Chena Hot Springs, AK

Hello from Chena Hot Springs in Alaska. Chena H.S. was discovered in 1095 by two Swedish brothers and became a respite for miners and residents with ailments. Chena HS is about 60 miles NE of Fairbanks. The year round resort sits on 440 acres and is known for one of the best places to see the Northern Lights and is home of the only Ice Hotel in the world. Crazy isn't it?

From the moment you walk into the Aurora Ice Museum you are mesmerized by the ever changing colored ice crystal chandeliers above your head (meant to mimic the Northern Lights). There are numerous lit sculptures that take your breath away. The samurai, the jousting knights, the ONLY ice chest board with pieces designed from the likes of the many Artic animals.

The first room holds the ice blocks, harvested from the nearby lake. They are called diamond blocks because the top of the blocks are a frosty color from the ice melt and the remaining ice is crystal clear like a diamond. The room with an abundance of tools used to shape and shine the ice objects. There are sculptures of the Coca Cola Bear, Igloos, Animals and an assortment of snow globes all around the museum. There are four bedrooms at the far end of the Ice Museum with different themes ranging from Christmas evening, Polar Bear, Ice Outhouse and a Gothic. You will be amazed at the Ice Potty and queen size bed. I am trying out the caribou blanket, the bear blankets and the seal blankets all of which come with your room rental along with subzero sleeping bags. Did I mention the Ice Potty is for decoration only. Should you need to use the restroom on your overnight stay you need to use the Port A Pot out back. Brrrrr! And did I mention the price for this winter wonderland overnight stay? A mere $600 a night. The hotel is kept at a constant zero degrees which is fueled by the Geothermal Generator, also on the grounds. Should I book your second honeymoon suite now? There is a full bar and music in the Ice Hotel as well. You sit on caribou covered ice stools and receive an Appletini in your very own Ice Glass. You get to keep your glass by the way. Just don't take it into the Hot Springs or there goes your souvenir!! I think I forgot to tell you that Chena Hot Springs employes two full time ice carvers. All of those martini glasses you see above, they are carved by hand by the husband/wife ice sculpture team. It is truly an amazing place to visit. About 5 years ago, one of the TV stations, I can't remember whether it was HGTV or 60 minutes interview the owner of Chena Hot Springs and was told "An Ice Museum - what a ridiculous idea and no one will come and stay. Why would people pay to freeze?". Boy were they wrong! The Asians, Japanese in particular, love Chena Hot Springs. Remember, I told you there is a daily direct flight from Japan to Fairbanks so they can enjoy the hot springs, the hotel and view the Northern Lights.!!!

Then we toured the GeoThermal Plant. This building is what fuels the entire resort, 440 acres, for very few pennies a day according to the gentleman who owns Chena HS. He was a construction worker on the original Pipeline and dabbled in Therma energy. He has since teamed up with United Technologies to expand the capabilities of GeoThermal fuel. Why doesn't Hot Springs, Arkansas have GeoThermal fuel to heat and cool their town. It would certainly cut a lot of costs!Then we toured the Greenhouse. Again, living the Alaskan Subsistence living lifestyle, Chena Hot Springs resort gets all it's fresh vegetables and fruits from the Hot House. The lettuce and tomatoes were delicious in our salmon salad. The Korean we met on our tour just graduated from Cornell with his PhD and was heading back home. He thought he would stop by Chena Hot Springs on his way.

