On May 24-24, we traveled NW of FBKS along the Chena Hot Springs road through state recreation land (camping, fishing, atv-ing, snowmachining, hiking, picnicking, etc) ending at Chena Hot Springs Resort. Interesting facility-they just came on line with new technology converting hot water (165) with the infusion of cold water (50) and refrigeration to produce electricity. We did the tour but I didn't really understand the process. They were going broke powering the facility with diesel.

They have been using thermal to heat and grow hydroponic veggies. In the tomato hot house the vines have been growing for a year and they just wind them around the bottom and readjust the growing part upward. Tomatoes year round! In fact they say their winter tour business supports them, not the summer trade. I'm not sure who comes here for very long when it is -40 all day with only 3 hrs of daylight - they say the Japanese!

Just filled up with gas here at the local Fred Meyer store - $2.42. We have paid up to $2.75 and expect it to be much more in NOME! There are 2 huge F Meyer stores here, 2 Safeway, a super Walmart, Lowes and Home Depot -- yet the city is very 'user friendly', probably about the size of Rutland. Headed to Denali now with the weather clouding over after 20+ days of spectacular sun.