Pioneer Park.  They have collected a number of 1900-1920 log cabins from around town and created a sort of village.  It is surprising how many different types of structures make up “log cabins”.

Tananah Valley Farmers market.  Booths were filled with annuals and native perennials for ever present flower plots and window boxes.  There were vegetable plants of nearly every type imaginable.  Everybody in town must have a garden.  Food ranged from rice krispie treats and peanut blossom cookies to reindeer sausage, crepes, and Thai food (we sampled a couple dumplings for lunch…delicious).  The workmanship of the craft items was amazing.  Once again, it’s a good thing I have limited space or I would have toted home an arm full of stuff.

University of Alaska Museum of the North.  The Gallery of Alaska is divided into five sections each dedicated to one of the five unique regions of the State.  They attempt to create an image of each regions through an understanding of its geology, indigenous peoples, wildlife and modern day impacts and interaction.  It’s a great stop.  The stars of the show: Blue Babe-a mummified steppe bison – I think that I have seen a National Geographic special on this critter that was found up here.  He is sort of freeze dried; bone, organs, skin and fur and all.  A bit icky but amazing.  An 8’9” tall brown bear.  He is mounted upright on his hind legs with a quizzical/curious expression rather than a menacing snarl.  Still, not a fellow one would want to meet in the flesh!

Of course there is a global warming exhibit.  It wasn’t a domesday, catastrophy sort of story.  More of a “look how complex this all is”, “how interconnected all of nature is”.  “We have no idea how to set it right if we upset the balance.”  It is a fascinating field of study.  The University just launched a new ice breaker research vessel.  That would be amazing to stow away on.