Fairbanks - Day -1
After arriving in Fairbanks on a hazy day due to some lightning strike caused fires, we deplaned and headed for the baggage claim area. We were greeted there by friendly HAL/Princess representatives. I explained that we were a day early, and they didn't have our materials ready for us. They would be available at the hotel tomorrow. The agent then arranged for us to check into the Westmark hotel 24 hours early which was a tremendous help.
We gathered our luggage and boarded the motor coach along with another guest. We had just left the airport when the bus was called back and two more passengers were loaded on. They were dropped off at the Princess Hotel which is quite near the airport. Our driver then dropped us off at the Westmark where we received room keys at 1pm from a very friendly desk clerk and we deposited our luggage in the room. Normal check in time is 3pm.
It was really quite smokey and wearing a KN95 mask really helped as we ventured out walking north to the park along the Chena River. We visited the Antler Arch and a number of memorial monuments in the park before heading into downtown in search of some lunch. Across the street from the Golden Eye Plaza was a little restaurant called the Fudge Stop. It looked appealing, so we ordered lunch and weren't disappointed.
After lunch we continued wandering through downtown using a street a couple of blocks to the west of Noble Street. Along the way we encountered a GIANT rubber ducky along with a Veteran's Memorial. It was in the 80's and quite humid as we reached the Westmark Hotel. Back in the room we cooled off before heading back out in search of pizza for dinner. We found it at Sicily's Pizza a couple blocks south of the hotel. It was good and way more than we could finish, so we brought it back to the room to store in the refrigerator.
I scheduled three Covid-19 tests with Total Testing Solutions. They proctor the Antigen tests using covid test kits I obtained from the US Government. They also have an option to sell you a test kit for $7.50 each if one doesn't have access to an authorized kit. They have a wide range of test kits that are acceptable and those are listed on their website. In the past we've used Emed.com, but these tests are $19 each compared to $30 for the Emed tests. When I logged onto the session using my iPhone and a portable tripod, Angelica, our proctor, conducted all of three of the tests simultaneously which was an efficient way to do it. We all tested negatively so we are good to go on the land trip from a testing standpoint. Results were sent to us in PDF firm as well as links.
Tomorrow we'll explore more of downtown Fairbanks and visit a couple of museums and do some shopping. We're really glad we came in a day early as it really helps with getting familiar with the area and start off our trip in a more relaxed state of mind and body. Some granddaughter smiles tells it all!
Below are a few pictures from today.
I use Pocket Earth for tracking our activities. It was recommended by Ian Page our Cruise Director while on an Asian cruise some years ago. We really like using it all over the world and once the maps are downloaded, no internet is required.
Turkey & Provelone on Potato Bread