Anita Latte

Hi Lois. I just want to jump in here because I have had Laparoscopic surgery for an ectopic pregnancy. It sounds like your doctors was referring to robot assisted laparoscopic surgery. For my surgery, there were 3 small incisions, 1 at the bellybutton, 1 just inside the pubic hair line and 1 over inside the hip bone. Scaring is minimal, very short small raised lines in each spot. I especially want to forewarn you in the way I was forewarned…women tend to have pelvic pain referred up

into the back of the neck area. I actually had severe neck pain following my surgery. Just a heads up there.

Lovely flowers...I'm so surprised by how big that cast is Melody! I hope you heal up quickly and well. Was happy to read about the success of your surgery.

I LOVE the picture of you in the black dress Margaret! Such a great attitude! I love watching the wake so much...so soothing and wonderful...I could watch the wake all day. I'm ready to hear more about your latest cruise too.

Laurie...it sounds like you and your daughter are going to have such a good time. It feels like the two of you are just going to do your thing and enjoy each other and do whatever and just be together and have fun.

I'm deep in planning for our Fairbanks trip. As you can imagine, I'm all about having the proper wardrobe for being NOT COLD LOL. We had a cold spell here, it got down to the upper 30s...it was in the 40s when we managed to get out and do some hiking...we have been doing SO MUCH hiking...there is a TON of public land around us between WMA, Conservation Areas, Sanctuaries, Parks, etc. and we've been hiking every weekend. So we got bundled up to go out and test how it felt and using our winter clothes...and we just sweat and sweat. It was very heartening to realize that we were doing so well in our cooler weather...because we weren't using any serious cold weather clothing really.

I have made some new purchases. Kat, if you're reading here, I ordered the Woolx Stella leggings and I LOVE them. Didn't care for the midweight ones as much, could be the color, I tried the green and it's just too light for me for leggings. I know I won't wear them. I also ordered from Minus 33. Super frustrating how the leggings fit is inconsistent, but I am keeping the heavyweight ones and sending the midweight ones back. It's time to start gathering all our stuff...I'll take some pictures to share. We still have time, we leave March 22...but we are going to a concert in Tampa the weekend before...it's going to feel like such a long vacation with that too.

Laurie.::I am going to Alaska in March! Celebrating my big birthday and chasing the Northern Lights among other things in and around Fairbanks.

I haven’t looked up anyone’s dresses but Kat, I wanted to share that I discovered a new brand today called Wool And. They have several simple dresses in different styles that you can dress up or down and most seem to be a nice knit material in a wool blend. A lightweight blend. I have a 150 weight Smartwool pull over hoodie. I love to wear it to the beach for some sun protection or anywhere for sun protection because it breathes so much better than a rash guard, which I wear in the water. You can feel any breeze through the material. The Wool And brand gives a similar weight so should be summer friendly. I’m debating one for myself.

Melody...I do hope you have a successful surgery. All your surgeries and health issues...good grief Melody...it feels like if it isn't one thing it's another. I hope you can finally get a stretch of time without any of that.

20 hours ago, slidergirl said:

Anita - I hope you have already booked the campsites for your trip to Glacier NP.  I did a quick peek at July and I'd say 98% are already taken!  

Kat...we can't make our reservations until March because our trip is in September. Our anniversary is in July, but we want to do a fall trip. We went to Grand Teton NP for our first anniversary (we were married in and lived in Loveland, CO for several years). We drove up there for our actual anniversary in July and some of the trails still required cramp ons and ice picks to cross. That was a multinight backpacking trip. This time, we have rented a classic, old school conversion van that has been fitted as a camper with a basic kitchen that is at the back where you can stand outside under an awning (pulled out but attached across the back on the roof rails) to cook etc. Our thoughts are to pick a couple camp grounds and have the van serve as a sort of home base while we will go out for at least one or two overnights in the backcountry. We're open to moving the van around so we can enjoy different areas of the park for day hikes and maybe have two different overnights in the backcountry. We just can't stand to NOT spend at least a couple nights in the wilderness, but at the same time, we are looking for some cushy breaks so that's why we have the "real bed" in a van and will break it all up. We may end up paying for a campground site while we also are paying for the back country.

Have you been? Do you have any recommendations? We're going to be arriving around 12:30 AM and we will have the van for that night. The van owner suggested Apgar campground for that first night since it is so large and is the closest one. But after that, we think we'd definitely move on. If you have experience at any of the campgrounds in Glacier I would love to hear it. 

We did go to Columbia Falls for Thanksgiving once. We were at a time share there at a golf resort. It rained the entire time we were there and finally we were like, well, gotta hike in the rain. We did a trail to Avalanche Lake. That's my experience with Glacier. We thought we would be back sooner since we lived in CO, but we moved out of CO in 99 and haven't been back since. That must have been 98?

