AlaskanLiving - exploring life at the 64th parallel

Merry Christmas

Thu, 23 Dec 2010 05:44:42 -0500

As a boy, I remember the time between Thanksgiving and Christmas feeling like an eternity. Before the tryptophan in the Thanksgiving turkey had a chance to work its magic I was ready for Christmas to arrive. There were more mouth-watering treats from grammy's, like her world famous nana puddin' I've yet to perfect after all these years or the fudge I used to sneak from the kitchen that would now likely put me in a coma. There were lists to be made of our too-soon-forgotten favorite toys, endless waiting in department store lines and of course the long wait for Christmas break. And then there were the parties. The ones we weren't supposed to be awake during, but still managed to be apart of, at least peripherally. Oh, how the days moved so slowly...

Today, however, that same span of time seems to go by faster than I can say "gained five pounds". Where does it go? A few years ago we were going home from a Christmas Eve party and stopped at a local convenience store to top off the fuel tank. When I went in to pay a customer was standing at the register lamenting the lack of turkeys in the store. Talk about behind the curve. I can't say that I've ever shopped for a turkey on Christmas Eve but I now understand how it could happen.

As we prepare for the big day I wanted to take a second and wish you a very Merry Christmas. Our wish for you this holiday season and indeed throughout the year is good health, a joyful heart and the love of family and friends. May you be richly blessed... Always!

Shopping in Fairbanks Alaska: Go Local

Fri, 10 Dec 2010 15:11:13 -0500

Shopping in Fairbanks Alaska: Go Local

Tick, Tock. Hear that? It's the sound of time running out to get your Christmas shopping done. If you're like most people I know there are still a few names left unchecked on your Christmas list. Christmas comes at the same time every year and yet it seems I'm always rushing to get that one last gift.

Shopping in Locally Owned Fairbanks Stores. I'm very happy to have the choices the national chain stores have brought to Fairbanks. As a Fairbanks real estate broker, I understand how important they are to the community, but I also like to support our local business owners where I can. I encourage you to do the same!

Something Special has been one of my favorite stores for more than two decades. They have a fantastic selection of crystal, china, polish pottery, Alaskan gifts, chimes, music boxes, candles and Christmas items. Really, it's just a wonderful store and the owners Myrna, Kim and Stacia are fantastic folks.

If Only is a treasure tucked away in a wonderful space on Cushman next door to Arctic Travelers between Second and Third Avenue. Founded by five friends in 1998, the store carries handcrafted jewelry, fine writing implements, personal journals, sketchbooks, stationary, extraordinary gift wrap for that extra special gifts, Hansa animals for the little ones and Vera Bradley bags and luggage for mom.

Arctic Travelers Gift Shop has been a Fairbanks landmark for decades. They carry a wonderful selection of Yupik Baskets, Inupiat Carvings, Athabaskan Beadwork, Scrimshaw knives, carved antlers, Quivit, beaded jewelery and a great selection of ivory. They staff is always friendly and the'll even gift wrap your purchases!

The Fudge Pot. Do I really need to say anything here? Their fudge is fantastic, mouth watering and addictive. Stop by and try a sample... They also make a pretty mean espresso and their sandwiches are delicious. If you can tear yourself away from the fudge counter they also have some cute Alaskan gifts.

Big Rays has been outfitting Alaskans since 1947... and for a reason. They carry an incredible selection of cold weather gear; parkas, hats, gloves, thermals, boots, socks and work wear for every member of the family. The store is nothing if not packed, but it's worth squeezing your way through. Don't miss the fly-shop downstairs!

Prospector Outfitters Although not the same Prospector Outfitters long time Fairbanksans are used to, the store does carry a huge selection of cold weather gear and some great Pendleton, Woolrich, Helly Hansen and other quality name clothing. Prospector is a great place to outfit the entire family!

Gold Rush Fine Jewelery on Second Avenue has perfected the art of creating one of a kind gold, gold nugget and diamond jewelery. If you can dream it, the folks at Gold Rush can make it. They have a large selection fo unique gold nugget rings, earrings, bracelets, necklaces and pendants you won't find anywhere else and that are sure to make that someone special in your life feel pretty special on Christmas morning.

Apocalpyse Design has a great slection of very high quality handmade outdoor clothing and gear for those folks who put their gear to the ultimate test. They design and create outerwear for you and your four legged friends as well as luggage and compute bags, mushing and ski-joring gear.

Fairbanks Fast Foto Your source for digital cameras, lenses, flashes, camera bags, tripods and monopods, memory cards and quality photo processing. The staff is incredibly helpful and if they don't have what you're looking for, then can get it. I've purchased several "L" series lenses for my Canon and they have always been willing to negotiate their prices to make them competitive to any online shop (even B&H).

Beaver Sports Do you know someone on your list who likes to ski, snowshoe, hike, bike, kayak or canoe? This is Alaska... Of course you do. Well, this is your store. The friendly and very knowledgeable staff has everything needed to get out and enjoying the great outdoors. As outdoor enthusiasts themselves, they know what works and doesn't and will use that experience to properly outfit those outdoor junkies on your list.

Play It Again Sports carries a great selection of new and used exercise and athletic gear for the athletes and fitness junkies on your Christmas list. Basketball, baseball, hockey, football, skiing or snowboarding. Whatever sport they're into... they have the gear you'll need.

Great Alaska Bowl Company is a must stop if you're looking for something uniquely Alaskan. One of on a few mills that create hand carved wooden bowls using 100 year old technology. Carved from birch logs, their bowls come in several sizes and can be used for almost anything. Make a gift bowl out of Alaskan candies, syrups and chocolates in the store or bring in your own gift and have it shrink wrapped inside the bowl for a truly personalized gift.

