Frosty Fairbanks Fun

We like variety in our vacations, so we went from the lovely high 70's in Baja to the lovely low -10's (-40s with windchill) in Fairbanks. On the last day, Fairbanks warmed up to 9 degrees, and it's amazing how noticeable that change in temperature is. (To the right, early Sunday morning as the temperature rises.)

Meeting Team Wilyo and Team Jamgomy tripled the Fairbanks fun! The Ice Carving Festival is spectacular. It's amazing what people create out of a single block of ice. And we didn't even get to see the multi-block carving contest, which started the day after we checked it out. At night they light up the carvings with colored lights, and they get even more exciting. The winner was a gila monster catching a fly with his tongue.

The shot of the above Griffin ice-carving is for G.O.D., otherwise known as the "G".

Venus fly trap!

In addition to the masterful pieces, there were ice slides, an ice play area for kids, and even a fully functional ice phone booth! Not that you'd want to be hanging around outside at 10 below not counting the windchill for too long.

Fairbanks is cool even without the festival. Ice blocks are carved as decorations all over town, like this one in front of a service station.

And that evening, we drove the 60 miles out to Chena for some night time hot springs action. We didn't get many pictures, but trust us, it was definitely a wort hy endeavor. From the indoor pool, it is a 50 foot walk in the dark on ice to the hotter outdoor pool. That 50 feet seems like 5 miles at 10 below, but once you are in, it feels like a little slice of heaven. The hair on your head freezes solid, but your body is pure toasty goodness. If you've ever wanted to see what you'd look like in a mohawk, this offers a nice opportunity.

And let's not forget the mini-Lebowski fest at the best value bowling alley in the country. At first we were bummed to learn that the main bowling area was having a tournament so all lanes were booked. But UAF came through with their 8 student lanes. We had the place to ourselves!

Mister couldn't quite bowl yet, but he's at the stage where he can entertain himself with a good game of "Where's Boodah?" just about anyplace.

Worst parents of the year award for Team Wilco's food choices (chocolate covered pretzel):

And we wrapped up our Fairbanks stay hanging out indoors at the small mall. And a viewing of Semi-Pro. Here's Paxson at Pac Sun. Ha Ha Ha!

Bye bye Fairbanks! We're already looking forward to next time!