Salmon on the Riverboat
After sleeping in a bit this morning, we all got ready and made the mad dash to the car trying to avoid the flock of mosquitos. I know that is probably not the word for that, but they are so numerous and so big, I think it is appropriate. We avoided the large construction vehicles set up in the driveway, and headed out to our first stop.
We were going to see a migratory bird refuge, but when we saw the distance we would have to walk through the throngs of blood-sucking insects, we marked it off our list.
Next up was a botanical garden affiliated with the University of Alaska at Fairbanks. It had began as a research garden with the purpose of identifying crops that could be grown in Alaska, as well as improving growing methods in this unique climate. We walked around, taking lots of pictures, and enjoying the sunshine. The hoody came off, and I would have even been happier in shorts.
Afterwards, we headed off to shop for a few needed items at Wally World. Unfortunately, I’m not talking about Marty Moose’s amusement park, but rather, the local Wal Mart. We found what we needed, and more, as always.
We grabbed a quick snack - or at least something that could qualify as lunch, to meet Emma’s strict nutritional standards. Then, we left to find our excursion for the day - the RiverBoat Discovery Adventure. It was a 3 hour tour that highlighted the importance of Alaska’s river ways as transportation, sources of sustenance, as well as enablers of the many aircraft that serve as lifelines to Alaska’s rural communities.
The riverboat was totally authentic, and LARGE. We saw a river plane take off and land a few times, and talked to the pilot about the restoration of the 1951 Piper Super Cub airplane. We saw some really cool houses built on the river. We also saw a recreation of a Native American village, and had a guided tour of the village from some really talented high-schoolers.
On the way back to the dock, they also brought up some smoked salmon spread and chips to provide as a snack, and as a sample of the other part of their business, smoking and canning salmon. Since neither Emma, Pat, nor I enjoy the fishy-oily taste of salmon, Carrie and Les got several extras. We did buy a few cans to bring back with us.
We also stopped in at a local distillery to sample and purchase some of their products. I always enjoy supporting local businesses, and seeing the unique things they produce.
We went back to our lodging to rest before our 8pm reservation. We had seen a restaurant on our riverboat tour that we decided to try. The food was amazing, and LARGE - I mean, I was almost full just off of 2 scallops, and one shrimp (calling it shrimp is an insult). After eating, we came back to do laundry, edit photos, and document the day. It is almost 11pm, and looks like 7 or 8 at home. At least we don’t have anything pressing in the morning - we might make it a low-key start of the day.