Gullivers Books I love Gullivers! What they lack in size, they make up for with a great selection and an outstanding staff. Find everything from the latest Grisham, Koontz or Cromwell novel to the classics. Hoping to get your hands on the latest political memoir? Looking for Alaskana? You can find it all right here... and what you can't find Dave and the staff can order for you. Don't miss the Second Story Cafe and the great selection of used books upstairs.

Material Girls Do you know someone who likes to quilt or embroidery... or wants to? Material Girls has a great selection of material and offers classes to get them started.

UAF Museum of the North Store carres a great selection of baleen and grass baskets, ivory, jade and silver jewelry and carvings, handmade Native masks, toys, arts and crafts, quiviut scarves and books for all ages.

Spaulding Interiors Designer Tamara Spauling has been creating beautiful homes in Fairbanks for three decades. She carries a fabulous selection of fine heirloom furnishings and decor items you absolutely won't find anywhere else in Fairbanks... and possibly the state.

Santa Claus House What shopping list would be complete without a stop at Santa's House? A wonderful toy shop, Christmas ornaments of every kind and stripe, pottery, Dickens Village (Kathy says I can't go in this section again until I biuld a room to house our collection), ivory, dolls and more. Don't miss the Alaskan t-shirts, sweatshirts, hats and gifts and the mini-museum of Alaskan memorabilia. If you're lucky Saint Nick might even let you sit on his lap.

Happy Shopping...Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas and God bless...

Did I miss your favorite locally-owned store? If so, please send us an email with the name and what makes them so special and I'll update the list!

White Trolley - Corinth, Mississippi

Fri, 03 Dec 2010 02:45:22 -0500

"Our emotional relationship to food and drink is like some tenacious desert plant, its wiry, tough roots buried deep in our psyches." Caitlin Kelly

My emotional relationship to slugburgers and the White Trolley go back a few decades. For me it brings back memories of sitting at the counter as a boy with my dad on a sweltering summer day, not so patiently waiting for my slugbuger to arrive. It was always accompanied by a helping of french fries and an ice cold coca-cola. This was back when they dipped the buns in the hot grease for a second... and of course, before we started paying attention to our cardiologist.

Don't let the name fool you. "Slugburger" comes from the slang term for a nickel; the cost of a burger during the depression. At that time cooks started adding cornmeal, potato flour or other extenders in an effort to make every pound of ground beef count. These days hamburger is mixed with cornmeal grits and a special blend of spices, pressed very thin and deep friend. Traditionally, they're served topped with two slices of dill pickle, a smidgeon of onion and a dollop of mustard.

Today the White Trolley is showing its age; the counters are worn from decades of arms and elbows rubbing the formica. The floor is scuffed from the millions of feet that have shuffled across it. Seating is limited to a few tables and a handful of people willing to belly up to the bar. I've seen it standing room only more times than I can count and it's not unusual to have patrons lined up outside the door. Yea, it's that good.

It's a local delicacy to be sure and there's no better place to get one than the White Trolley in Corinth. They do serve other things, but really it all pales in comparison to the slug. Heck, we even have an entire festival devoted to the slugburger. Next time you're in Corinth, stop by, say hi and give it a try. You'll be glad you did.

Fairbanks Icepocalypse 2010

Tue, 23 Nov 2010 17:49:12 -0500

I've seen some wacky weather in my three-plus decades of living in Alaska. I've seen it snow in the dead of summer, I've seen the temps drop so low it was a life threatening exercise just to walk five feet from your front door to gather wood for the fire and I've seen it so blasted hot you would swear you were in Florida in July. Icepocalypse 2010 is an experience I'm glad I'm missing.

It seems Mother Nature has taken to turning on the sprinklers mid November. Yep, that's right. It's raining in November in Fairbanks and it has done what few other winter storms have ever managed to do; Icepocalypse has shut down Fairbanks... and North Pole, Anchorage, Eagle River, Wasilla and Palmer.

At last report, the storm warning was in effect until 6PM Tuesday night. The Fairbanks North Star Borough has announced that area schools will be closed, all North Star Borough facilities and offices will be closed Tuesday. No Borough bus service or VanTran will be operating. The University of Fairbanks has announced there will be no classes tomorrow and University employees were encouraged to stay home.

Although DOT is working to sand/gravel local roads it is (as of last report) still raining in Fairbanks and North Pole and it's expected to continue through Wednesday. If you don't need to be on the road, stay home.

I mentioned to a friend earlier on Twitter to prepare for a power outage when the freezing rain starts to weigh power lines down. This is a great time to stock up on water; fill a five gallon container if you have one, or pitchers if you don't. Do you have a camp stove? Dig it and the fuel canisters out. Think about what you can cook if the power does happen to go out... now might even be a good time to cook a pot of spaghetti in case it does. Gather you candles. Find you flashlights. Charge your cell phones. If you have elderly neighbors, please check on them and make sure they're ok and help them prepare.

Weather like this tests the resolve and grit of Alaskans. We've been through nasty winter storms before. By being prepared Alaskans will weather this one as well. Stay safe out there folks!

The photos used above were sent to me from a friend and were not taken by me... We're enjoying the first snow-free Thanksgiving in I can't remember how long... and yes, it's very strange but we're getting used to it!

Fairbanks AK Real Estate Market Report Sept 2010

Tue, 12 Oct 2010 01:47:02 -0400

It looks like the beautiful fall has helped keep the Fairbanks real estate market moving forward. Although the total number of homes sold has dropped a bit, the average sales price is up and time on the market is down...

