We drove from Denali to Fairbanks. As we move further into the interior, the weather should be more at the extremes. Fairbanks is consider tropical in Alaska in the summer – the temperature sometimes reaches the high 80s — but come winter, cold is real. At a Princess tourist site in in Denali and again in Fairbanks I’ve seen the ultimate tacky tourist experience — come see what it’s like at 40 below.
40 below zero is the point at which the Fahrenheit and Celsius scales merge. The tourist deal was to don a parka and enter a special room where the temperature is 40 below zero. They’d take your picture and issue a certificate for $10. We didn’t partake. What I did learn that was rather interesting is that in Fairbanks they never close schools for cold. If the temperature is as low as 20 below, they still have recess outdoors in elementary schools. From -20 to -40, it is principal’s discretion. If the students are going on a bus trip within the district in winter, they are required to have winter hats, gloves, parka, and sleeping bag. All trips continue within the district unless the temperature is lower than 40 below. Bus trips are not permitted to leave the district if the temperature is lower than -20. Everyone dresses in layers – but of course.
We are staying at Rivers Edge RV Park in Fairbanks. It is a delightful park with wide spaces separated by trees and grass. Our site is close to the river. There are ducks in the river who beg in the park. They’re quite successful.
Our view is excellent.
