The service is most enjoyable with Father Fred Bayler-- a big man with a welcoming personality -- officiating. At the end of Mass Fr. Fred asked if there were visitors in the congregation -- so Phil and I introduce ourselves and Patte and Dave do the same -- but Dave adds that he and Patte are celebrating 40 years of marriage. Well -- Fr. Fred cannot let that go so he has them come up for a blessing and then the entire congregation gives a blessing. It was wonderful --- people were coming up to Patte and Dave congratulating them. After Mass we had a nice chat with Fr. Fred and found out he went to Pope John Seminary in Weston, MA -- he was ordained just over 2 years ago. Fr. Fred looks to be in his late fifties.
Our next stop is the Morris Thompson Cultural Visitors Center where we find great info --- including a place to have breakfast -- The Diner. We walk to The Diner --- we are waited on by Jolene who's husband was born in Barnstable, MA. Weather is still cool but the sun is shining and it appears to be getting warmer.
Since the buses do not run on Sunday -- we must depend on private transportation. The visitor center guide recommended Airlink Shuttle & Tours -- I call, speak to Jeff (the owner) and proceed to tell him our schedule for the day. Jeff is not interested in our schedule and does not want to commit to any prearranged times. He says, "Call when you need a pick-up and it will be $14 for four people" -- no matter where we go in the area. So that's what we do -- twice Jeff picks us up -- he's also the dispatcher. The other times he sends Linda and Jade. It works out just fine.
Our first stop is the Farmer's Market --- which is quite successful on Wednesday and Saturday but has not caught on for Sunday. There are a few vendors -- Patte and I purchase local cookbooks -- Dave buys a sweatshirt -- Patte buys a cute spider to hang from her rearview mirror --- and Phil walks around. We call Jeff.
Our next stop is Riverboat Discovery -- we have reservations on the 2:00 pm cruise. Jeff picks us up depositing us at the riverboat dock which is a huge "general store" and restaurant. We embark on Discovery III -- a four level riverboat -- for a three hour cruise along the Chena River. Captain Ryan Binkley is at the helm -- his grandfather started this operation by transporting goods on the river at the turn of the 19th century.
The cruise is well done -- although opportunities for guests to spend money are plentiful -- it does not feel like it. Free coffee, donuts and water are all over the boat as well as salmon dip and crackers at the end of the cruise. Highlights of the cruise: a close up view of a 1951 sea plane taking off and landing right next to the boat -- twice, a stop at Trailbreaker Kennels originally founded by Susan Butcher (from Boston) who won the Iditatrod several years ago, and an hour-long stop at a mocked-up Athabascan Indian Village with guides and free time to wander the site which included a fish camp from before the Athabascans were influenced by Western ways. We thoroughly enjoyed this excursion and learned a lot about the Alaskan way of life -- before and after western influence.
It has been a long day -- we are looking forward to dinner at the Wolf Run Restaurant to celebrate Patte and Dave's 40th Anniversary. We call Jeff.
We are picked up by Linda, an interesting person with roots in Sudbury, MA -- she has studied her genealogy. Upon arrival at the restaurant -- it appears they may not be open so Linda waits till we give her the ok to leave. It is an odd place -- looks like a house ---- there is construction going on. Several people have told us this place is known for their great desserts -- in we go. It's early ---- we have our choice of tables and pick one by the plastic-covered window just across from the fireplace that is not burning. The chairs are very comfortable.
We are perusing the menus trying to decide on a bottle of wine -- our waitress brings water and asks if we'd like anything to drink --- we say we are choosing a bottle of wine. This is when she announces that their liquor license is "up in the air" since they are transitioning to new ownership -- meaning no wine for dinner. I think the four of us just stared at her for a full minute with our mouths wide open. After discussion we decided to stay -- what choice did we have? Linda has left --- we are not within walking distance of anything --- and there would be those great desserts we've been hearing about.
Our meals are excellent and come out very hot -- but the service is spotty. The waitress is lovely and offers a complimentary dessert to celebrate Patte and Dave's Anniversary -- but she does not seem to understand the basics of serving dinner. The dessert is beyond our expectations -- a very large piece of chocolate cake with three different layers of chocolate in the middle. However -- it would have been nice if the dinner dishes had been cleared before we had dessert -- we just piled them toward the end of the table and enjoyed.
Time to call Jeff! This time Jade picks us up and deposits us at the Westmark Hotel while providing tips on what we might do tomorrow. We've been gone for over 12 hours.
We are exhausted -- even without wine -- but how can we say no to the "jam session" at the hotel billed as "Alaska's Opry Stars presents Alaska's Ambassador of Country Music Earl Hughes and Special Guests". There are three guys in their sixties -- very talented -- in the Minto Room --- I last about 30 minutes before my eyes just won't stay open any longer.
A great first day in Fairbanks, Alaska.
Thanks for Reading!
Pat
What a great day! Happy Anniversary Patte and Dave!!!
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