Riverboat Cruise on the Chena River

July 21, 2014

One of the multiple opportunities that was on our list to get to, or do, in Fairbanks was a cruise on the Chena River which runs from east to west through the heart of the city.  The lady in the campground office recommended the Discovery paddlewheeler because it was likely the most informative.  So, we signed up to go on Monday afternoon--today, of course!  Reason?  The weather was to be in the 70s and partly cloudy!  Not on both counts!!  Cloudy, some rain late in the cruise, and cool:  high didn't reach the high 60s let alone the 70s!!
Nonetheless, we had a most enjoyable cruise, and it was very informative--in other years, or terms, that would have been educational!  (Well, yes, it was!!)

Here is our sailing ship, The Discovery!  Carried 900 if full at $60 apiece!!  Twice a day!!  Go figure!!

We sailed down the Chena River from Fairbanks, meaning we went west!  The Chena runs from the east to the west through the city.  Down the way, we came to Susan Butcher's cabin and kennels.  She won the Iditarod Sled Dog Race...not just once!!  Her lead dog, Granite, piloted her team to wins three times in a row!  Only lead dog ever to do that!!  YOU GO, Granite!!

Statue of Granite outside a Native replica village down the Chena River from Fairbanks

Tekala, Susan Butcher's eldest daughter, talks to us from the Butcher Kennel

These are 9 week old puppies...being trained to follow!

"Cmon, guys, up over the logs!  Good training!"

Look in the middle background...a team pulling a rolling sled and going full out!
 



And here they come barreling into the yard!  Whoa!!

As we sailed down the river, we saw some really great homes!  Maybe some were the Obama One Percenters...but he has no clue about Alaska!!  Or anywhere else, seems to me!
OK, OK, enough about politics and incompetence!!  Some nice places along the Chena River!

Great set of flowering hanging baskets here!

Most likely a 1 percenter!

Another view...

Then there is this one!!

View 2!

View 3!!

This is one of Granite's progeny...fourth generation!

Tekla...Susan Butcher's eldest daughter, with my book dedicated to Teddy!

So, how soon will I add an Iditarod dog puller to my Camelot House??  Tomorrow, maybe!!  But no, I am happy with The Tedds in my coach...a good fit!  But man oh man, would I love to have one of these "pullers" to add to my caretaking!  Maybe one day....
Lovin' Alaska!
Ritchie