It has been quite some time since I have posted anything, but I have been reading along all along. Had some laptop issues signing in...my MacBook is SO. OLD. I'm on DS's old laptop (much much newer than mine) and now I can sign into the boards again...and post with a keyboard. I don't like posting with my phone or iPad.

I'm enjoying reading about the cruises...it sounds like everyone has had such a good time. I'm not quite ready to cruise again...not for any reason except that I'm looking forward to travel that is a bit less ocean focused (since I have such easy access now) and a bit more nature adventure focused.

So yes, we are going to Fairbanks in exactly 9 weeks! Crazy business...but DH and I are so looking forward to it. The trip is in honor of my 50th birthday. I will actually be in Fairbanks on my birthday. I had a big personal debate as to whether or not I really needed to do anything big for my birthday. Taking away all sentiment, it's really just another day...and I while I love the idea of celebration, travel just for the sake of travel didn't seem appealing. Travel is such a disruption to the everyday routine...which can be the wonderful thing about travel...unless you are like me and trying to maintain a good routine for health and fitness goals. Anyway, when I considered doing something to celebrate my birthday, I thought it should be something that I've wanted to do for a long time and use my birthday as the impetus to set aside time to do that thing...and that thing was to see the northern lights. 

It was a quick thought to Fairbanks from there as AK is still in the US...less hassle than international travel right now. I loved AK, and our cruise and land trip in the summer of 2018...hard to believe how much time has passed since that trip! DH and I have had a thought to visit AK during each season...so this is our spring time trip (just barely spring) but we had gone just barely during the summer before...so fitting.

We will have 6 full days in Fairbanks. We haven't ever just picked a city and stayed there for a week before. We have 3 excursions planned that are adventures. One day we go snow machining (which is the local way of saying what most of us call snow mobiling). One day we go to a family homestead where they raise and race Alaskan Huskies and the husband actually races in the Iditarod and the Yukon Quest. We'll get to go on a dog sled ride as both a passenger in the main sled...and on a standing tow along sled, where we get to practice standing behind the dog team without having to lead the dog team.

The big physical challenge with the dog sledding is the standing part. Apparantly it's something of a given that you will fall down. The team will stop for you but you have to be able to get yourself up and back to the team all on your own. The driver can't leave the team because they will be eager to get going again...they have to control the team. So you're under pressure to get up and get going again...no time to waste...no time for anyone to help you.

The last planned tour is for ice fishing. This will be more cushy than you might imagine as the fishing hole is in the floor of a heated fishing hut. We will get to be able to keep one fish that we catch each, and have that cooked up fresh for lunch. 

Then we have 3 days with nothing in particular scheduled in case we have to reschedule either the snow machining or the dog sledding due to inclement weather.

We have two times where we have planned to be somewhere to watch for the northern lights. The first is a local community center which is supposedly on a bit of a hill and having a panaramic view...away from city lights. From 10 pm to 2 am, we can use the center for an inside place to keep warm...they'll have hot cocoa and some munchies available as well as games and other means of diversion while waiting to see if the northern lights will appear. Then, like we did before, we have rented a public use cabin which we can use in the same way. On other nights, we'll be on our own, and there are plenty of local spots to go to, but usually you are relying on your vehicle as a place to be inside from the cold. 

Speaking of cold...I'm reading that we should be prepared for temperatures that vary from 30 degrees to -20 degrees...

Other items of interest include a combined automobile/fashion museum. An annual world ice sculpture competition. Locally minded nature and science museums. Several local vodka distilleries. Several local breweries. Some amazing sounding restaurants.

There are two restaurants in particular that I'm looking forward to. The first is called Soba and it serves authentic Moldovian and Eastern European food. The family that owns and runs the restaurant is from Moldova. I definitley want to hit up the downtown vodka distillery and then go eat there. The other restaurant I had already scoped out is Thai food, Lemongrass, I think. Anyway, this restaurant has two locations...the one in Fairbanks and another actually IN Thailand. Very excited about that one too.

We still have cold weather appropriate clothing and outerwear. I did take advantage of a major Lands End sale and ordered so many different gloves and mittens though. The last thing that I'm still needing are base layer bottoms. I have a couple, but they are more appropriate for an active day...not a sit around in the dark of the night and wait for the aurora borealis level of activity. I've been on a slimming cycle and so I've been waiting on ordering the bottoms...I can deal with loser than ideal tops, but that would be annoying in a bottom...as annoying as too tight. I'm thinking to order in about 3 weeks. 

