Fairbanks Alaska Real Estate

And so it begins...

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 19:39:18 -0600

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 -0600

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 -0600

...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 -0600

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 -0600

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 -0600

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 -0500

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 -0500

Fairbanks, Alaska - The city that almost wasn't

The late fall sun offered little warmth to the riverboat passengers standing on the well worn 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 -0500

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 -0500

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 -0500

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 -0500

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 -0500

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 Fairbanks...

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 05:02:42 -0500

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?

I think I can... I think I can...

Wed, 26 Aug 2009 13:33:45 -0500

I'm not a huge fan of heights. Actually, that's a bit of an understatement. I would rather wrestle a live rattlesnake (and I really, really hate snakes) than get more than 10' off the ground.

The last time we were in Anchorage Kathy wanted to ride the tram at Alyeska but I refused. There's something about trusting my life to a hand-basket on a clothesline that is more than I can take. On this trip I lost the battle... She used the 'face your fears' line on me and like an idiot, I caved.

The Tram runs all year ferrying skiers and snowboarders in the winter and tourists and their mortified husbands in the summer. It's all quite simple really... hand the fellow at the gate your ticket, step inside the tram and in a matter of seven minutes you are whisked 2,300' up to the top of Mt. Alyeska.

Kathy was downright giddy. I was popping vicodin and wishing for a vodka chaser. There were pretty trees, mountain tops and even a rainbow but all I could think about was how the everliving hell I was going to get off the mountain. About halfway up the tram passes a tower that supports the cables from the observation deck and terra firma. The bump as the rollers crossed the support and the subsequent rocking (not unlike like a bassinet in a hurricane) just about caused me to deposit a kidney on the floor of the tram.

When we finally made it to the top, and as I crawled out of the ride from hell, I discovered just how beautiful the view from heaven really was.

The views from the top of Mt. Alyeska are just breathtaking (and panic inducing if you're too close to the edge). Located on the top level of the Tram terminal, Seven Glaciers Restaurant is a must-visit. All the restaurants at Alyeska offer mouth-watering fare, but Seven Glaciers is truly extraordinary. It's not often I offer lavish praise for a restaurant, but in this case every bite from the blueberry halibut appetizer, the moist and tender elk chop to the to-die-for Peahes Napolean was enough to guarantee a return trip... tram ride and all.

Chasing sunshine... and stapler

Wed, 12 Aug 2009 20:58:35 -0500

With frost on the pumpkin for the second morning in a row, it's time to head to warmer climates. Ok, ok, so we're really only heading 500 miles south, and there's no promise that it will be much warmer there, but we're going anyway. If that doesn't work, we're going to head south and play tourist while visiting all of ya'll in pursuit of sunshine and warm weather...and stapler.

The RV is packed with food, libation, summer clothes for what I pray are sunny days, winter clothes for what I expect to be windy and cold days and as near as I can tell 37 pairs of shoes, of which none belong to me. Who the devil thought a walk in closet in an RV was a good idea? There are a lot of hills between here and Seward and the more she hauls in the more I have visions of Lucy (apt name, no?) saying "I think I can, I think I can..." while slowing climbing one of those 11% grades outside of Anchorage. Have you ever seen the long, long trailer? Well, this is sure to be a modern retelling.

If all goes well (ha) we'll get to spend some time playing in Reserruction Bay... If the seas aren't kind, we'll play with the fellows at the SeaLife Center and enjoy not hearing the words "additional conditions.." It's ok to run away from home once in a while, right?

Nickels in the couch cushions...

Thu, 30 Jul 2009 06:00:14 -0500

In my time on this little blue marble I've worked for a Fortune 100 company and now own and operate a small business. While the former had a substantially larger budget, there are a few universal principles all business owners understand.

Keep your eye on the bottom line.

A few days ago President Obama directed his cabinet to find $100 million in spending cuts... from a $3.6 trillion budget. The result? Seventy seven cost savings measures (.PDF) were identified totaling $102 million. That's a good start but really, $102 million in savings is all they could find?

Savings is good thing right? I mean, the President is cutting expenses.

As a fiscal conservative I've operated under the belief that the private sector, with few exceptions, is more efficient and cost conscious than any government entity will ever be. Confirmation came again this morning in an article on CNBC.