The sellers and buyers we talk to are all bullish on the Fairbanks real estate market. A few sellers are making concesions to get their homes sold, but many are getting every nickel of their asking price. We just put a listing under contract where there were multiple buyers competing for the property. Consumer confidence is good news for both Fairbanks buyers and sellers.

Average Sales Price - UP

Average Days on the Market - DOWN

Homes Sold - DOWN

List to Sales Price Ratio - UP

Is this a good time to buy Fairbanks real estate? It very well could be. Prices have come down, seller concessions are available and as of this morning a 30 year fixed rate loan will cost you 3.875%! Call us at 907-699-6024 or contact us online today to start the search for your piece of the Last Frontier.

When the Historic Home is NOT Historic

Mon, 04 Oct 2010 23:58:59 -0400

It's pretty hard to overstate the importance of performing due diligence. Fairbanks home buyers take note. One of your most important responsibilities during the purchase of real estate is to have a clear understanding of the property under consideration.

In Fairbanks the discovery period is typically 15 days, unless otherwise negotiated. A home remains the most significant assets in most folks portfolio and is certainly one of the most expensive purchases most will ever make. Take the time to fully investigate the property and satisfy yourself as to its condition.

Thank you for the great post, Margaret!

Via Margaret Woda, Maryland Real Estate & Military Relocation Services (Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc., Crofton, MD):

Whoops! That historic two-story colonial in North Bethesda, Maryland, purchased for a million dollars in 2006 by Montgomery County government with state funds, is NOT quite so historic, after all. At least, not in the context for which it was purchased by the county.

Citizen activists urged the county to purchase this property because the attached log cabin was reportedly occupied by Josiah Henson, whose memoirs inspired Harriet Beecher Stowe's title character in her novel Uncle Tom's Cabin. The resolution authorizing the county to make this purchase described the cabin as "a perfectly preserved slave quarter".

The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission applied for and received state funds, apparently without any verification of the oral history. Yet, according to an article in today's Washington Post, an accurate history of the site prepared by the county's preservation staff was "readily available".

While Henson did live on the 3,700 acre Riley plantation, he occupied slave quarters, not the cabin or house. The cabin standing on the property now was an addition to the original kitchen which, along with the slave quarters, is long gone.

"That inconvenient truth," as today's Post article calls it, "presents an immediate challenge to county officials: what to call the place. The site's official name is still Uncle Tom's Cabin Special Park."

And, of course, there's still the little matter of the county spending a million dollars to purchase the property and another million to expand it after closing without first performing appropriate due diligence to verify the oral history.

This story presents an interesting case study for those of us in the real estate business.

Did the seller and/or listing agent (if any) advertise (or even mention) that "Uncle Tom's Cabin" was located on this property? If so, was it done with/without disclaimers as to the accuracy of the information?

Was the county represented by a real estate licensee as a buyer broker? If so, did the agent recommend to the buyer a feasibility study period for verifying the oral history?

Did the appraiser (if any) give any value for historical significance? If so, what documentation would he require? How much more value would historical significance add to the property?

If you or I were the listing or selling agent in this transaction, what 3rd party documentation would our Broker require for our file as to any historical significance? Would Errors & Omissions insurance protect us if it turned out the oral history was just plain wrong and we did nothing to verify it on behalf of our clients?

What about you... how would you handle a situation like this, then (at contract) and now (after the error was discovered), if you were involved in the transaction?

Copyright 2010. All rights reserved.

__________________________________________________

For answers to your real estate questions about Bowie, Crofton, Davidsonville, Fort Meade, Gambrills, Odenton and other communities in Anne Arundel County or nearby Prince George's/Howard Counties, Maryland, contact Margaret Woda at Long & Foster. If you prefer, simply click on a button below for information you can review online at your own pace.

A walk down the Chatanika...

Mon, 02 Aug 2010 05:15:10 -0400

Seeing the site, I understood the attraction. Covered in towering spruce, the tall cut bank would be a beautiful place to build a cabin. No cell service. No television. No internet. For some, a nightmare scenario. But for a few, it's pure heaven.

It was less than two hours drive from Fairbanks, but standing ankle deep in the cold, clear water of the Chatanika River we could have been hundreds of miles from home. The only noise present was the sound of the water rushing over the rocks at my feet. "Wonder what's around that next bend?" he asked as he made his way to the opposite bank. "Let's find out" I answered... again and again.

The breeze blowing through the valley did precious little to offset the 85 degree weather. I hitched the backpack up a little and silently cursed for bringing 20 pounds of camera gear. Did I really need all this? Maybe yes. Maybe no. Regardless, two miles from the truck wasn't the time to be having that conversation with myself. When a new trickle of sweat made its way from the top of my head to the jumping off point at the end of my nose, I decided crossing to the opposite bank wasn't all that important. The middle of the river was perfectly acceptable place to be.

We spent the better part of the afternoon walking the river. Each bend offering the same treasure. Beautiful unspoiled vistas, fresh air to fill our lungs & the camaraderie of an old friend. Ultimately I don't think the parcel will fit his future plans, but I can hardly think of a better way to spend an afternoon.

Chugach Grizzly

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 20:18:35 -0400

This little corner of the blogosphere has been pretty quiet lately. It hasn't been abandoned, but the truth is blogging has taken a backseat to a very busy spring and summer. Real estate in Fairbanks is still... well, real estate in Fairbanks.

Today, howver, I'd rather talk about bears. Yep, those big furry, cuddly looking critters right up there at the top of the food chain. We came across this teddy bear a couple of weeks ago in Chugach State Park. While it's not the first encounter we've had this summer, ths is the closest we've been and certainly the bear with the biggest sense of humor.