Anyway...Fairbanks is the spring...we have also purchased airfare and rented a camper van for a fall trip to Glacier National Park in celebration of our 25th wedding anniversary which will be in July. This is all motivation for our health and fitness goals...

Speaking of health, Laurie, I've been so concerned over your DH's health. I hope you are able to learn what is happening with him...that feels like the worst, to have evidence of something not being right, but having a hard time figuring out what that is. 

Also...Laurie, I wanted to say. Mom and I went on a ladies cruise together. We were with other friends but we shared a stateroom. So many good memories of that cruise. It's something very special for a mother daughter relationship I think. It's not just about the cruise itself, it's about the time that you can spend together and all those memories.

Years ago DH got a pair of leather fisherman sandals. They are a closed toe like sandal which DH felt very comfortable wearing on our cruises in the dining room and all over the ship in the evenings. I always felt DH as a man had a rougher go of it on our cruises because of the whole socks and shoes usually worn with pants to meet dress codes. Especially since he is so hot blooded and here I, as a woman, could have sandals and more warm weather  appropriate clothing.

I’m so glad you posted about Lands Wnd Margaret! I took advantage of the sale to get some things for the holidays…new slippers, waffle jogger loungers, a mixed lounge shirt. I also got winter gloves and mittens. We have fleece gloves but they don’t have screen thumbs or forefinger…also picked up winter insulated mittens and silk liners. May not keep all of that but might. Great sale for getting those things now.

Also...that's a good heads up on the Lands End sale M. I got those slippers also but I think I might pick up the cocoa and snowflakes ones. Also need to refresh my lounging/pajamas for the holidays.

Welcome back Melody! Love seeing photos! Any more? The water photo...looks like you had good weather! I'm a bit surprised there were many kids onboard with the school year...but I wonder if homeschooling is giving more freedom that parents are taking advantage of...

You do a great job coordinating your jewelry and your outfits Laurie. My fave earrings are hoops...I'll wear hoops with everything. I just like them...sometimes I think other shapes look odd (maybe because I'm so used to seeing hoops LOL) so even though I have a few other earrings, I haven't worn them!

Margaret, I remember that dark dress with the gold neck accent. That looks so nice on you. Which dress would you replace? The black one or the brown?

Bummer about the shorts from Target...but it's great that you recognize that they weren't working. I think indecision about that has been a problem for me in the past and then I miss a return window. 

Hah! You just posted Melody...nice outfits. Long sleeves huh? Is that for air conditioning or was the weather a bit cooler? I can't quite recall what I was wearing for our late November cruise but I do recall being a lot colder than I thought I would be in early March... Looks like the Galveston water didn't look too bad...it was almost always churned up and brownish when we went down to Galveston when we lived in Houston. Usually isn't the prettiest water along the gulf...

Kat...not helpful on the hats! LOL. Highs in the 20s will definitely be hat weather for me in theory. Good thought on a headband under a hat though. When we lived in North Carolina there were so many cold days and as I recall the hats I got there did well...I'm just concerned over the holes in the knit not being as good as a solid, but I have both and should just plan on bringing a variety since I won't know what I will really use. We get free checked baggage so I don't need to be skimpy on such things...one of my hats I did buy in Alaska but it hasn't been cold enough to wear EVER so I'll take that one for sure too.

BTW...looks like we might be headed in your direction next September. We're going to travel to celebrate our July anniversary later in the year...the big 25 years! We're headed to Glacier National Park but a possible plan is to fly into SLC and then rent a van/class B RV to drive up there. Prices on Delta are very good right now. I've found a van I'd love to rent but it's in Park City...but they do offer SLC pick up and drop off. DH has been on top of when we can make reservations for Glacier...the plan is to use the van as a sort of home base for some car camping but then to backpack and camp overnight for one or two nights in the backcountry. The thought is to do that a couple times over the course of 10 days to break it up and hopefully have some more comfortable sleeping in a van to offset the okay but usually less comfortable camping sleeping. We have good sleeping pads but still...

That Coldwater Creek top fabric is so nice. That's a great low contrast print that I think would look fabulous on me! However, I'm not in the market for clothes right now...I'm not investing any more in this size...except what I might be purchasing for Fairbanks for March.

Kat, the fleece is nice enough. It's a good layering fleece in that it feels like thinner more stretchy fleece...not the thicker kind of more fuzzy fleece. It's not as pricy as some of the more popular outdoor brands and it doesn't have some of the construction features that would make it a more pricy item I guess. DH picked up a Sherpa fleece jacket on clearance a while back in Winston and it is VERY well constructed...but it is also THICK, heavier fleece. That first fleece looks great with my winter coat which is a winter white outer with an olive/army green lining.