On our way back to Fairbanks, we asked so many questions of the shuttle driver he finally offered to take us to the Pipeline visitor site so we would quit asking so many questions. Those of you that know me well know I ask a lot of questions when I want to learn about something. If I don't ask questions, that is a sign I don't really care about the topic!!! I remember last summer getting to ride in Judy Marcom's son's farm combine and after about 20 mins into the ride (which was an hour long) he said, "What do you do for a living? You ask a whole lot of questions?" So here is one of the viewing areas of the TransAlaska Pipeline. The Pipeline is 800 miles long and crosses 3 mountain ranges and 800 rivers and streams. It was started in March 1975 and completed May 1977. Over 15 billion gallons of oil have been moved through the Pipeline since Jun 1977. This Pipeline pushes about a million barrels of oil per day. That is a lot of "Black Gold" so says Jedd Clampet of the Beverly Hillbillies. The Pipeline is over and below the surface of the ground in Alaska because of several reasons. It can not disturb the natural environment so if it is buried it has to be where the perma frost will not be interrupted. It is build over 12 feet high above the ground so that the animals (moose, bears, caribou, etc) will not be impeded by the size of the 48 inch diameter pipe. If it is above ground, the pieces sit on frames that are earthquake proof, they shimmy back and forth for up to 11 inches. On the one picture you will see these funny looking pipes rising above the stanchions. Those are coolers to keep the perma frost frozen. They are full of liquid nitrogen and through a complex process cold air is pushed into the perma frost to ensure it stays frozen. Otherwise with that many barrels of fuel running through the pipe it would heat up and melt the perma frost. Very cleaver!!! the funny looking thing in the pipeline is called a "Pig". There are several "Pigs" sent up and back through the pipe line to clean the sledge (waxy stuff) off the walls of the Pipeline every 4 - 7 days. It was amazing to stand under this Trans Alaskan Pipeline. This pipeline produces 15% of our fuel for the United States. The last picture is one of the original trucks that took supplies up to the Pipeline workers. You can see how big those tires are to haul heavy equipment and food supplies up and down the Pipeline. This gentleman purchased this "hauler" and since he had a "hauler" he decided to haul a house from one side of Fairbanks to the other side. Why? Just because he could. He is referred to as the "Fairbanks Funny Guy".

So that was my my trip to Chena Hot Springs. My next blog is all about the Fur Rondy, the week leading up to the Iditarod. Traditionally, the Alaskans brought their furs into Anchorage to trade and then celebrate dog sled races (only 25 miles). This was the 75th year for the Fur Rondy. A summer carnival in the middle of the freezing winter. I hope you view those pictures too. I am looking forward to David arriving on Thursday for the Iditarod. Until then, stay warm.

Hugs from Sheryl the Nanuq of the North.

Fairbanks, AK

Fairbanks, Alaska is in the interior of Alaska. It is the second largest city in Alaska behind Anchorage. It has a population of 35,000 plus. Fairbanks is on the tundra region and it is very flat as you can see from the sunset picture. Fairbanks is classified as a subarctic region as it sits between the Chena River and Tanana River. Fairbanks has very long winters and short summers. They like to boast that their winters are long but not much snow. The locals forget to tell you that Fairbanks temperatures are about minus 20 degree from early November and drop to minus 40 degrees in February and the subzero weather stays until the end of April. However, the weekend I was there it was a high of 17 - almost summer according to our shuttle driver. At night it got down to minus 5 but it didn't feel cold. Fairbanks is home of the oldest University in Alaska and has a very high reputation in geology and subarctic studies. No kidding!!!

