In route to the hot springs we visited an observation area on the Alaskan pipeline. Much of the pipeline is underground but this section is above ground.
At the display there is a map of Alaska made from a section of pipe showing the route from Prudhoe Bay to Valdez.
As well as a retired “pig” (on left) and a current pig (on right) used for cleaning the interior of the pipe.
Driving along the highway we crossed the Chena River several times and noticed little change in the coloring of the trees.
In 1905 crippled prospectors with aches and pains learned that a U.S. Geological Survey crew had seen steam rising from a valley in 1904. The Survey crew had decided that it must be hot springs in the upper Chena River valley but did not investigate so Robert Swain decided to search for the hot springs to relieve his pains. After locating the springs and building a cabin for himself he built 12 small cabins to rent.
By 1912 the springs were becoming well known and travel time by trail using dog sleds (even bicycles) from Fairbanks was twenty hours . There were regular trips by the “Hot Springs Stage” a 4 horse rig making the trip every 10 days.
The water was tested in 1912 and found to be unlike any other American hot spring. Later testing determined it was much like the hot springs of Europe.
In the late 1900’s the current owners purchased the hot springs from the state of Alaska. In 2004 an ice museum was built to display sculptures and have rooms for rent. But alas in the spring it melted. In 2005 it was rebuilt and remains open year round.
As we entered the museum we were offered parkas to wear during the tour in the 25 degree rooms. Most people accepted including me..
There is a wedding chapel and we were told that 30 couples have chosen to be married here.
There is an Ice Bar and we declined $15 drink during our 1 P.M. tour but many partook.
There is an igloo . . .
and four rooms that are rented to overnight guests. This is one of the beds.
The hall lighting changes colors during the tour.
Classes are taught in the work area. . .
Most of the people on the tour were very impressed but we prefer the World Ice Sculpting Contest in Fairbanks each Feb./Mar.
We found that at the hot springs there was more fall coloring than along the road from Fairbanks.
Outside the restaurant where we had lunch was a beautiful bench with a diamond willow back.
as well as several pieces hanging for decoration
We toured the geothermal power plant that produces 300KW.
and the green house . . . growing lettuce
tomatoes
cucumbers
and flowers all year round using the hot water to keep the soil and green house warm even when it is –25 degrees outside.
Then it was on to the hot springs for a soak in the the 116 degree outdoor pool for about an hour and 15 minutes.
before we moved indoors to the pool and hot tub with 103 degree water.
Two of the original rental cabins are still in use
A painting in one of the halls shows the strata levels of the area.
Driving back to Fairbanks we stopped for a picnic (after the soaks and walking we were both pretty tired).
along the Chena River.
No comments:
Post a Comment