I have whittled down my neck gaiter collection over the years. When we lived in CO, I used them more...but once we hit the more Southern states...I only kept two. One is an actual neck gaiter...wide fuzzy fleece (typical tube) and the other is more of a headband than a neck gaiter. I did buy a couple of wool knit hats in Winston. There was a man that actually knitted, or crocheted, them...he called them bonnets but they are all more beanie style, but I'm concerned that the knit may not be as warm as needed...they aren't lined. I'm debating making myself a bit of a fleece beanie that I could put my wool cap over for Fairbanks. I KNOW it's going to be cold...and I don't have any real way to test my clothing before going. Thoughts on the hats? The average high in Fairbanks in March is 25F...average low is -1F. What is your experience in colder weather will the whole hat situation?

I didn't think it made sense for a civilian to be able to go on base, but at least one travel blog I read talked about going to Transmitter Rd on Eielson on two different nights and how they ended up meeting other aurora chasers from a FB group... There must be something more to that story...but considering how popular it is to see the northern lights Fairbanks, I didn't know if there was an area on base or near base that wasn't past a security point...so that's why I asked.

I think I've got our Aurora viewing somewhat sorted. We have two places where we have a definite place to be to hang out with an available indoor area and restroom access and I've found quite a list of places that are within cell phone range that are away from city lights and possibilities for DH and I to just go to on our own depending on how the forecast is. 

Thank you for the restaurant suggestions. I saw the Library Bar and Bites and read their menu and thought it looked interesting. Very good to get the heads up about how the restaurants are being affected by the labor shortage.

Laurie...I got those shorts in that kind of burnt sienna type color...if that's the color you got. Those shorts really work for me...I hope they work for you. They do tend to stretch a bit with wear, kind of how jeans do? So be aware of that. I like the flared thigh personally because too often shorts cut into my thighs, especially when I'm sitting down...and I find that annoying...so these have more room in the thigh and I appreciate that about them.

Fleece is so handy! But my fleece of late are vests and one pull over hoodie. I really want the zipper on a jacket. For the dog sledding...we've been warned to not wear anything that dangles (so wear what we used to call a neck gaiter (now called a buff) instead of a scarf and also not to wear anything fur or down filled because the animal association is strong with the dogs and they will "pay extra attention" to those things. So don't wear those things LOL. So fleece is the perfect mid layer...I also have a puffy down filled jacket that could be a good mid-layer. It's just from Uniqlo though...so I have to look up to see how warm it is really expected to be.

The first fleece is my favorite. My winter jacket is a winter white/cream kind of color with an olive green fleece and other lining. I think the combo of the "tweed" fleece and the jacket will look really good. I especially like that the zipper and trim is burgundy...I like shades of purple and green together. 

I get the travel outfit and the whole transformation because where you are is so different from where you will end up. We had that for a road trip one November from Kansas City to Dallas. We left overnight snow in Kansas City to a high in the 80s in Dallas...we just kept shedding layers as we drove south. We'll have the opposite issue in March going from Florida to Fairbanks. We have a stop in Seattle...I'm thinking about going to the Delta lounge there again (we did it when we took the AK cruise), taking a shower to just feel better and changing into more winter appropriate clothing there.

I like your jewelry selections...and the shoes. Looks very nice. I'm excited to see everyone's pics!

BTW...I forgot to mention that the blue in your den looks rich and lovely. A perfect color and I can imagine it set off so nicely with white. I think your decor should reflect you and your life and your interests and so having all the sports decor is very appropriate. We don't need to live in our homes the way we would stage our homes for selling. Staging for selling is all about getting a potential buyer to understand how they can use the spaces and rooms in your home. That's when you depersonalize your home so they can imagine themselves living there and not the seller living there. But we should all have a personal touch in our homes so that we get maximum enjoyment from living there while we do.

1 hour ago, slidergirl said:

Thanks Anita!  I know Melody had dental work done this year and had done liquid.  I didn't mean to shut out everyone else.  

You betcha...DH had dental surgery earlier this year and was required to eat soft foods, idk if you will be on full on liquid or if you will be on "soft foods" following whatever you have done. My local library had this book:

https://www.amazon.com/Foods-Easier-Eating-Cookbook-Follow/dp/0757002900/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&qid=1634921077&qsid=131-4911556-5119923&refinements=p_27%3ASandra+Woodruff&s=books&sr=1-1&sres=0757002900%2C1583330844%2C0757004210%2C0757004202%2C0895296306%2C0757004296%2C0895298600%2C1583332014%2C1583332375%2C0895296683%2C0895298619%2C0895297485%2C0895296292%2CB000I35Q1M%2C0895298805%2C0806906901

IDK if your library would or if the look inside is enough to get some ideas but this was a helpful book for understanding what might or might not interfere with healing (foods that get caught vs. food that doesn't) while having some "real" food and not just liquid for however long.

