Still in Fairbanks

On my last post I said we were going back to Denali for three nights. As it turned out there was a different plan. On Thursday morning when I woke up my compass was all screwed up, so it was back to the ER at Fairbanks Memorial Hospital where they diagnosed me as having Vertigo. With nausea and having to hang on to something when I walked it didn't seem to make any sense to go to Denali so we extended our stay in Fairbanks. With the help of vertigo and nausea medication and a head manipulation by a physical therapist I am back to the point where we plan to continue our adventure tomorrow morning, Monday, 14 July 2008.

We did manage a few visits in the last three days including a visit to the Alaska Pipeline north of Fairbanks. I find it interesting that a pipeline has become a major tourist attraction. Although it is pretty impressive.

Alaska Pipeline

Just as amazing was our visit to North Pole, Alaska, a town that chose that name because they felt it would bring fame and fortune. Santa Claus House does seem to be doing very well, selling every variety of Christmas tree decoration available to man. Naturally, there is also a real live Santa Claus upon whose lap you may sit whilst having your photograph taken. We weren't impressed as we had seen the "real" Santa Claus at the Arctic Circle in Rovaniemi, Finland in 2001.

Mary at Santa Claus House

Mary in Santa's Sleigh

We attended worship services at the Fairbanks Lutheran Church this morning and got a chance to visit with a few locals. It is amazing to me how many people we have met who came to Alaska for a visit and ended up staying for a lifetime. I think it says something about the quality of life in Alaska. Well, most of Alaska as anyone who lives somewhere other than Anchorage hates Anchorage and will only go there if absolutely necessary.

We did get stocked up for our journey south. The clothes are clean, the front of the motorhome has been debugged and we are ready to go. Pray for good health and safe travels.