While the President was lauding his cabinet members for diligently rooting out waste, Royal Dutch Shell announced that amid a 70% decrease in profit, the energy giant managed to achieve "$700 million in cost savings in the first half of the year..."

Shell reacts to a negative economic outlook by tightening its belt... while the US continues runaway Federal spending. The sad part of course is despite an $11 trillion debt, there's still no real help on the horizon for American homeowners and small business owners.

Alaska's Congressional Delegation - Keeping the lines of communication open

Fri, 24 Jul 2009 18:34:19 -0500

Alaska's Congressional Delegation - Keeping the lines of communication open

As a citizen of the United States, it is our responsibility to be informed and engaged in the governing of our Republic. Despite evidence to the contrary, the men and women who represent us in Washington, DC take their cues from us.

There are a myriad of issues that need our daily attention:

The economy.

Health Care.

Veterans Affairs.

Tax Policy.

Subsistence issues.

State Sovereignty.

Energy Independence.

Immigration.

Make your voices heard in Washington. Some of the folks on the Hill can't seem to read the legislation they vote on... they surely can't read minds.

Unfortunately, due to security restrictions snail mail takes an inordinate amount of time to reach the recipient. Consider calling, faxing or using the web-based email contact forms for time sensitive messages, especially those pertaining to pending legislation.

President Barack Obama
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20050

Comment Line: 202-456-1111
WH Switchboard: 202-456-1414
WH Fax Line: 202-456-2461

White House Web Contact Form

Senator Lisa Murkowski

Washington DC Office
709 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510

Main: 202-224-6665
Fax: 202-224-5301

Fairbanks Office
101 12th Avenue, Suite 216
Fairbanks, Alaska 99701

Main: 907-456-0233
Fax: 907-451-7146

Senator Murkowski Web Contact Form

Senator Mark Begich

Washington DC Office
144 Russell Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510

Main: 202-224-3004
Fax: 202-224-2354

Fairbanks Office
101 12th Avenue, Suite 206
Fairbanks, Alaska 99701

Main: 907-456-0261
Fax: 907-451-7290

Senator Begich Web Contact Form

Congressman Don Young

Washington DC Office
2111 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515

Main: 202-225-5765
Fax: 202-225-0425

Fairbanks Office
101 12th Avenue, Suite 10
Fairbanks, Alaska 99701

Main: 907-456-0210
Fax: 907-456-0279

Congressman Don Young Web Contact Form

Curious how our delegation votes? Check their voting record on OpenCongress.org and be sure to follow up to let them know you are informed and engaged. Don't forget to check OpenSecrets.org to find personal financial disclosures and fund raising profiles, including how much was raised and where that money came from.

Fairbanks Alaska Homes For Sale - Doyon Estates - 99701

Fri, 24 Jul 2009 06:07:43 -0500

Fairbanks Alaska Homes For Sale in Doyon Estates - 99701

Doyon Estates is one of Fairbanks newest residential developments. Homes in Doyon Estates are sought after due to the neighborhoods proximity to the new east Fairbanks shopping district, downtown Fairbanks and the University of Alaska. It's also a short five-minute drive to Fort Wainwright.

Single Family homes in Doyon Estates - 99701

Fantastic single family home built by Darrell Russell of Denali Builders.

Beautiful cedar-sided home by Roger Burks of Aurora Builders.

View a slideshow of homes in Doyon Estates.

Currently there are five homes for sale in Doyon Estates -

$550,000 | 3 Bedrooms | 3.0 Bathrooms | 2,634 Sq. Ft

$467,250 | 3 Bedrooms | 3.0 Bathrooms | 2,620 Sq. Ft.

$415,000 | 4 Bedrooms | 2.5 Bathrooms | 2,410 Sq. Ft.

$355,000 | 3 Bedrooms | 2.5 Bathrooms | 2,067 Sq. Ft.

$307,000 | 3 Bedrooms | 2.5 Bathrooms | 1,520 Sq. Ft.

Click To View Annotated Fairbanks Map

Doyon Estates is composed of recent construction custom-built and spec-built homes, some with Chena River frontage and is one of the few developments governed by an active Homeowners Association. Ready for find your dream home? Search for Fairbanks homes for sale in Doyon Estates.