As you can tell, she was busy polishing off a caribou and not really paying us that much attention... I shot these with a Canon 600MM IS lens with a 1.4 teleconverter so we weren't real close and certainly didn't pose much of a threat.

Out of nearly 500 images shot that afternoon, the shot above is by far my favorite. Kinda makes you want to run up and give her a big 'ol kiss doesn't it?

Sunset on the Alaska Range

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 03:43:24 -0500

Four hours. That was the total amount of possible sunlight in Fairbanks today. Yes, you read that right. Four hours. It wasn't until about 1:15PM that I actually saw the sun on a trip up Chena Ridge. At this time of year the sun sits so low on the horizon that if you're not high enough in the hills, you won't see it. At our house in North Pole, the sun spent the entire day just below the treeline.

Sunset on the Alaska Range 12/11/2009 3:35PM

Believe me when I say it could be worse. Our northern neighbors in Barrow haven't seen the sun since November 20th and won't see it until January 23rd when it might be visible for a whopping hour and nine minutes. That is if Old Man Winter cooperates. If a storm system moves in that hour and nine minutes could easily vanish. The good news is they weren't completely devoid of light; the moon rose in Barrow today at 2PM and didn't set until almost 10PM. That's 8 whole hours of... moonlight. Let's hope there are some romantics in Barrow.

Fairbanks will continue to lose 3-15 minutes of possible sunlight a day until December 24th when the tide turns and we gain one whole minute. I'll admit that a minute doesn't sound like much, but we'll take what we can get.

Speechless Sunday - Learning to fly...

Sun, 06 Dec 2009 06:09:24 -0500

“When you have come to the edge of all light that you know and are about to drop off into the darkness Of the unknown, Faith is knowing One of two things will happen: There will be something solid to stand on or you will be taught to fly” ~ Patrick Overton

Praise God, we are ready to fly!

Fairbanks Christmas Dinner Giveaway

Fri, 04 Dec 2009 19:15:27 -0500

As southerners our world seems to revolve around food. Someone gets married, we eat cake. Someone dies, we take over fried chicken and potato salad. Have a bad day at work? A piece of pie will wash your troubles away (with milk of course). Get promoted? Well, that's a pie moment too or ice cream, or both. In good times and bad and for every emotion, there's a caloric remedy.

A few years ago in the rush of getting ready to host the mother of all holiday dinners we (since I do the shopping Kathy might say I) forgot to buy cranberry sauce for Christmas dinner. Despite the fact that there was enough food to feed Patton's Third Army, the absence of that canned cranberry sauce was a problem. Kathy did manage to find a couple of cans of the whole-berry cranberry sauce way back in the pantry that had been there since the dawn of time, but we're jellied cranberry sauce people and let me tell you, it was just not the same.

Imagine though, that there is no cranberry sauce of any kind, no turkey in the oven, no homemade dressing and gravy, no green bean or asparagus casserole, no sweet potato souffle. As we move into the Christmas season we would like to step out of the kitchen for a moment and remember those who don't always have a full cupboard. Imagine a holiday without all the foods that are a very real part of the season.

Sadly, many don't have to try very hard to imagine it. According to the USDA nearly 50 million people suffer from low food security. Low Food Security. That, of course, is a polite way of saying 50 million people struggle to put food on their table. Imagine that every person in Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana and California did not have enough to eat. That's a lot of hungry people. While we can't feed every one of those, there is something we can do. It's time for our 7th Annual Christmas Dinner Giveaway. We will be giving away a Christmas Dinner Box complete with a Turkey and all the trimmings.

Do you know a friend, co-worker or neighbor that is struggling this year? This is your chance to spread a little edible holiday cheer. How does it work? It's easy. Just go to Christmas Dinner Giveaway and tell us who you wish to nominate and why. Nominations will be accepted through December 13th with the winner being announced Tuesday, December 15th. A copy of your letter will be delivered with the Christmas Dinner Box, unless you specify otherwise.

Sorry, the giveaway is open to Fairbanks area residents only... and working contact numbers are a must. We take your privacy seriously. Your contact information and that of your nominee will not be disclosed to anyone nor you will be put on a mailing list of any kind (unless you ask to be, that is)

And so it begins...

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 19:39:18 -0500

Although some were hoping we would see a kindler, gentler Old Man Winter this year, it seems the old boy has other plans. According to a weather genius friend, and confirmed by NOAA, we're going to see record cold temperatures sweep across the Tanana Valley.

Bring it old man.

I could probably live without seeing the mercury slide down to negative 40 and colder. Doing anything outside at those temperatures is just not fun, and can be life threatening if you're not prepared for it. Note: Always be prepared for it.

But, I well remember winters in the 80's where temps in the 40 below range were not a once or twice a year occurrence, but an event that set in around the middle of December and lifted sometime early to mid February... sometimes as late as March. In (late) May 1985, we celebrated my birthday with four and a half feet of snow on the ground. I think it finally melted the second week of June. January of '87 saw us grounded for a week while we waited out a 70 below cold snap at our cabin on the Yukon.

Right now the forecast is calling for lows of 20-30 below through the rest of the week, but if the clouds clear out it's possible we'll see 40 or 50 below. Welcome to life in the Last Frontier.

Now, where did I put that hot buttered rum recipe?

Fairbanks Ak Real Estate Market Report - October 2009

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 16:54:00 -0500

Ready to find your piece of the Last Frontier? Call or contact us online today. Our network of experienced professionals is ready to assist you through every stage of the buying process.