8 hours ago, slidergirl said:

I have a Blend Jet so I can make lots of interesting smoothies, but I need some protein in the mix. 

You didn’t ask me but we’ve had to add protein to smoothies and after trying many different kinds…the absolute BEST is straight up collagen powder from grass fed cows. This is the brand we use:

https://www.target.com/p/garden-of-life-grass-fed-collagen-peptides-dietary-supplement-9-87oz/-/A-76614087?ref=tgt_adv_XS000000&AFID=google_pla_df&fndsrc=tmnv&DFA=71700000079683306&CPNG=PLA_DVM%2B0060H00000uK4nmQAC-Garden+of+Life_Google_Always+on_2021_Fllight_AO&adgroup=PLA_Garden+of+Life&LID=700000001393753pgs&network=g&device=m&location=9011776&gbraid=0AAAAAD-5dfbQ7kRvBybrM8FG4SsAnC7v8&gbraid=0AAAAAD-5dfbQ7kRvBybrM8FG4SsAnC7v8&gclid=CjwKCAjwn8SLBhAyEiwAHNTJbcvkffQPETMZSdGFq6E8eaxnDg-E-OB3AZSxBzoeMW1uwTz5du73ZxoCd9YQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Just in case that link doesn’t work. It’s the Garden of Life brand without any added flavor. It absolutely disappears in a smoothie…no chalky powder texture and absolutely no flavor. It’s an excellent source of protein.

Melody...hope all goes well with your SW flights on Friday! Friday right? And that you have a wonderful cruise...especially the first timers in your group. I took a cruise with my parents when I was a teenager but my first "adult" cruise was out of Galveston on Royal. Are you flying in the day of embarkation? Or going in a day early?

How funny that both Laurie and Margaret are flying the day after Thanksgiving! Such fun!

I have to say that the colors of your patterned dresses Margaret look SO different on different screens. I'm on DS's old laptop so I can have a keyboard for posting...and the rusty red orange background dress especially looks so different. I LOVE all the patterns! The rust one would be okay on me too I think but the other two...not so much. Way too dramatic for me...I've been paying more attention to such things...what I grab from my wardrobe and I do tend to feel more comfortable wearing a lower contrast print...though the high contrast is what really catches my eye...I have to watch myself.

I don't understand how the black dress is more formal than the swing dress? I think that teal lace would be beautiful with a tux...and I think you look so good in blue. I can understand wanting the long sleeves though and not messing with a warmth layer over a sleeveless dress.

Good dress choices Laurie! I like all those...I think that's what I picked for liking best. Definitely don't take the shorts you don't feel good in. Get rid of those unless you need them for housework projects...I'm all about feeling good these days. Especially with something so simple and complex as clothing choices...wear what feels good...get rid of what doesn't.

I've made some new purchases...totally opposite of what's going on here. I ordered a pair of snow bibs. Inexpensive. Recommended by people in Alaska and Canada. Available in an EARTH color? SOLD. There is this color that is EVERYWHERE right now...I'm talking about "Cappucino" and these snow bibs are a version of it:

https://www.amazon.com/Arctix-Essential-Insulated-Overalls-X-Large/dp/B08PZ8777Y/ref=asc_df_B071FSPTRN?tag=bingshoppinga-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=80814163363318&hvnetw=o&hvqmt=e&hvbmt=be&hvdev=c&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=&hvtargid=pla-4584413737160115&th=1&psc=1

My size wasn't in stock but it said it would be soon and let me buy them. Sizes and colors are all different prices...

I also ordered fleece jackets for a mid layer. I have fleece but not with a full zipper. I really like what I'm able to learn about the Kari Traa brand...and so I ordered 3 different jackets...2 were on clearance. This is this season's fleece (normal price)...the color is called Tweed.

I got this one because I think it will work great with the bibs:

And this one also on clearance:

I may not keep all the fleece jackets...we'll see.

On 10/18/2021 at 10:36 PM, GTJ said:

My understanding is that rental car companies will not allow their vehicles to be driven on gravel roads like the Dalton Highway.

There are rental companies that have what some call a “gravel car” available for rent which are allowed and equipped to travel the various gravel roads including the Dalton Highway. In Fairbanks, Alaska Auto Rental is one such car rental agency. They say their gravel vehicles are equipped with puncture resist tires, 2 spare tires, and a CB radio.

I think you would be well served to spend some time thinking about the travel time involved with the different tours...and how much time you will have to do what you want to do the places where you can visit. 

Read some reviews. See what it's like to do all the travel and miles covered by the tours...Alaska is HUGE and the travel times are much longer than you may be thinking they are. There are other things associated with the tours that I didn't think about until reading tour reviews...things like luggage logistics. Needing to have your luggage out and ready by whatever time, etc. 

