66' 33"

Monday, June 11, 2018 Fairbanks AK to the Arctic Circle

We were up early today to do the 400 mile round-trip to the Arctic Circle, latitude 66' 33".  The road was punishing, potholed, rutted and windy.  We had a good rain that turned to sleet on the way up but it was sunny after a couple of hours and stayed that way until we returned to Fairbanks.  We passed through a boreal forest and tundra landscapes where the pine trees are described as "drunken" because they can't establish deep roots in the permafrost and lean precariously. 

snow peaked mountains

bridge over the Yukon River

 We crossed the Yukon River at about 140 miles in and on the return trip stopped at the BLM office to pick up our Arctic Circle certificate and stamp.

Mike looking out over wetlands

We made it!  Arctic Circle

 It was a bit chilly (45 ish) and windy and we had to wait for a motorcyclist taking selfies with his tripod before pulling the jeep up to the sign to get the evidence.

stunted  "drunken" pines

We didn't see any animals except arctic hare (rabbits with big white feet) until the way back when a large moose with antlers skittered off into the woods.  Didn't get a very good picture

They're a little camera shy!  

Taps are playing, time to get to sleep.  'Til tomorrow...