I hope I have included enough pictures for you picture viewers. The first picture is the entrance/exit to the Fairbanks Airport. Keep in mind, the airport is not a block long. It has one carrier 10 months of the year - Alaska Air. For two months in the summer Northwest/Delta flies to Fairbanks. Ooops, I stand corrected. There is a direct flight from Taiwan to Fairbanks daily. The Asians love Fairbanks (for purchasing great fur and leather goods), the hot springs and the Northern Lights. Unlike Anchorage and Juneau, there isn't a float plane runway (aka Lake) next to Fairbanks Airport. There I am at the Visitor's Center. Isn't that a cute welcome to all visitors? Then there are "plug ins" everywhere in Fairbanks. I have seen a few in Anchorage because we don't get continuous weather subzero but in Fairbanks every parking lot and parking spot on the streets has these "quad plugs" as they are called by the locals. The statue is the Yukon Quest Statue. It stands downtown next to the Yukon Quest museum. Unfortunately, the museum was closed because they were presenting the "Red Lantern" ceremony in White horse, Canada. The Yukon Quest finished the day before we got to Fairbanks so all the mushers and local politicians were in Canada for the finish. Remember I discussed the Yukon Quest in an earlier blog because that dog sled race goes between Fairbanks, AK and White Horse, Canada and it rotates each year. It is also about 1,000 miles similar to the Iditarod Race. Oh by the way, the "Red Lantern" is presented to the last musher to cross the finish line. It was presented to a young lady this year. Then onto the University of Fairbanks museum. It was very informative but we agreed the Anchorage museum is tops. That is a 10 foot tall Grizzly bear. I had them take my picture in front of him so you can see how imposing that grizzly is. His claws are 10 inches long - they will do some damage. The 5495 pound copper nugget was found in 1936. What I loved about Fairbanks is all the stuff you can touch. The sign said, "Please touch." Of course it says that. It means less cleaning for the workers!! This is the first time I have seen the Native sun goggles. Isn't it amazing the different shapes? The top ones for spring time, the middle ones for late summer/fall hunting and the bottom pair are for full sun hunting bear and seal. Amazing what the Natives can make. The chair is made out of 5 different kinds of horns/antlers (moose, caribou, elk, Dall sheep,and walrus). It was so unique I had to take a picture of this chair.
The main event we went to Fairbanks was for the World and US Ice Carving Championships. If you all remember seeing the fantastic ice sculptures Cathy Weber sent from China these will look slightly different. I will tell you why later. The weather was warm for the professional ice sculpturers. Did you know these men and women do these carvings as their jobs? I can't imagine earning enough money in this sport? Beth and I talked to everyone and anyone who would talk with us. We gave them fair warning that we are teachers and will ask 1000 questions. We did not let anyone down. They realized we were inquisitive teachers because we had one question after another. So here the blocks of ice that are "harvested" from the lake next to the carving area. Don't I sound like I know a lot by using the term "harvested"? These blocks are 12 feet high, 5 feet wide and 4 feet deep. The carvers use all sorts of tools to shape the ice. Most of them said they "created" their own tools by modifying other electrical tools. Almost all of them use electric drills, files, and dremils. The one man let us enter his work area to see how he shapes the ice pieces using extremely hot water and a metal discs. He uses a an electric prong that sits in a bucket of water to heat up the water. The next two are the beginning sculpture (after 12 hours of work) and then the final product - the Olympic Flame. One of the artist showed us his tool used to make the ice shiny clear - it looks like a caulk gun that is filled with water. The next gentleman used a pointed drill to carve out different types of fish scales. I got to touch the remnant ice shavings and it is fluffy and so soft. It does not compact to make snowballs! We tried. Then his finished product of the fish swimming. Then other artists and a mermaid. The boy surfboarding was amazing. They are scored on the vertical and horizon cuts. how much of the ice block they use, how creative the theme, the clean up area (around the sculpture), the different directions (facets) the sculpture presents. So why are these sculptures not as "cool" as the ones Cathy showed us from China? Because all judging is done with white lighting not colored. So these will look neater the next day, when I was leaving Fairbanks, with all the colored lights shining on them vs the white lights. Gosh I really did learn something! The award winner is the fairy dancer. It is the one above the bear sculptures. Then there is sculpture Flat Stanley. He was just as talkative to us as we were to him. He was the only ice artist who did this for a hobby. He is a employed by the Air Force and does ice sculptures on the side. His nephew wanted the "Flat Stanley" to go to the World Ice Carving festival. Then you can't have ice without a child putting his tongue on freezing ice. He was a hoot to watch. His parents carried a thermos with hot water to help get unstuck. How many times does a child get his tongue stuck before he realizes not to put his tongue on freezing ice???@@ The last picture is sunset in Fairbanks. You can see it is very flat compared to my Anchorage photos. The kids sledding on the hill were participating in the Alaska Bio Mechanics Exploration.
I hope you enjoy my Fairbanks travel. My next Blog is our adventure to Chena Hot Springs, about 60 miles north of Fairbanks. We went to the Ice Museum and Ice Hotel.

David, Poli and Bruce arrive next week for the start of the Iditarod. Fur Rondy starts this weekend. Fur Rondy is the beginning of Iditarod because all the Natives bring their furs to trade and auction. Then they participate in a week long festival including FrostBite 5 K run (aka barefoot in snow), Running with the Reindeer, The Outhouse Races, Snowshoe Softball, Blanket Toss, World Dog Sled Sprints, and a carnival. How many times in your life do you get to ride a Ferris Wheel with snow on the ground? Stay tuned.

Have a great day. Stay warm.

Sheryl the Nanuq of the North.

Ski for Women - Feb 14

Happy Valentines Day you all. I hope you enjoyed all your sweets today. Make time to go see the movie, Valentines Day. It is cute and I really like Ashton Krutcher. My group of friends, we ski together several nights after school and weekends, all went to see it. We laughed a lot. My friends are an interesting group. There is Beth 1, Beth 2, Stacy 1, Stacey 2, Cheryl 1, Sheryl 2 (me), Kim, and Jessica and some other on occasion. Isn't that amazing so many duplicate names with our teacher group. So during dinner last night I mentioned we need to go try Curling. I saw it as an Olympic sport and a TV special about it. There is a huge Anchorage Curling Association. So Wednesday night we are on our way to learn how to Curl. The season is long. It goes from Oct - April. We shall see how we do after our lesson. I will keep you posted. Most of them ice skate one evening a week. Everything here is lighted at night so everyone who wants to be out and exercising can. I have selected not to ice skate. It hurts when you fall on the ice. I can't find a pair of old fashion skates - you know the ones that strap on your boots and the blades are about 8 inches apart? I would probably fall on those too.