Golden Days 2009 Fairbanks Alaska

Wed, 22 Jul 2009 13:53:13 -0500

Yep, it's that time of year again. Time for the 2009 Fairbanks Alaska Golden Days celebration.

Fairbanks was founded by men and women lured north by the promise of a new dawn... a new day that with luck would be filled with the sight of gold at the bottom of their goldpan or sluicebox. Felix Pedro fanned the flames of those desires when he discovered a massive gold-bearing creek north of Fairbanks. Fairbanks founding-father E.T. Barnette sought to capitalize on the news by establishing a trading post on the banks of the Chena River to serve the army of miners who flocked to the Interior.

The annual Golden Days celebration seeks to remember and celebrate Fairbanks gold rush history. One of the most popular events is the Golden Days Jail. For a mere $5 arrest warrants can be issued for friends, coworkers or even your boss... The Marshals will lock them up and throw away the key!

Events run from the July 22nd through the 25th and culminates with a boisterous street fair and the largest parade in the state. Over 100 entries will be on display including marching bands, clowns, jugglers, antique cars, unicycle riders and floats. The parade winds its way from the Carlson Center through downtown Fairbanks, where it ends at Noble Street and Airport Way.

Don't forget to get your Rubber Duckie tickets for the big race on the 25th. 6,000 yellow rubber duckies race from the Wendell Street bridge to the Cushman Street bridge for the chance to win cash and prizes totaling over $20,000, including a $10,000 cash price for first place! Tickets are available anywhere you see the bright yellow signs in business windows or Goldie & Luckie the big, inflatable yellow ducks!

2009 Golden Days Festival Calendar of Events

Wednesday - Thursday - Friday - Saturday

We'll see you at the 2009 Fairbanks Alaska Golden Days Celebration!

Wordy Wednesday...

Wed, 22 Jul 2009 02:58:37 -0500

This past weekend my beautiful bride and I found ourslves with an empty house for the first time since the middle of May. WooHoo! Hotel Clifton was temporarily empty. Don't get me wrong, we love to play host and hostess, but peace and quiet can be fun too!

Rather than stay at home and tackle the the honey-do list I really should be working on, we decided to load up the RV and run away from home. Not wanting to run into the throngs of blue-haired terrorists tourists choking on the wildfire smoke at Denali we opted instead for a trip to Delta Junction. It's an easy 95 mile trip south of Fairbanks on the Richardson Highway and is a great destination for those interested in Alaskan history.

We camped at the Delta State Recreation Site, which is a small 25-site campground near downtown Delta Junction and less than a mile from the historic Sullivan Roadhouse. It's a nice quiet park but not all that big rig friendly. You can easily fit up to a 45' coach in some of the sites, but extending dual-side slides can be tricky. We arrived too late to get a double site but managed to wiggle our way into a single site and made ourselves right at home.

I snapped this picture near the confluence of the Tanana and Delta Rivers. The sun was just starting to set and we sat on the bank and just watched the river roll on by...

Sullivan Roadhouse ~ Delta Junction, Alaska History

Mon, 20 Jul 2009 05:00:13 -0500

Sullivan Roadhouse ~ Delta Junction, Alaska History

The terminus of the historic 1,422 mile Alaska (or Alcan) Highway lies at the heart of Delta Junction, Alaska. At that junction, travelers headed north to Fairbanks, Fort Wainwright or Eielson Air Force Base will find the Sullivan Roadhouse - the oldest original roadhouse still standing in Interior Alaska.

Following the lure of the Klondike gold rush to Alaska in the 1890's, Jack Sullivan and Florence Hamburg joined thousands of others on the long, arduous trek north with dreams of strikng it rich. It was in Nome, Alaska that they met and were married in 1900 before moving to Fairbanks and finally establishing a home and roadhouse on the newly cut Valdez to Fairbanks trail system in 1905.

Beginning in 1902, General Wilds P. Richardson was commissioned to clear a trail between the deep water Port of Valdez and the Interior city of Fairbanks. The 380-mile trip through the mountainous terrain often took up to two weeks to complete by open-air stagecoach. As such, roadhouses were located approximately every twenty-five miles (considered a days journey) and were a welcome sight to travelers hoping to find a warm meal and a place to rest. According to history, "Ma" Sullivan was a consummate hostess and the big, comfortable roadhouse was among the nicest stops on the trail.