Photo Friday ~ Be vewy vewy quiet

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 05:33:36 -0500

...or not. Truth be told these guys are a little on the slow side. If you're careful and let them adjust to your presence, it's not uncommon for them to come right up to you. Ptarmigan are very common in Denali and throughout Interior Alaska. The Willow Ptarmigan also holds the distinction of being the state bird of Alaska.

This little darling is dressed in her winter whites and it won't be long before she will be virtually undetectable on the solid white canvas that is Alaska in winter. There will be no wintering in Palm Beach as these guys (and gals - can't leave them out, can we?) will remain in Alaska throughout the winter.

Although the official state bird of Alaska, they are often hunted (and are quite delicious). While I have shot my fair share over the years, these days I prefer to shoot them with a Canon.

American Hero's

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 07:52:29 -0500

This day is a day of remembrance. A day to remember the men and women who have valiantly served this great nation since our Founding Fathers broke the bonds of a tyrannical King and declared that these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States.

On this day we remember those who have fallen. We remember those who have and continue to stand guard. We remember and we honor those young men and women who unselfishly pledged their lives to defend this grand experiment in democracy.

Our nation and indeed the world would be unrecognizable if not for them. Throughout history our American hero's have been liberators and defenders of freedom where tyranny and oppression reign.

They are our wives and husbands. Our sons and daughters. Our fathers and mothers. Our bothers and sisters. On this day we stand united to say thank you to all who have worn the uniform of the United States. A grateful nation thanks you for your service. God bless you... and may God continue to bless these United States.

In Fairbanks, join us at the Westmark Hotel from 11:00 - 12:30 for a Veterans Day event to honor our American Military including those imprisoned or missing in action. The U.S. Army Denali Brass Quintet will be on hand to perform at 10:30 and the Arctic Groove Orchestra will perform a Veterans Day Concert at West Valley High School at 7:00PM. Everyone is welcome!

Speechless Sunday - Ghost Riders

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 06:11:20 -0500

It's not a common sight in Fairbanks. While there are quite a few small-scale horse ranches in the Interior, watching a dozen or so go galloping by is rare enough to stop you in your tracks. A couple of days ago I was taking some progress photo's of a new construction project for a client. I was just about to put my camera back in it's case when out of the corner of my eye I spotted these beauties running across the field behind the house.

It was late afternoon and as happens in Interior Alaska as we creep into the depths of winter, daylight was dropping fast. I managed to get a dozen or so shots as they raced out of range. At first I wasn't all that happy with them, but now I kind of like the ghostly feel.

I haven't been on horseback in more years than I care to remember (these days it would take the Budweiser Clydesdale's to carry me around) but I do love to watch them run. Here's hoping you have a blessed Sunday!

Denali Estates - Fairbanks Condominium

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 19:56:26 -0500

Fairbanks Real Estate - Denali Estates - Fairbanks Condominiums

Built in 1982 by Jerry Sadler, Denali Estates is one of the most sought after condo addresses in Fairbanks. Many owners have resided in their condominium since it was built and take a great deal of pride in the building. Denali Estates encompasses forty units over three floors. 75% of the units have assigned indoor parking and separate indoor storage areas. The remainder of the units have off-street assigned parking.

While not a new development Denali Estates has been very well cared for with most units showing very well. We lived in Denali for two years during the design/plan/build stages of our new home. We both loved the building and our great neighbors. The only drawback for me is that I did miss having a workshop to tinker in and not being able to keep our RV on site. Although several owners do keep their RV's on site, we didn't have the room for our coach plus two vehicles. If that's a major bone of contention, a Fairbanks condo might not be the ideal home.

Why Denali Estates?

* Convenient Location: No store is more than 5 minutes away and you can be anywhere in Fairbanks in 10 minutes or less, including Fairbanks Memorial and the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Fort Wainwright Army Post is roughly 10 blocks to the south making it very convenient for servicemembers who want or need to be close to Post.

* Near Maintenance-Free: The association maintains the exterior of the building, including lawn care and snow removal [photo] (that I did appreciate). Interior maintenance/upgrades are the responsibility of the individual unit owners.

* Peace & Quiet: Some called it "tomb like" and in fact is is a very quiet building with little internal noise.

* Security: Denali Estates is a secured building with intercom/unlock panels in each unit. Lock and Go. If you travel like we do, it's nice to know you can lock your unit door and leave knowing that should the boiler go down, someone will be there to make sure it's brought online before (hopefully) major damage could occur.

* Financial Health: One of the most important considerations when buying a Fairbanks condo, at least in my opinion, is the financial health of the association. Denali Estates has a long history of financial solvency. Most, if not all, owners are current on their HOA does (as of the last resale cert I reviewed) and the board is very proactive when budgeting for repairs, regular maintenance items and future upgrades. For owners, that means surprise assessments are rare.

All units feature two-bedrooms with two full bathrooms, including a generous master ensuite and a 7' x 19' private balcony. View floorplans for the first, second and third floor (large .jpg files). Find Denali Estates on a map.

Market Stats for Denali Estates Condominiums

If you're in the market for a comfortable, centrally located, well maintained Fairbanks condominium, Denali Estates should be on your short list. Have questions? Call us at 907-699-6024 or contact us online.

Hope Alaska: Camping & Recreation

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 02:07:45 -0400

Hope Alaska: A Jewel in Alaska's Recreational Crown
Camping & Outdoor Recreation

Literally at the end of the road on the beautiful southern shore of Turnagain Arm lies Hope, Alaska. Founded in the late 1890's after gold was discovered on nearby Resurrection Creek, Hope is a charming window to the past and a favorite playground for Alaskans.

