FAIRBANKS, DENALI NATIONAL PARK AND WASILLA, ALASKA

July 3, 2004

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE WEEKEND EVERYONE!!!

On July 1, we met my friend Patty and Miles Griffiths who live in Fairbanks, Alaska.  Patty and Miles were members of our church in Stockbridge and Miles was transferred with the Army band about a year ago.  Patty was in choir with me.  It was nice to spend some time with them.  We toured the city of Fairbanks and went with Patty and Miles to Pioneer Park.  There were many old buildings and shops that were built in the day of the Gold rush.  They had a salmon bake and we enjoyed salmon, prime rib, crab legs and all the fixings.  We left July 2^nd and headed out for Denali Park and Wasilla.   We saw a moose as soon as we turned into the park but I couldn’t get my camera aimed fast enough.    It rained off and on all day in the park but we were able to get a glimpse of Mt. McKinley, the highest mountain in North America.   It was too far away to get a picture.  We drove on to spend the night in Wasilla.  We were pleasantly surprise to see magnificent mountains surrounding the town.  So far this as been the prettiest place in Alaska.  We couldn’t find a place to camp since it was a holiday weekend so had to drive on to Palmer, Alaska.

Tomorrow….off to ANCHORAGE!!