Fate dealt the Sullivan's a blow in 1906 when the Alaska Roads Commission moved the Donnelly-Washburn Cut-off, a winter short-cut, 4.5 miles east in an effort to bypass some of the steeper mountain grades on the trail. Undeterred, Jack and Florence moved the roadhouse log-by-log back to the trail and rebuilt and improved the building. Improvements made to the main trail in 1917 to make it passable by automobile and the abandonment of the Donnelly-Washburn Cut-off in 1921 was the beginning of the end for the Sullivan Roadhouse. In 1922 Jack and Florence packed a few personal belongings and said good-bye to their home before moving to Fairbanks. The abandoned Roadhouse became a forgotten relic, left to return to the earth from which it came.

Left almost completely furnished, the former Sullivan Roadhouse found itself, some 20 years later, on the edge of the Oklahoma Bombing Range on the grounds of the newly developed Fort Greely US Army Base. Used by troops as temporary shelter, the building was maintained and protected from wildfires for almost 30 years. Thanks to improvements made by the Sullivans in the 1906 move and continuing care by the US Army, the building survived long after the vast majority of other Valdez to Fairbanks Trail roadhouses collapsed.

In the early 1970's the US Army sent a young soldier to clean up the site of the Sullivan Roadhouse. His orders were to bulldoze the artifacts left in and around the buildings by the Sullivans into a hole and cover them with dirt. Fortunately for future generations, the young soldier understood the historical value of the items and couldn't bring himself to bury them. Defying a direct order, he secretly gathered and hauled the items out and hid them in his barn.

In 1996, one of the last acts of the Army Legacy Fund, a Congressional Historical Preservation program, was to move the Sullivan Roadhouse from what appeared to be its final resting place in the Alaskan wilderness to a new home in Delta Junction, Alaska. Once moved, the building was then gifted to the city of Delta Junction, who renovated the building with hopes of turning it into a museum. Once complete, the building was ready to be opened to the public, but sadly, there were very few items original to the old building. That is until a local benefactor, who has chosen to remain anonymous, stepped forward to tell the tale of a disobeyed order and a treasure trove of original artifacts.

Thanks to the actions of that young man, future generations will have the opportunity to tour the Sullivan Roadhouse to catch a glimpse of what life was like for those early pioneers. The Roadhouse is located behind the Visitors Center at the intersection of the Alaska Highway and the Richardson Highway and is open 7 days a week from Memorial Day to Mid September. The next time you find yourself passing through Delta or with a free afternoon, stop by and visit Sullivan's Roadhouse in beautiful Delta Junction, Alaska.

Wordless Wednesday - Fairbanks Alaska Florists

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 21:55:58 -0500

Fairbanks Alaska Florists - Keeping your home and office beautiful and fragrant!

Although we live north of the 64th parallel, Kathy and I are southerners through and through. Moose chili, banana puddin', fresh halibut and grits can always be found in our home. We northern-transplanted southerners sure do like to eat well. One of the other traditions that followed us around the world and north to Alaska is always having fresh cut flowers in the house.

I remember as a boy how my mother would fuss over 'the garden.' Hours were spent in a big wide brimmed straw hat in the blistering Mississippi heat pruning, watering and, of course, talking to all of her floral babies. She was (I say was 'cuz I think she's shrinking) barely 5' tall and weighed all of about 91 pounds, and that was holding a vase of flowers and pruning shears.

Sometimes all you could see from the patio was that big 'ol hat wafting through fields of flowers. My mother, along with Ollie, the gardener/handyman/jack of all trades, grew some of the most beautiful roses I've ever seen. White and yellow were, and still are, my favorites.

These days my dear sweet mother would tell you that I've fallen down on the job, as the flowers in our home come from a florist (sacrilege I know) rather than from our own flower garden. She's right, but there are only so many hours in the day. If, like us, you don't have time to maintain a botanical garden or have a round-up thump then give these fine folks a call!