There are no WalMart's, no 7-11's and no Golden Arches. What they do have an abundance of, however, is natural beauty. The 17 mile Hope Highway winds through towering spruce and stands of birch and aspen giving visitors spectacular views of the Chugach Mountains and the blueish gray waters of Turnagain Arm.

Pull-outs are plentiful and believe me you'll want to stop at every one. It took us more than an hour and a half to make the drive to Hope from the Seward Highway cutoff.

Although a large portion of the nearby community of Sunrise was destroyed by the 1964 Good Friday earthquake, several buildings original to Hope City remain. Built in 1902, the Social Hall remains the heart of the community. The first day we arrived a town potluck was in full swing with locals and visitors alike joining in the festivities. The original 1938 school house is now the town museum and should be one of your first stops.

Where to stay

No hotels means you're probably staying in an RV or tent. A small campground (parking lot) can be found at the end of Main Street. For those looking for full hookups this is your only option. If you're in a tent or don't need hookups, Porcupine State Campground can be found a mile past Hope proper. While Porcupine is a primitive campground (i.e. no hookups) it is a breathtaking slice of paradise. Sites 1 through 11 offer unobstructed views of Turnagain Arm. Porcupine is even big rig friendly with most spaces able to accommodate up to a 40' coach and several allowing room for a 45' coach plus your toad. Site #2 is our favorite (140' pull through with amazing views) Advance reservations are highly recommended as it fills up fast in the summer.

What to see and do

Fishing: The Hope Pink Salmon Derby runs from mid July to Mid August. Sixmile and Resurrection creeks are both great spots for trying your hand at landing pink, silver and chum salmon.

Hiking/Mountain Biking: Gull Rock and Hope Point trails both begin at Porcupine Campground. Gull Rock is a relatively easy 5 mile trail that follows Turnagain Arm. Hope Point, at 2.5 miles, is a serious workout. It's been said you'll need to be part mountain goat to make it to the top of Mt. Hope (3,900') and I wholeheartedly agree with that. For those looking for a multiple day hike, Resurrection Creek Trail is a 38 mile hike through forested hills and alpine meadows over the mountain to Cooper Landing on the Sterling Highway.

Whitewater Rafting: Billed as one of the best whitewater rafting trips in the North America, NOVA River Runners offers 3 hour Class IV and a 4.5 hour Class V rafting trips. There are three steep canyons with narrow routes, steep drops, beautiful pools, and hang-onto-your-shorts rapids all in a gorgeous semi-rain forest. Operating under a permit from the US Forest Service, NOVA has been running these rapids for more than 25 years.

Gold Mining: It put Hope on the map, and as they say, there's gold in them thar hills. Records indicate that between the late 1880's and 1906 more than $1,000,000 in gold was mined from the area. Bring your gold pans or suction dredges (up to 4" with a permit from AK Fish & Game) and try your hand at mining.

Wildlife Viewing: In the few days we were there this year, we saw a handful of moose, several black bears, fox, ptarmigan and loads of ground squirrels. Just a reminder: Moose look slow and dumb, but they are agile and can run faster than you can. Porcupine Campground has been home to several black bears who are not the least bit afraid of you. Please use caution.

Photography: Granted, I consider all of Alaska a photographers paradise but it's hard to take a bad picture here (and yet thanks to a sensor that needed cleaning I managed to do just that).

Hope Alaska in Photo's

Downtown Hope, Alaska

Views of Turnagain Arm from Porcupine Campground

Discovery Cafe & Turnagain Arm @ Low Tide

The next time you're looking for a gorgeous area to explore or just somwhere peaceful to rejuvenate mind, body and soul, consider a trip to Hope, Alaska. It's certainly on our 'favorite places' list.

Fairbanks, Alaska; An inauspicious beginning

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 04:52:40 -0400

Fairbanks, Alaska - The city that almost wasn't

The late fall sun offered little warmth to the riverboat passengers standing on the scuffed wooden decks. For most, there was little to do on the ardous journey up the Yukon and Tanana Rivers except watch the river slowly roll by. That the landscape was changing from the verdant greens of summer to the brilliant golds of fall was a fact lost on precious few on board. With an abundance of caution, Captain Charles Adams navigated the ship up the muddy Tanana River toward a destination some were sure they would never reach.

For one passenger in particular, expectations and indeed frustrations were high. A sizable fortune had been gambled on a dream almost as big as the territory of Alaska. Fueled by gold fever, and despite several failed attempts to reach his destination, 37 year old Elbridge Truman (E.T.) Barnette was not going to be easily discouraged. That mettle would come to serve him well in the coming years.

Then, as now, the Tanana River was a fickle mistress. With an ever changing channel, even experienced skippers found it difficult to navigate. Deckhands would have been sounding the river so as to help the Captain keep the low riding ship from running aground. Around midday the captain of the 150' steamer Lavelle Young announced that the water had become too shallow for the heavy laden vessel to continue.

This was not welcome news as Barnette was still hundreds of miles from his intended destination of Tanacross. Barnette convinced the skeptical Captain to turn back and try navigating the Chena River in hopes of bypassing the shallow rapids of the Tanana. Barnette was optimistic as the Lavelle Young labored up the Chena River approximately 20 miles until Captain Adams realized the shallow water would make continuing impossible.

Barnette was undeterred. He instructed the Captain to take him back to the confluence of the Chena and Tanana Rivers. From there he surmised he could continue his journey by a shallow-draft barge when the river ice melted the following May. Captain Adams was unwilling to risk grounding the loaded ship going downriver. Doing so would have made dislodging the ship against the current a herculean task.

