We signed on with a local guide to drive the Dalton Highway to the Artic Circle and see the sights. There were 5 others that joined us in a 12 passenger van (it was so much better than the tour buses). And we had a blast!!
The Artic Circle is 200 miles from Fairbanks and about 80 miles is a dirt road. This is the road that goes up to Prudhoe Bay, Artic Ocean. (No we did not go that far!!)
We left at 7 AM and our first stop was the viewing of the Alaska Pipeline. A picture:
This is what we learned about the pipeline:
Since Alaska has many earthquakes and a good portion of the pipeline was built on permafrost and there are some extreme temperature changes, they had to devise a way to handle all. If you look at the supports, the white tubes are coolers to keep the oil cool (because of the permafrost). The supports underneath the tubes move up and down (for the earthquakes). The square support directly under the pipeline is just sitting on the H support – it is not bolted (for the earthquakes also). If you look at the pipeline, there are many slip joints – this is for the contracting and expanding of the weather conditions and for earthquakes also. And for the same reason, it was built in a zigzag pattern not straight. The pipeline extends from Valdez to Prudhoe Bay (800 miles) and it follows the Dalton Highway above Fairbanks. Some is above ground, some below ground – depends on the landscape and better flow.
The Dalton Highway was originally a haul road – for Prudhoe Bay area and the pipeline. Up until 1981, the public was only allowed access to Milepost 211. (Artic Circle is MP 115; Deadhorse is MP 414). In 1994, the full length of the road was officially opened to the public.
This is true wilderness. The road and scenery (notice the pipeline on the right):
This part was like a roller coaster – WOW!
The tundra – notice no trees. The permafrost is at the surface and cannot support them.
We crossed the Yukon River. This bridge was built in 1975 to aid in the pipeline. Before that, goods were ferried across. Notice the bridge surface – yes that is wood planks with potholes.
The Artic Circle – this was one of my main goals in coming here. If you look at a map or a globe – you can see how far north it is….
Our group (our guide is the gentleman kneeling to the right of Andy):
We all had such an interesting talk with our guide, Ralf. He came from Germany 10 years ago and his goal was to live in the bush and live off the land. His stories of his life here are amazing. (He is a true pioneer.) He started the tour company and hostel a few years ago because he lost everything in a fire (5 years ago) and had to get back on his feet. Incredible!!And on our way home we were treated to…….
Isn’t he just beautiful!!!We arrived home at 10 PM (long day). Speaking of days – Sunrise was at 3:37 AM and Sunset was at 12:02 AM. And twilight in between.
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