Re: Things are happening in Fairbanks
« Reply #7 on: February 25, 2011, 08:44:18 AM »
The winter storm that has the Iron Dog shut down in Nome is due to hit here tonight.  More snow coming with a big drop in temps.  It was 31 degrees above this morning and expected to drop to 30 below tonight.    Ouch, that is going to hurt.
Where is old Joe when we really need him?  Alaska Independence    Calling Illegal Immigrants "Undocumented Aliens" is like calling Drug Dealers "Unlicensed Pharmacists"
What Is A Veteran?
A 'Veteran' -- whether active duty, discharged, retired, or reserve -- is someone who, at one point in his life, wrote a blank check made payable to 'The United States of America,' for an amount of 'up to, and including his life.' That is honor, and there are way too many people in this country today who no longer understand that fact.