Alaska day 5

Happy Birthday America!  What a beautiful place to spend the 4th of July!

We had an early start this morning . . . we wanted to beat all the potential RV traffic on the road today!  Much to our surprise there was hardly anyone on the roads and arrived at the Visitor's Center quickly!  It was the most understaffed National Park Visitor's Center I have ever seen!  Only one person taking money for the fees and then trying to answer questions from people who had no idea what was going on or did not even bother to research anything about the park. Totally annoyed me of course so we headed outdoors to do some hiking . . . the views were so beautiful and the best part was I had to wear a jacket!

Of course we were not as prepared as we should have been . . . no defense if we did crossed paths with a bear or other critter but just enjoyed the walks to nowhere in particular.  I am beginning to like this 'no planning' vacation.  Later we headed back to the Visitor's Center to watch the movie and visit the museum.  We did not hike to Mount McKinley (next time) but really did enjoy our time outdoors, but honestly I was a little disappointed with the park.  There is very little to do as far as driving around and viewing wildlife since it is all controlled by having to take an organized tour (which are all very long) or shuttle bus which is sort of annoying.  I understand why but . . . we had thought about taking a tour by air but it was foggy and probably not the best day so maybe next time; honestly I was scared of being in one of those little planes too.  However, we did venture over to the kennels to check out the sled dogs and then my thoughts changed; what a great place to visit.  This is the only National Park that has working dogs . . . Bark Rangers as the human ranger called them.  We went over before the tour and had the place to ourselves to spoil the pups.  These are the newest additions; they were so adorable . . .

. . . you can watch them grow by viewing the live webcam too.  They had been separated from their mom the night before, and she was having a very difficult time.  She was crying and it was so sad but of course we gave her some love but she really missed her babies.  They had a hard time trying to get the kibble our of the toy.  As you can tell it was a tiring task and they were napping a lot.  One of the big dogs just hanging out . . .

I did not like seeing the dogs chained but they could easily wander to the edge for some interaction and rubbing by visitors.  They all seemed happy and healthy but sort of sad too.  Maybe they were just hot?  It was time for the demonstration and ranger talk about the 'bark rangers' job which was very good.  If you go be sure to arrive early; it was very crowded!  When they started getting specific dogs ready all the others went crazy jumping around, barking, and super excited; guess they love their job!

It was nap time I guess or they were bored by the Ranger Talk?

After the crowd left they turned them loose one at a time and back they ran to their living area.  One dog, Gator,  could not be trusted as they said he just keeps running and running so he had to be walked back.  It was well worth the visit and will go back next trip to Alaska.  It was time to head back after a nice day in the park!  Totally just a scanned post card but WHAT a view . . . can't wait to see with my own eyes.

Back to Fairbanks for a little feast for the 4th of July . . . nothing says America like ribs; who cares if they are from Fred Meyer?