Despite protests from Barnette and his sobbing wife, the Captain reminded him their contract stated Barnette, his wife, crew and 130 tons of supplies were to be unloaded at the farthest point the Lavelle Young could reach... and they were there.

At 4PM on August 26, 1901, on a heavily wooded cut bank of a narrow river deep in Alaska's Interior, Fairbanks was born.

Barnette's dream of continuing to Tanacross was permanently shelved the following summer when Felix Pedro discovered gold on a small unnamed creek just 13 miles north of Barnette's trading post. In 1903, US District Judge James Wickersham moved his judicial seat to Fairbanks from Eagle, further cementing the future of the fledgling community.

Few would have imagined that Barnette's Landing would eventually grow into one of the largest cities in Alaska.

Fall Homeowner To-Do List - Fairbanks Alaska Winter Preperation

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 05:26:05 -0400

Winter Preparedness for your Fairbanks Alaska home - A fall homeowners checklist

Although it's been a glorious fall, that lovely white stuff will soon start falling. If you're like me, you've been out enjoying the great weather and not paying all that much attention to your winter preparedness to-do list. I finished the last of my list today and thought I would share what I do to get us ready for the long winter.

Have a licensed technician clean and service your boiler or furnace. This should be done once a year and now is a great time as the tech will need to take the system offline for a couple of hours. Doing it at -40 can leave you with a cold house. An added benefit is you'll ensure your boiler is operating at peak efficiency.

Hire a chimney sweep (or buy a brush) and clean your boiler/wood-stove/fireplace chimney. I have our boiler stack cleaned once a year. If you're burning wood as a source of heat, make sure to only burn seasoned wood to reduce the amount of creosote building in the stack. No one wants a chimney fire in the dead of winter (or ever).

Change your smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector batteries. Many homes have hardwired systems, but will have a battery backup. This is a great time to vacuum each detector to eliminate any dust bunnies or dirt that might interfere with the operation. And, while you're at it, review (or create) an emergency escape plan.

Clean out your septic tank. Admittedly, this is one job I leave to the professionals. I have ours pumped every year even though we could probably get by with doing it every other year. Regular cleaning will also prolong the life of your system.

If so equipped, check and clean the filter on your Heat Recovery Ventilator (HRV) unit. Don't forget to check the exhaust and intake vents to make sure no little critters have moved in.

Clean out your gutters and downspouts. You would be surprised to see how much stuff can accumulate in one season. You'll thank yourself in the spring the water is running down, and not over, your gutters.

Turn off all exterior spigots, blow (or drain) the lines and cover them with a frost proof cover. Roll up your garden hoses and store them with your sprinklers and hose nozzles.

Cover and/or store patio furniture, grill and outdoor accessories. Unless, of course, you plan to have a cookout at -20.

Pick up, clean, sharpen and store your garden and other tools. I'm kind of an 'a place for everything and everything in its place' guy, but this will also keep you from tripping over the rake that got left out or running over an extension cord with the snowblower. Trust me, that just makes a mess. I usually sharpen the blades on the Deere as well as give it a wash and wax before putting it up for the winter. Don't forget to put some fuel stabilizer in as well.

Prepare for snow removal. Fire up the snowblower and make sure it's running and the blades engage. Don't forget to put your snow shovel(s) and ice spade where you can easily find them.

Weatherproof your home. Now is the time to seal up those areas around entry and garage doors and windows, add additional insulation in your attic and crawlspace. Homes with less efficient windows would benefit from a window film application.

If you park your vehicles outside, consider investing in a timer for your car(s). According to Golden Valley Electric, it costs between $30 - $75 per car to leave a car plugged in overnight. A well maintained car should only need 2-5 hours of heating to start (more for diesels). Over a 6-7 month winter the savings could easily be in the hundreds of dollars. If it's not already, don't forget to winterize your vehicle as well.

That's pretty much it. Preparing your Fairbanks home for the rigors of old man winter will help ensure you have a comfortable, hopefully trouble-free winter.

Lakewood Subdivision - Homes w/ Airstrip Access Fairbanks Alaska

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 02:45:51 -0400

Lakewood Subdivision - Homes w/ Airstrip Access Fairbanks Alaska

With barely 14,000 miles of road in a state covering 570,000 square miles (more than twice the size of Texas), it's easy to see why Alaskans rely so heavily on air travel. And, with 1 in 53 Alaskans holding a pilots license, we do a lot of flying. While many folks opt to keep their planes at Fairbanks International or Metro Field, there's something to be said for stepping out your front door and into your plane. Whether for convenience or security it's a feature most neighborhoods don't offer.

Lakewood Subdivision in North Pole is an aviation friendly community. Comprised of 54 one-acre (+/-) home sites surrounding a 150' by 1,500' gravel and grass airstrip. At 1,500' the field is large enough for a super cub, 180 or 185 to get in and out of with little effort, if not fully loaded. As of this writing there are still a few undeveloped home sites available. View the Lakewood Subdivision plat or follow the link for directions.

Most are single family homes, but there are a couple of multi-family properties. Several have incorporated a large hanger into the home design while others simply keep their plane parked behind/beside the house, ready to go wheels up at a moments notice. As an added bonus the home sites on the eastern subdivision boundary border Chena Lakes Recreation Area.

Below are a few of the homes in Lakewood Subdivision.
Click the photo for an enlarged view.

If you're a pilot (or aspiring pilot) looking for a place to call home, consider Lakewood Subdivision. It's a short 15 minute drive to Fairbanks, Fort Wainwright or Eielson Air Force Base and minutes from the city of North Pole. Lakewood Subdivision - Homes for pilots and their families!

