We took the day to drive to Chena Hot
Springs, which is exactly 57 miles to the east of Fairbanks. We know that it’s exactly 57 miles because
that’s the end of the road. Along the
way, we observed a few areas where recent fires had been. The fires are very bad at this moment. They've not had much rain and the ground is very dry. The humidity is very low in
this region, so even if they do receive some rain, the lightning from thunderstorms
could start another fire. We are parked next to Fort Wainwright Army Base. At that facility they coordinate all of the
air tanker and deploy the fire jumpers, so we see lots of helicopters and
airplanes landing and departing all day long and even into the late evening. The
air is filled with smoke, sometimes very heavy.
Back to Chena Hot Springs. We saw several moose along the way. Some were eating vegetation along the side of
the road, while others were enjoying gathering food from the bottom of the
lake. There was one mother with her 2 calves in the water.
A short distance up the road from our
first sighting, we found another moose along side of the road that seemed to be
quite content having his picture taken while eating. When we departed the hot springs on our way
back to Fairbanks, this moose darted across the road in front of us, so we
drove up to see where he was. Low and
behold, it was the same moose from earlier that day. He must have recognized the car and wanted his
picture taken again. Sharon said “I
think that’s the same moose we saw earlier” (she is so observant). When we
review the pictures, sure enough it was the same one.
Chena Hot Springs is a commercial
operation as opposed to the hot springs that we visited in Liard Springs which
was a provincial park. Pretty darn
expensive road to a commercial operation. In fact, the road to Chena is one of the best
roads north of Fairbanks.
There was even a moose on the grounds enjoying a visit.
We enjoy sauntering around the grounds.
This operation is powered by the geothermal activity in the area. The water
that comes from the ground is approx 165 degrees. They generate their own power
and heat from the water as well as processing the collected waste. They are pretty much self sufficient.
They even grow their own vegetables. There are several greenhouses and gardens on
the property. The flowers are beautiful
and the landscaping is nicely done. They
have a hotel, swimming pool (indoors as well as outside). I’m sure the waters are cooled for those if you
are wondering. How do you like your swimmers slightly steamed or well done?
Only Kidding.
We had a quick snack at the restaurant (had
to try those fresh vegetables). Our
waiter was very nice and we asked lots of questions. Their busy season is from
October thru April (I wonder why?) He
lives on the grounds and works 6 days a week with all the overtime he can
stand. He really enjoyed working there. What a friendly atmosphere. Not because they have to be nice but they
thoroughly enjoy being there.
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