Pioneer Park in Fairbanks

Our first stop in Fairbanks was Light of the World Lutheran church.  Our daughter-in-law's father was pastor here for 7 1/2 years and we just had to stop by to take pictures to send to Kim and her parents.  Kim has fond memories here of her mother throwing hot water off the porch in winter and it turned to ice before it hit the ground!

The rear of the church was actually prettier than the front, with hugs pots of flowers near the back stairs.

Sandy took a picture of us on our anniversary day.  We found a spot beneath the huge bunch of hot pink petunias.  

Next stop on the agenda was Pioneer Park located in downtown Fairbanks.  This park has just about everything for the tourists and local families:  old, restored cabins moved here from their original locations, little quaint shops, small museums, and kiddie rides.  None of us opted for the merry-go-round!

Sherry and Sandy headed toward the gate from the parking lot.

Below is the Harding train car, used by President Warren Harding in 1923.  He was here to witness the golden spike being driven in the Alaskan Railroad.

Below is the 237 foot long S. S. Nenana, in service from 1923 until 1955.  The 600 horse power engine was powered by an enormous boiler.  It took a huge amount of fuel to keep the steam up since the Nenana could use up to a cord of wood each hour.  Wood camps were set up about every 50 miles along the river so they could replenish their supply.

Sandy and Sherry re-think their purchases after the bear made some suggestions...he was not one you would want to argue with!

A view of some of the re-located cabins and houses now being used as various shops.

Beautiful baskets of flowers hanging from rafters were in abundance in the park.

The park also included a small air museum.  This is an old Air North airplane manufactured in 1943 that transported both cargo and passengers.  The windows were tiny portholes.

Time for all of us to head towards our RV.  We had reservations for the 2 PM ferry ride and didn't want to miss it!

The cache building was located near the exit.  Structures like this were common in Alaska which provided safe storage for  food and supplies from bears and other wildlife.