Lazy Saturday in Denali Park

Sun, 04 Oct 2009 23:32:49 -0400

It's October and we don't have any snow on the ground to speak of. Can you believe it? Normally by this time we're covered by at least a thin blanket of snow. Yesterday we took advantage of yet another gorgeous Autumn day in Alaska and drove down to Denali Park. From Fairbanks, Denali is a short 115 mile drive down the Parks Highway.

With some good 'ol beach music streaming from the ipod we headed down the road. I doubt we passed more than a dozen cars; all the blue hairs have left for warmer climates. Just south of Healy we spotted a RV that somehow managed to end up on its roof. A rough landing no doubt. A recent two-foot plus snowfall prompted the closure of the Park Road beyond Milepost 15 (Savage River). But, there's wildlife galore to be seen in those 15 gorgeous miles. On this trip we didn't see any bears, but we did see several moose, including a large herd at approximately 12 mile.

The first moose we saw was a large healthy bull in his prime. He soon locked horns with a smaller bull nearby who was hoping to get to know one of the cows in the big boys harem. It didn't work. We didn't get to see it but heard them fighting and a few minutes later the smaller bull was heading in the opposite direction. For those who haven't seen or heard them fight, it's an unmistakable sound. When in full rut and fighting with gusto, the sound of two bulls locking antlers sounds like a lightening strike.

The photo below was captured a few minutes later when the dominate bull and his harem wandered out onto a dry river bed. Click the photo to see a larger version.

Although most Park activities ended near the middle of September, Denai Park is open all year. Cross country skiing, showshoeing, dog sledding and snowmachining are popular winter activities. For more information, contact the Winter Visitors Center @ 907-683-2294 (daily 9-4PM).

Inuksuit - Old School Navigation

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 14:38:01 -0400

Inuksuk - Alaskan Navigational Aids

Back before hand-held GPS devices were readily available, we used to mark our trail by occasionally breaking a tree branch or tying a piece of surveyors tape to a limb. Hansel and Gretel left a trail of breadcrumbs to help them find their way home, and we all know how well that worked.

A barren landscape combined with a sun that refuses to rise or set (as the seasons go) makes navigating in the far north a bit of a challenge. While this may look like an ordinary stack of rocks, these inuksuit (plural) have been used for thousands of years in the deep north where there are precious few natural landmarks.

Inuksuit have been used as landmarks to identify game trails, fertile hunting grounds, food caches, safe or dangerous river crossings, or serve as caution warnings. As navigation aids, inuksuit serve as a compass showing the way home or to a navigational point of reference such as true north or the north star.

Inuksuit - slightly heavier than a GPS... but you won't have to worry about your batteries dying. :)

Fairbanks Alaska Dentist Diana Helmbrecht, DDS

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 03:59:49 -0400

Fairbanks Alaska Dentist Diana Helmbrecht, DDS

In need of a dentist in Fairbanks, Alaska? Dr. Diana Helmbrecht, DDS is the only name you need to know. Several weeks ago I reluctantly made an appointment after having endured a persistent toothache. I say reluctantly because I knew I needed a root canal and was not looking forward to it. Does anyone really?

The positive experience starts the moment you walk though the office door. The office is bright and cheery and Dr. Helmbrecht's staff is nothing if not genuinely friendly. Dr. Helmbrecht has been practicing in Fairbanks for almost 25 years and has has the experience of a seasoned professional while staying current on the cutting edge developments in dental medicine.

How good is she? Not wanting to watch I had my eyes closed and did not even feel her give me either of the shots of anesthetic. I kept waiting for it but was shocked to hear he say "alright, that's done" as she tilted the chair back to an upright position.

From start to finish, it took her less than an hour to take x-rays (processed in house and ready in minutes) to performing the root canal and putting in a temporary crown. I was expecting to take the rest of the day off but instead felt so good I went back to the office and tackeled some projects I had been putting off.

Located at 114 Minnie Street in the Geek City Electronics building, Dr. Helmbrecht is personable, smart and dedicated to taking exceptional care of her patients dental needs.

Have questions or want to schedule an appointment? Give Dr. Helmbrecht's office a call at (907) 456-4580. You'll be glad you did!

Where did it go? Fall comes to the Interior...

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 05:02:42 -0400

I hate to start talking about how fast time is flying by, because it's inevitable some wiseacre will say something about age. But, it's true. It seems like only yesterday we were celebrating the arrival of spring and now the first snowflakes of winter are falling.

We were fortunate this year to have what felt like an actual Autumn, rather than moving from summer to winter in a matter of days. Mother Nature blessed us with a warm, dry fall that, for me at least, makes the arrival of winter seem a little less dreary.

Since it's snowing and I'm not ready for the white stuff just yet, I thought I would post a few photo's of the fall colors in Interior Alaska.

We have a multitude of hues of yellows and golds but don't typically see a great deal of reds in our fall colors. But, just two short hours south in Denali National Park, the color pallette comes alive with almost every color imaginable.

We spent an afternoon hiking up this old dry creek bed taking pictures of the colors and wildlife. I love summers in the Park, but Mother Nature really puts on a show in the fall.

Although beautiful, these mountain streams never really get above 'frigid' despite the near constant sunshine. Yours truly discovered that what is frigid in June is downright cold as ice in September. Note to self; watch where you step.

There is a saying that goes "when the fireweed blossoms turn to cotton, summer days will soon be forgotten." The cotton signals the end of summer. Well, the blossoms have turned to cotton, and since snow is falling, it must be so! Now, where the heck are my snowshoes?