On the Homer tour...Day 11 seems like you will basically spend the entire day on a bus. You have a free evening, but what tours are available in Denali after 7:30pm? Day 12...you will spend the majority of the day on a bus in the park...if the bus can...if the road is fixed. Day 13...you will spend the morning on a bus to transfer to the train to end up in Anchorage where you have time after 8:30pm to do what you want. That's a lot of time spent sitting and looking at the landscape go by...which may or may not satisfy the answer to, what do I want to do and see in Alaska?

The appeal of the tour is not having to plan too much...but one reason why DIY is touted so much here is because it is so easy to do. The hard part is making up your mind on what you want to do. Once you decide where to go, generally, getting around Alaska is fairly easy. There's literally one way to get most places...like there's only one highway that goes out of Seward and one highway that goes up to Anchorage...one highway that goes over to Homer. You don't have to worry about getting lost really. What you do have to be aware of is that these highways are often two lane roads. There are some passing lanes, but travel times are subject to traffic jams caused by wildlife on the side of the road and everyone stopping to be able to see...slow going RV vehicles...etc. 

When we made our AK plans for 2018, we started with airfare...we knew the cruise dates and we wanted to arrive early and stay late...we only had so many reward miles to work with and so we picked the airfare based on cheap miles travel and ended up with 4 nights post cruise. After looking at all the travel times...we ultimately ended up staying on the Kenai Peninsula post cruise...and we had an AMAZING time.  For our family, the time we would be able to spend in places versus the time it took to get there...we needed the time spent in each place to be worth the travel time invested and we didn't have that much time. We wanted to get out an experience Alaska more than just drive by it. Most tours, it seemed like our waking hours would have spent more time on the bus than actually touring and experiencing AK.

That's the big question to figure out when deciding what tour IMO...how much time will you actually have to do what you want to do in the places you want to go...and how much time will you spend traveling from place to place? Finding that sweet spot is how I think you figure out what land tour best suits your family...whether it's an organized tour or a DIY.

I did see it! Thank you Northern Aurora! 

I've been reading like crazy about different places to go to see the aurora...and one location was Eielson AFB. They make it sound like you can just go on base and watch for the lights...talking about Mullins Pit and Bear Lake. Can you seriously just go onto the base? 

23 hours ago, slidergirl said:

Anita - very cool on the Fairbanks trip!!!  Lots of fun to plan it all out.  A long taste of Alaska instead of little bites from a cruse ship!   You definitely have to put together a different wardrobe for this trip.  For those winter pants - you are kind of in the weird spot to hunt for them.  Everyplace is putting out this year's models and the sales are at the end of season in March/April.  Look online at Sierra, Backcountry and REI for some good basic winter pants.  

 

On colors: I discovered I am definitely not a orange/rust person.  I ordered one of the dresses from Natural Life that looked like the color was more towards reddish.  But, when I got it, the color looked horrible on me.  Sad beause I really liked the dress (the Rebecca).  But it totally washed me out.  Oh well...

We are so excited for Fairbanks! I know it going to be cold. And especially when we might be just hanging out over night chasing the aurora…could be extremely cold. I came across the brand Kari Traa. Anyone heard of this? I love the patterned fleece.

https://www.karitraa.com/en-us/olga-fleece/622903.html?dwvar_622903_color=FANCY&cgid=109644
 

I have two 250 quarter zip Smartwool base layers. Thinking about this fleece for on top as a mid layer.

Too bad on the Rebecca dress. That looks like a fun and easy dress to wear!

We’re staying at the Springhill Suites. We have a ton of Marriott points. DH racks them up with business travel and he had a bunch before the pandemic hit. His status was also extended so even though his business travel had slowed down, he still has really high status so we usually get some perks.

I’m not really jazzed about the Chena aurora viewing because of the thought of having to drive home afterwards. I’m especially not enthused hearing about the road. And such a good point about moose on the road. I would not have thought of that.

1 hour ago, rkacruiser said:

Being from the Space Coast, are you really going to be prepared for what environmental conditions you are going to experience? 

I will absolutely be prepared...we aren't FROM the Space Coast. We moved here last year. I have quite a wardrobe of cold weather clothing from living elsewhere. The one thing I don't have currently are snow pants. My lower half changes sizes more frequently than the upper and so that's on the shopping list...

29 minutes ago, Northern Aurora said:

I don't have enough time to address the multitude of issues in post #1 but I will start.

 

First, what is a "normal rental car?"...You will also need an extension cord so it can be plugged in at night.

