AKCabinDude

One thing I would suggest is a wind/water resistant beanie for your head. I hate pulling up hoods on jackets or sweatshirts, as it really cuts down on peripheral vision.

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Just doing some research on seeing the Northern Lights in September 2019. I know it's a crap shoot, but it's on my wife's bucket list. So I've read some about likely seeing them in / around Fairbanks, including "Murphy Dome."

 

 

 

Has anyone been there or can you tell me anything?

 

 

 

Thanks,

 

 

 

Jim

Basically, the lights are often visible to the north of Fairbanks (when it is dark enough). Murphy Dome is a high spot in FBX with good views all around. Be aware it is approximately 30-45 minutes from town, partially on a maintained gravel road. Please be aware that true darkness where lights might be visible is limited, even in September. I believe that you need astronomical darkness to see the lights. https://sunrise-sunset.org/us/fairbanks-ak/2018/9

I also found a tour that will be giving us more freedom on a back-road. http://www.alaska.org/detail/denali-highway-jeep-excursions

Unless you really want a guide, just rent a vehicle in Anchorage that can be driven on gravel roads. The Denali Highway is a fully maintained gravel highway, although services are limited (read mostly nonexistent).

I fly with checked alcohol all the time. Just put it in the middle of the suitcase and support the neck of the bottle. If it comes in the fancy tube, just stuff some socks or something small in there. I’ve never had any break. If it’s already open, just wrap the neck and cap with duct tape.

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You might try looking into satellite phone rentals. We have an Iridium phone at work which has a 1-800 number that can be used instead of direct dialing the international number. I don’t know if that option is available for rental phones as well, and I have no idea if there would be any reception below decks, but the rental place may have some idea.

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I suggest looking into the Alaska Sealife Center.

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Not sure about access, but there are in fact grayling in the Nenana River. I don't know if the salmon make it up that far, but they are present in the lower reaches. That said, The river is awfully fast in the Glitter Gulch area. As previously noted, in the summer the Nenana is full of silt. If fishing is the point, have fun and know that there are fish. If catching is the point, all I can say is that I've never seen anyone fishing anywhere near there (as seen from the highway and rest stops), nor have I ever heard folks talk about it, at least not until the river clears up once the summer melt is over.

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We live in Fbx. I've been on the riverboat tour and think it hits many of the visitor interests. It's a little contrived, but I assume all "highlight" tours are. Don't know that I'd do it again, but it was fun once.

I'd suggest going to the UAF museum if you have time as well.

Many visitors go to Chena Hot Springs and seem to enjoy it, although personally I limit my visits to the winter when it's cold outside.

Personally I think a drive up the Dalton is a don't miss; between Coldfoot and Galbraith Lake are absolutely stunning, and unlike anything else most people ever see. Does take three days though.

Generally, if you are renting a car and wish venture more than 60 miles or so, watch your car rental; most companies won't allow use on gravel roads. Search "Dalton Highway car rental" for those that will.

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Early September is a little early for Northern Lights. It'll get reasonable dark, but we don't get below astronomical twilight until sometime around the second week of September. Also, if it matters, most of the ANC to FAI flights are on Q-400 turboprops now although there are a couple of jets. AK Air will have four number flight numbers for the turboprops and only three numbers for the Jets. Actual flight time isn't much different, but the jets have slightly wider seats and they recline. OTOH you get a free beer or glass of wine on the turboprops.

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I just booked our first cruise last weekend. I was loath to use a travel agent when I could do everything myself (using air miles for the flight and knew which hotel I wanted). I put my cruise out to bid (just in case; I absolutely knew I could do it better and cheaper) and ended up using a TA that saved us approximately $500 on a $3500 booking, along with all cruise company perks, saved us another $100 on Trip Insurance, as well as giving us an additional $100 OBC. I still am not entirely comfortable asking others to do things I can do, but we'll definitely us a TA again next time.

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