Fairbanks (Chena Hot Springs)

After getting to bed at 3 AM I managed to “sleep in” until about 7:30, then gave up and got up to begin the day. I walked around the grounds to orient myself to the property in the daylight and had some breakfast in the restaurant; meal vouchers were included in my Aurora viewing package, which was a good thing as everything is very expensive up here. I had called to schedule a massage, but apparently all of the therapists had left and they had yet to hire more. I stopped by the cafe to get an espresso, but their machine had broken, no ETA on when it might be fixed. As an amazing location as this place is, the resort is not run very well. It has actually improved over the year; people now actually answer the phone and return e-mails. But they have a ways to go. I guess they have very little incentive to improve operations as people come for the location regardless.

Clouds are predicted for the next few days, making Aurora viewing iffy. The locals keep repeating the mantra that conditions can change quickly, so I’ll hang on to that bit of optimism

In the meantime, I had a dog-sled ride scheduled for today. I showed up a bit early and so was able to chat with the staff while waiting and observe the dogs. They had “overbooked” the four person ride by one - obviously me - and said they would just add another ride. I let the four person group go first and then had a ride all to myself. There were 6 pairs and a large malamute who was placed by himself as he was so much larger than the other dogs. It really was fun and the dogs seem to sincerely enjoy running, even while pulling the sled.

It was then time to enjoy a dip in the hot springs. They’ve built the structure so that a small ramp leads directly into the pool. I was lovely and relaxing to sit in the warm water while watching the steam meld with the clouds and mist over the mountains. I ended up chatting with Brooke and Kristen from Colorado. They are visiting a friend working at the North Pole.

After the dog ride and soak, I was ready for a nap. Honestly, by the time I recover from the red-eye - especially as I will be up very late each night - it will be time to head back. My nap was interrupted by hunger pangs, so I decided to get a late lunch / early dinner. At the bar, I chatted with Luke and Maddy, on their honeymoon from New York. They are combining trips to Alaska and Hawaii. I nice idea, but a packing nightmare. Then David from Seattle sat down and we also had a nice conversation.

I then went back to my room to download and process while waiting to go out later to see if the Aurora might make an appearance. Apparently there is no point to even checking before about 9:30.

I wandered out at about 9:00. I saw the Aurora tour buses lined up to take people up to the warming yurt on the hill where viewing is idea - if the aurora makes an appearance. I did some test shots to check focus. But it was clear that the sky was completely clouded over. I have the Aurora tour booked for the next two nights. Unfortunately they also look cloudy, but I decided to get some sleep tonight to try to limit the sleep deprivation. Stay tuned.