 

Instead of Murphy Dome I would suggest considering the Felix Pedro Monument pullout on the Steese Highway.  

 

Given what the OP's interests are I think they are cheating themselves by not staying for two or three nights at Chena Hot Springs Resort...We stayed at CHSR for four nights at Christmas 2020 and for five nights in March 2021, and I had no issues with the cleanliness or condition of the woman's locker room.  If my husband had any issues with the men's locker room he didn't mention it.  

 

And yes, there are walking trails at Cream's Field as it is a popular dog walking area year round.  Birch Hill is a cross country ski facility.  

 

Regarding clothing, you will need winter gear.  

For a normal rental car, I just was trying to convey that we were not renting a "gravel car" because some of the rental agencies had a specification for a gravel car to go on the various highways that require such a vehicle. Our rental is an SUV and I will have to ask how it is equipped. I will also ask about an extension cord from the hotel or see if we need to bring one...we can...we have a proper one, but if the hotel will supply...

And for the hotel, while staying at Chena may be convenient for certain things...it isn't an option because we aren't paying anything for our hotel because we have points that we are spending so there is no cost for our lodging. Regardless, I'm happy to hear good things about Chena Hot Springs because the reviews were a mixed bag.

The tip about the pullout is exactly the kind of thing I was hoping to hear about. Thank you. While it seems nice to have an aurora tour, one thing that bothers me about such tours is how the tour itself is a set time and there aren't early returns. I'm not the type of person that generally leaves anything early...but I do like the idea of being in control of my night and being able to get around on my own to various places that are good possible viewing places and being able to call it a night if I so desired. It's why I was hoping to hear more about where locals might go...if they were going out on their own.

I take it from what you said about Cream's Field that it wouldn't require snow shoes to walk around there?

I was really hoping you would respond to my thread Northern Aurora...I realize you have a wealth of information since you live there and would greatly appreciate your continued discussion when you have time. I hope that the discussion wouldn't be a negative thing...I didn't realize my OP had issues LOL. I welcome help!

Don...I don't know any of the tricks of the trade for photography. I love taking pictures but investing time, money and effort into learning about photography hasn't been something that I have undertaken. Our cameras are point and shoot...pretty old...one is a hand me down from my dad...the other is a "rugged" camera that is waterproof...good for capturing most moments on our various adventures. Not sure what I'm going to do about the camera situation for this trip...some of the tours I've seen have available cameras...

I'll have to call and see if we could do the Aurora viewing tour from Chena without staying there. We are staying downtown on points...saving on the hotel is helping fund our activities. Is the aurora tour you took the one that goes up to where there is a yurt or 2? You take a SUSV up there? The tour could be different now, of course, but just clarifying that you took the tour FROM the Chena Resort and offered through the Chena Resort?

Glad to hear the endorsements for Ice Alaska and the auto museum. Howling Dog looks like a LOT of fun...especially the focus on live music there. I can't tell how the winter affects its operation...but I'll find that out because that could be a good time there.

Yes, we are expecting cold. Serious cold. Great photo!!

Hello! I know that my entire land based trip...NOT associated with any cruise may not be entirely appropriate for this forum BUT...having participated here to plan our AK 2018 cruise and having received such wonderful help here...I'm hoping to get some insider track information on Fairbanks because we will be there for about one week in late March in celebration of my 50th birthday. I'd very much appreciate input into what to do and where to eat while we are there. Here's what I have so far...

We arrive 11:45 PM on Tuesday, March 22. We have a normal rental car (we aren't planning the Dalton Highway...when I plan the Arctic Circle, I want to spend time there and have it be its own destination)...so normal rental car to facilitate getting around town but NOT a gravel rental.

So Wednesday, March 23...first thing booked is an aurora viewing experience at Aurora Pointe. 10PM - 2AM. I've read great reviews of Kory...if he's still running it...and I'm happy to have access to a warm inside, restrooms, a campfire, etc. for our first go at aurora chasing.

Thursday, March 24...10:30 AM...snowmobiling. 2 hr tour.

Friday, March 25 (my birthday!)...10:00 AM...dog sledding. 1.5-2.5 hrs.

Saturday, March 26...9:00 AM...ice fishing. 4 hr tour.

Ice fishing is a go no matter the weather really because of the fishing hut. If necessary, we have Sunday and Monday available for possible rescheduling due to inclement weather.

So...for the locals that could give me some extra special help...I'm wondering about places that we could go for our own aurora chasing. I've read about Murphy Dome. There's actually a tour offered that goes there is a van...but they say there's no restrooms and they are offering the van as a warm place for hanging out to watch for the northern lights...but I'm thinking that we could just drive ourselves out there. It seems like locals may do that. I'd like more info on if that is as simple as it seems to be to drive out there on our own. AND anywhere else that would be a good place to go to for aurora chasing. I'm not adverse to paying for another aurora watching experience, but I'd like to hear more about what we could do on our own.

