Another fun-filled day, this time with Colleen Jones, my friend from North Pole.
Colleen arrived at 8am, all aboard the bus & off we went to the Riverboat Discovery. Have a look at www.riverboatdiscovery.com
This family owned & operated business is probably the best ever tourist attraction (as opposed to buildings, or nature) that I have ever seen.
You board discovery and the entire land-based crew stand on the jetty to wave us off. As we cruised the Tanana River we were informed of local history, folklore, sled doss, cultural traditions, log cabin construction, plus, plus, plus.
Our Captain was Wade Binkley, grandson of the founder, Jim Binkley. Grandma was standing on the banks of the river waving - she no longer has to make doughnuts to feed the visitors; then the were neighbours waving from verandahs, all just fabulous. This really was a highlight for us all.
It was even a pleasure to visit that great Alaskan Institution, the Gift shop. It has excellent quality, but very well priced souvenirs. Well done the Binkleys!
Then it was onto Harleys Diner. Colleen & her later husband Randy had just opened this 50's-style diner when Randy died in a motorcycle accident. Randy's dream has been realised by Colleen & her great team. The sandwiches were the size of the cruise liner. Yum.
Then it was off to North Pole to visit the Santa Claus House. Now, in north Pole even the street lights are painted & shaped like candy canes. This entire store is Christmas - actually, that's a teeny, tiny fib - they also stock fake Crucifixion Nails. I kid you not. You can mail order from their website if you can't shop personally. Now I'm not knocking this store. It was fantastic. An incredible selection of every style of Christmas decoration you could possibly imagine. I could only just resist purchasing the 'combat serviceman' decoration.
Then we visited Colleen's house. Yep, she fitted the 42 of us, plus about 8 others into her home for nibbles and show and tell. Wonderful hostess.
Early night tonight.
Till tomorrow,
Lesley & the Tourists
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4 comments:
Hi Mum (and others). Gosh the stories get better! I went onto the link in this blog - it looks so beautiful but did you get a day like the photos?? Sounds like everything has been going so smoothly (despite the little wee hiccups in reaching Fairbanks). Enjoy the last few days of your holiday - hard to believe that you are back here in less than a week. Can't wait to hear your stories and see the photos!
Love Andrea and Roger
Hello Pat Boyt,
I have really enjoyed following your adventure on the blog, (congratulations to Lesley). I loved hearing about Banff and Lake Louise, it was mid winter when we were there and VERY cold. Sounds like it was just the same in the spring!!!! I had a wonderful time on the Milford Track (had snow up on the pass!!!)Our house is making good progress with the kitchen going in today. The grandies are fine.....Chloe is very 'into' butterflies at the moment. When Kate picked her up from care today, her face was all painted up as a 'beautiful' butterfly!!!
Enjoy the last few days.
love, Barbara McG
Hi Zena and all,
Have you any room left in your cases after all the shopping?
Keep on enjoying yourselves for the last few days.
Spent a couple of hours with Jim this afternoon. He is doing well and said to tell you he is ok and still kicking.
The fire was stoked and the house lovely and warm. Looking forward to seeing you soon.
Love Carol
Hi heather & Alison
sounds like you have had a great time with Colleen, cant imagine there is much room left in the suitcases! good meeting at guild the other night, about 55 smaller than last month but I guess thats winter night syndrome. Enjoy the rest of your trip
best wishes Sue B
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