Ski for Women (2500 ladies participated) is where most of my pictures come from. My children, Tyler and Jenna, both said I need more pics and less talk. So here are more pics. The proceeds benefit the Battered Women Shelter in Anchorage. It was a bit cold as you can see from the sign. It was only cold watching the 6 sprint races and the parade of costumes. Once we started skiing it was hot. I was dressed way too warmly. I will know better next year. Beth and I might even wear a costume. David's cousin, Laura, was a killer bee book club member. I didn't get a picture because after the race the ladies headed inside for their hot toddies. Did I mention Laura is from the Warmbold side of the family - they like their beverages!!! Aren't those monarch butterflies amazing? They won first place as a team. They used their backpack frames and attached the wings (airplane fabric) to them. then some kind of bungee cords to make the wings move. It was a sight to behold when all 12 came down the final slope towards the finish line. Then the slot machines, and the Spring Chicks. The moSKItoes were my favorite. They won 2nd place - team. The straws from the glasses, wings, leopard tights, and fur covered poles were very creative. Then the 70's ladies, all tie dyed, then pink flamingos, the Western Women and more flamingos. The Frigid Ladies were in formal gowns, kind of difficult to ski fast in them. Next were the Fruit of Loom Ladies, thong, whitey tidies, hi cuts, granny panties, boxers, etc. They were made out of paper mache and very cute. It was funny watching them try to get up when they fell. The paper mache does not give so it took a production to get them back on their feet. Then the Spud ladies, they were nice and warm in the furry costumes. Their face pieces were on by Velcro so they could change moods when they had a moment. The Smurfs were cute but they fell into the snow drifts and wiped their faces off. They left blue marks in the snow. The Ipod were the youngest ladies of the ski, and of course my favorite SNOWMEN. I had to have their pictures. The last group won the theme category: taking care of Alaska's environment. They were the Solar Bears. The white paper coveralls are what the pipeline people wear when they work. Someone must have a connection. There were a lot of them. Then the cutie girl in the sled. Her mother pulled her behind during the 5K. There are metal bars with a hip pack that attaches to mom. Cleaver but way too much work for me. I finished the 5K in 40 mins and 32 secs. I could have finished sooner but the butterflies took up 10 feet of the 12 foot trail. So most of us had to ski single file. Next year I will get in front of the costumes. I couldn't get all the costumes because there were so many but I did take the ones that skied near us during the parade. Some good Halloween costume ideas for you.


The first pictures are from my school's winter festival last week. The two brothers, Da'rell and Shawn (5th/4th grade) are two of my favorites. Aren't they gorgeous? Next is the typical chariot all around Anchorage. A lot of ladies get their groceries while pushing the little one in the sled. They can be seen on ski trails, sidewalks taking walks and of course a lot of them parked at the grocery stores. They take the skies off in the spring and summer and it become a stroller. Those Scandinavians are so cleaver. Next is Janelle and her father. Janelle has never skated before. She couldn't hardly eat her pizza and salad b/c she was so excited about skating. I love they way they teach skating. Pushing a folding chair around the ice. The kids pushed me on the chair - did I mention it was the older and much stronger students! Janelle did well with the chair but had her fair share of falls when she went solo. Next is L'Jun and his sister, Lolo. I loved her snowsuit so they got their picture on the blog.

The sunsets are from this past week on my porch. Aren't they gorgeous. I have never lived anywhere this beautiful before. I can't wait for the spring when the apartment folks sit outside and enjoy the sunsets while the kids ride their bikes and play tag. Then there are the "Girlie Girls". My neighbors, Elise, 3, and Addell, 1 1/2. I have fun playing with them, making valentines, babysit them for their parents and this picture is from last week when we went to visit the ice sculptures downtown.

I hope you enjoyed the pictures. I hope you all are warming up. We are having summer like weather here - 37 - 40, sunny and blue skies during the day. The snow melts during the day but freezes again at night. It makes nighttime driving still a bit dangerous. I am counting down my three weeks until David, Poli and Bruce arrive for the Iditarod. I hope we get a bit more snow for the race. I can't wait to share those pictures.

Until then, enjoy your day. Smile a lot and hugs to you all.

Sheryl the Nanuq