Leaving Alaska

A Sandhill crane dances in Creamer's Field, Fairbank, Alaska

After the Haul Road, we stopped in Fairbanks to re-provision and address some repair issues. The hand water pump is leaking badly, and the camper battery isn’t charging… not good when it’s less than 40 degree weather. Thankfully, I have an engineer on board… my own, personal Mr. Fix-it. 

After all our errands were run, we took Sam for a walk at Creamer’s Field. Once a working dairy farm, the land was donated to become a refuge for migrating Sandhill cranes. Winter rye is grown to help the birds tank up for their long migration south. Most of the cranes that gather here are immature birds or have had unsuccessful breeding attempts. Many Canada geese also gather in the fields. 

Sandhill cranes at Creamer's Field, Fairbanks, Alaska

These birds will ultimately take the mid-continent flyway. Some will fly as far as our home state of Texas. At their peak, thousands of birds gather at Creamer’s field to migrate south. 

Our bird dog, Sam, was mesmerized by all the birds.  We stayed as long as possible on the hiking trails but were ultimately driven back  to the truck when another wave of rain came through. After all the stimulus, at least Sam will sleep well tonight. 

We lament that tomorrow night will be our last night in Alaska. The trip is going by quickly. But The Dempster is next… my favorite road on the planet. What adventures are waiting us there?