I thought I read somewhere that at the entrance to Denali, in the winter they have snow shoes available to use and you can walk around the trails that are right there... I can't seem to replicate that info anywhere. We are up to a daytrip to around Denali if the weather is conducive to that...and IF there was something worth while doing. We haven't been to Denali and that is our plan for another year, but if there was something unique to winter in the surrounding area that would be worth doing, I'd love to know about it. Especially if Sunday and Monday are still "free" days because we didn't have to reschedule snowmobiling or dog sledding.

Things that I'm thinking about doing...some that I definitely WANT to do...some that I'm unsure about...

1. Ice Alaska...I'm all excited to see the ice sculptures. I get that the competition should be finished before we get there and the events will likely all be over, but it seems like the display of all the ice sculptures continues to the end of March? This is definitely on my to do list if it does in fact go through the end of March.

2. Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum...definitely interested in the cars and the FASHION. I read there are winter hours...only open Wednesdays and Sundays.

3. Museum of the North...definitely interested in this.

4. Chena Hot Springs...my concern here is more related to reviews I've read about the state of the locker rooms etc. But I've been to Thermopolis WY in winter and it was great...we did Pagosa Springs in winter and that was also so good. I LOVE hot springs...so definitely interested.

Also on the list of interested in: Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center, Fairbanks Community Museum. We're staying downtown so we could easily take the trail along the river (is that possible in March?) and get to see the Yukon Quest Cabin, Golden Heart Plaza, Land Lease Monument, Antler Arch, etc. along the way to the Visitors Center. And that brings me to the question...how are things like the streets and the downtown area for walking from hotel to restaurant, etc.? I'm hoping that the streets and sidewalks are maintained and cleared so we can walk from place to place?

Other places I'd like to visit...Hoarfrost Distilling, Fairbanks Distillery (the one downtown), HooDoo Brewing. For restaurants, I think I want to eat at Soba and not sure what else. I want Soba because it sounds like the couple relocated to Fairbanks and are cooking up their homeland food, sounds authentic and yummy. I'm curious as to what happens to all the river front restaurants in the winter. Are they a nice atmosphere inside and overlooking the frozen river? Where else would be unique food or a great atmosphere? Is there a place in or around town that is especially suited to a special birthday dinner? We have a car and are willing to drive to the surrounding areas.

Also...for things like Creamer's Field. In March, would we need snow shoes to walk around there? What about Birch Hill Recreation Area? I think I've read there's a hill there for sledding? Can we grab a sled somehow and play there? Also, is Creamer's Field a good place to go to see Aurora?

DH and I lived in Colorado for many years. We participated in many winter activities when we lived there...including snow shoeing and downhill skiing. I'm not into downhill but DH would love to snowboard. I think I saw two ski areas there? We were debating the idea of DH having some snow boarding time and I might have some spa time?

If anyone would take some time to talk to me...I would really appreciate it. I ultimately picked Fairbanks for my 50th because I've always wanted to see the northern lights but also I love snow...and enjoy doing more active type things. I wouldn't mind trying Nordic skiing...going snow shoeing...whatever. I'm open to hearing about these things. DH grew up in CO and WY...we lived in CO and KS...so we have good experience driving on winter roads and actually have quite a bit of winter clothing oh!, insight on what is appropriate for just in town would be helpful. Like how wintery do my shoes have to be? I have insulated snow boots...do I need to wear them all the time? What would be a good second pair of shoes to have for museum, restaurant, distillery, brewery, etc., type times?

Much obliged...thank you in advance. If you don't want to give away all the insider secrets, please email me at "cc anita latte at gee mail dot com" but please let me know you did email me here as I don't normally check that email if I'm not in an active conversation with someone.

On 10/12/2021 at 1:07 PM, slidergirl said:

Anita - for the festival:  If you can't take blankets or such, find an old big shirt that you don't mind messing up and tie it around your waist.  Then, you have a little "blanket" you can untie and sit on! 

Definitely thinking along those lines... IDK what the weather will be like in November...it could be cooler, especially in the evenings after the sun goes down...definitely might have layers that could be rearranged for a decent sit. I went through my shoes...I forgot that the reason I haven't been wearing my Doc Martens is that the heel can bother my knee. I'm so used to perfectly flat shoes now that I can feel any sort of heel (even simple sandals). I did buy a pair of lightweight day hikers from Altra a while back...they are high tops but not super high...and they are currently in the running for being the shoe I'll wear for the festival. I just have to wait to see how the weather is to see if I'll be wearing shorts or pants with my concert tees.