Chena Hot Springs

Today (12/3) in Fairbanks the sun rose at 10:25 am and will set at 2:55 pm.  The length of the day will be 4 hours and 29 minutes.  We will continue to lose a few minutes a day until December 21st.  On the other hand, the moon is full and very bright.  With the reflection on the snow, nighttime can seem brighter than day.  Long shadows  on Willow Run Road Road are a little chilling.

Sunset at about 2:45 pm November 28th on Goldstream Road

Chena (pronounced Cheena) Hot Springs was discovered in 1905 and was a favorite with gold miners.  It is a natural outdoor hot springs with a temperature of 105 F in the rock lake pictured above.  Chena Hot Springs road, the only access, ends about 60 miles from Fairbanks at the Chena Hot Springs Resort.  

As you can see, with steam rising in the cold air, it is difficult to get a good photo.  It is quite magical to stand neck-deep in the lake with your hair frozen like a helmet above the surface.  

The spring is open from 7:00 am to midnight and is particularly lovely at night.  As the steam clears in the occasional breeze, you can see the moon and stars -- no northern lights on the night we were there, though.

It is a good idea to spend the night here as the 60-mile drive back to town is a challenge after soaking in the sulfuric waters for an hour or so.  I have done it both ways now and staying overnight is best. This is the reception area of the resort.

The dining room is rustic and has pretty good food -- also interesting drinks like the Nutty Alaskan and Aurora Borealis Martini.

The entire resort is powered using low temperature binary geothermal power generated from the hot springs.  For a description of the technology check out the following link

 http://www.popularmechanics.com/science/earth/4245896.html.  They operate a large greenhouse on the premises that produces all of the lettuce and tomatoes used in salads for the restaurant.  

Close-up of tomato plants

They produce the salad greens and tomatoes using hydroponics.  Fresh salads at -30 F in mid-winter alone are worth the trip.

They also have a year-round ice museum that was formerly known as the Ice Hotel.  There is a bar where they serve appletinis in ice martini glasses.

Crossing a bridge across this stream takes us to the sled-dog kennels

It is a toss-up whether sled-dog team or moose crossing signs are more prevalent around Fairbanks.  I think I have actually seen more sled-dog signs.

Here is a snow-covered sculpture of Balto -- the sled-dog who became famous in the serum run to Nome to fight the diphtheria epidemic in 1925.  The Iditarod commemorates this event.

The sled-dog kennel from a distance

 ... and close-up

This is Ernie, one of two goats at the hot springs resort.  The other one is in there too but it is kind of dark (I forgot his name but it might be Burt).  The staff claims these are the only non-productive elements of their operation.  A little hard to see in their igloo, but they are very cute.

A photo of the Alaska Range from (you guessed it) Ballaine Hill 10:00 am a few days ago.