Santina's Flowers
Third Street @ Old Steese Highway
907-452-3246
800-451-3246

Alaskan Floral & Wedding
South Cushman Street @ Airport Way
907-456-4044
800-478-4044

College Floral
College Road near University Avenue
907-479-6926
800-469-4457

Looking to brighten your home or office (or someones day) with some beautiful fresh cut flowers? We've used and trust the above-mentioned Fairbanks Alaska florists and can recommend them without hesitation.

2009 World Eskimo Indian Olympics

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 05:29:46 -0500

For centuries the people who called the circumpolar areas of the globe home have survived and thrived in some of the harshest conditions imaginable. They lived off what God and Mother Nature provided.

Shelters were built to shield families from the elements from primitive materials. Imagine, if you can, building a home capable of enduring a harsh Alaskan winter without making a single trip to Home Depot. Hunting parties tested their patience, endurance and skill against the animals that shared the landscape with them. The byproducts of their hunting also provided the raw materials necessary for clothing to keep them warm and dry.

Their very survival meant always being mentally and physically prepared to face and handle the challenges of daily life. Not being prepared could easily be a death sentence in a beautiful but very unforgiving environment.

The World Eskimo Indian Olympics seeks to be an active link to history by bringing people together to both celebrate and remember the history of a proud culture. 2009 marks the 45th year of the annual World Eskimo Indian Olympics.

So, you think you're tough enough to compete? A few of my favorite events are...

Seal Hop - This is a game of endurance to pain and a testing of strength. The object is to see how far on can go in a "push-up" position, with elbows bent and knuckles down. The only parts of the body touching the floor are knuckles and toes... It's all I can do to get on my knees on our tile floor to find the ball the dog loves to push under the couch.
Ear Weight - The weights used in this event are 16 one pound lead ingots, which are threaded through twine. The contestant must loop the twine around one ear and by lifting straight up, without using the cheek, pack the "weight" and go for distance... Imagine carrying that weight (and more) on your ear for up to 2,000 feet!
One Hand Reach - This game requires the athlete to balance on his/her hands with at least one elbow tucked under the lower abdominal area. The rest of the body is parallel to the floor. The participant will then use one hand to reach up and touch the suspended target. The balance and strength these folks exhibit is amazing.

One of the most anticipated events of the Olympics is the Blanket Toss where a group of people toss the person on the blanket (usually made out of seal pelts) as high as 30 feet into the air. Some say this hearkens back to a time of celebration over a successful hunting season while others claim it was a means of being able to spot game animals at great distance. Regardless, it's an exhilarating event to watch.

Below are a few videos of past WEIO performances...

Join us for the 2009 World Eskimo Indian Olympics July 5th through the 18th at the Carlson Center in Fairbanks. Daytime admission is free! For more information contact WEIO at (907) 452-6646 or by email at weio@weio.org

Blogging Laryngitis

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 16:16:56 -0500

There's been no official diagnosis from the AMA you understand, but I seem to have been afflicted just the same. That I'm afflicted will come as no surprise to some of you, but we won't go there... While I love technology as much as the next fellow, keeping up with an endless stream of social network websites left me feeling like a slave to a Dell. I blogged, twittered, facebooked, blipped, flickred, linked-in and wordpressed until I couldn't see straight.

After hearing from more than a few clients, a handful of AR friends, a few regular readers who were wondering if I had somehow forgotten how to type and two reporters (from Realtor and Money Magazine no less), I figured it was time to get off my ass put pen to paper... well, digital paper anyway, and catch up on the whole blogging gig. I was actually surprised to hear anyone in Alaska was reading this right now considering we're having one of the best summers I can remember. Who sits at the computer when it's 90+ degrees and sunny? Apparently not yours truly.

While I've been slacking on the blogging front we have been busy playing host to hoards of visitors, selling lots of homes (but precious little undeveloped land) and generally staying in "GO" mode. So far, no one has shown up to push me out of an airplane... (or ride that damn tram @ Alyeska) and while we would dearly love to show off Alaska to our dear friends from the Show Me state, I'm happy to (thus far) have my feet on good 'ol terra firma.

According to legend, summer is gone when the last fireweed cottons out and blows away in the winds. I shot this a few days ago at the lake and if the legend holds true there's a lot of summer yet to enjoy. I'll do my best to enjoy it while keeping you updated on life in Alaska... well, until the kings start running that is... then all bets are off. :)