Our first day here in Alaska was spent catching up with friends and getting settled. After sleeping in, we got out to Eielson Air Force Base to check out some fighter jets and grab a bite to eat. We did some grocery shopping.
Did you know you can buy fishing gear at the grocery store? Giant dip nets anyone?
We capped off the day with a quick walk through our friend’s North Pole neighborhood. The weather was beautiful and the wild flowers were blooming.
Our second day, we ventured out to Castner Glacier cave. I never would have known about this if it were not for our friends. Located at milepost 217.3 on Richardson Highway, this is a hidden gem! We parked at a turnout beside Castner Creek and hiked the short trail along the river.
The cave appears in the middle of a gravel pile, almost as if to camouflage it’s icy interior. The hike itself is lovely. We even met a baby marmot friend!
It was raining and sadly, the trail that takes you into the cave was under the elevated river waters, making it impossible for us to go inside. This was a bit disappointing but just seeing it from the outside was still incredible.
On the way back to North Pole, we stopped in Delta Junction. It’s pretty much the ONLY place to stop along the whole ride. We got ice cream sundaes and shakes at the Buffalo Center Drive-in (yes, they will still hook the tray on your car window) and we checked out the restored Sullivan Roadhouse next door.
The kids also met a local firefighter as it was “Fill the Boot” day. He invited them to explore the truck. Who doesn’t love blasting a loud horn?! Turns out the firefighter is originally from Maine. New Englanders everywhere!
The Alaska Pipeline is visible along the sides of the highway in several places. Dipping below the Highway, it emerges on the other side. The suspension bridge for the pipeline is oddly beautiful.
And, perhaps most importantly… THE KIDS SAW THEIR FIRST MOOSE!! On to more adventures tomorrow with better weather at Chena Lakes!
