Alaska: Traveling from Fairbanks to the Top of the World Highway

Fairbanks is merely a 1.5- hour drive away from Anderson. We were going to spend some time there exploring the  University of Alaska Museum of the North, but it was too much of a hassle for us with the trailer. We have heard positive reviews about it though.

Instead, we ended up walking a little bit of the town and took a picture under the arch.

The Shocking Reality of Homelessness in Fairbanks

It was truly an eye opening experience to witness the significant homelessness in Fairbanks.

Our observations led us to the harsh realization that a majority of those without homes were Alaskan Natives.

The thought of Alaska, a place known for its rugged beauty and harsh winters, having so many homeless individuals weighs heavily on my heart.

I can’t help but wonder how they manage to endure the brutal winters. Tragically, the reality is that not all of them make it through. 

I understand that there’s often hesitation in approaching the homeless due to concerns about potential violence or worries about enabling addictive behaviors with monetary assistance, I’ve often had these concerns myself.

It’s worth remembering that just as Jesus befriended the less fortunate, we should also embrace a compassionate outlook.

The struggles of addiction, mental illness, disabilities, and simply falling on hard times are all very real experiences that people face. I challenge everyone, myself included, to respond to these realities with empathy and kindness, in other words-with grace.

It is obvious that as a society we are struggling to address the issue of homelessness appropriately. While I don’t know what the solution is, I do know we have the power to contribute in a modest yet impactful manner that could greatly affect someone’s life. 

God placed on my family’s heart to assemble what we call “GO Bags” (Gift Offering Bags). Opting for reusable, waterproof gallon sized ziplock bags, we included water bottles accompanied by flavoring packs, gentle-on-teeth granola bars, hand warmers, and good quality socks. We also took the time to inscribe heartfelt messages on the baggies. 

I’m sharing this with the hope of inspiring others, perhaps to create their own bags or to explore unique and innovative ways of making a positive impact. For those who are rooted in one place, consider including information about local shelters or other helpful resources within the bags. We have been asked before if we know of a place they could go to, so I know that information would be appreciated.

Our inspiration came from a gentleman who donated socks, and interestingly, we’ve noticed that socks seem to bring the most excitement among recipients. 

The very idea of being in Alaska during the winter gives me a sense of unease, and I can’t help but feel deep sympathy for those who lack shelter and warmth in such harsh conditions. I’m intrigued by the thought of returning to Alaska during the winter. 

Coming from Southern California and now embracing the RV lifestyle in fair weather, I admit I’ve never truly understood what real cold feels like. Perhaps, unexpectedly, I might actually like it.

Interestingly, our friend’s children expressed that winter is their favorite time of the year in Alaska because they get to build snow forts and go skiing. 

Places to Stop from Fairbanks to The Top of the World Highway

Are you familiar with Chena Hot Springs? Situated roughly 1.5 hours north of Fairbanks, this destination offers a unique experience. When the season finally gets dark enough, they escort you up from the hot springs to witness the Northern Lights, it sounds magical, literally as I have been told you can actually hear the Northern Lights. 

Although it was still summer, I wanted to see Chena Hot Springs while we were in the area. They not only have the hot spring resort, but also have the Aurora Ice Museum,  Chena Kennel Tours, and plenty of moose make surprise visits. Unfortunately, the hot spring has an age limit of 18 or older so we decided to bypass it on this trip. 

From Fairbanks we ventured off to the North Pole, a city in Alaska. We visited the Santa Claus House, this was a kitschy little stop. I do have to admit it was fun to see Christmas in July. There were beautiful decorations inside with ornaments galore, fudge and ice cream, specialty toys, and Santa’s workshop.

You can even have Santa send letters  to loved ones if you like. He has all sorts of letters, naughty and nice ones, even ones for pets. We had just missed Santa, but if you love everything Christmas, it’s worth the stop.

From the North Pole, we embarked on a journey along the Top of the World Highway, driven by the curiosity  to see the remote town of Chicken, a place about 10 people call home year round. 

Prior to selling our house, our “covid project” was building the Fort Knox of all chicken coops. We ended up raising 18 chickens, and I became quite fond of them. It was only fitting that I seize the opportunity to visit a town with the whimsical name of Chicken.

Our Experience on the Top of the World Highway

The Highway consists mostly of packed dirt, but honestly it was a smoother ride compared to the portion of the Alaska Highway that we would have had to otherwise traverse. I know this because we drove that section between Destruction Bay and Tok on our way in. 

It was a beautiful scenic drive, we definitely felt like we were on the top of the world. If you are scared of heights, this drive towing a trailer may not be for you as there are big drop offs on the sides with no barrier. 

After some time on the road, we arrived in none other than Chicken, Alaska- a charming, eccentric place deeply rooted in gold mining history. We refueled, checked out the eclectic gift shop, and indulged in pie and ice cream. 

Legend has it that the settlers initially aimed to name the town after ptarmigan, but since no one knew how to spell ptarmigan, they humorously settled on the name “Chicken,” instead.

Shortly after departing Chicken, we crossed the remote border into Canada. Should you choose this route, be sure to confirm the operating hours of  The Poker Creek Border Crossing.

Our Experience Crossing the Border into Canada from Alaska

We made it in time, and it was a seamless process- a far cry from our entry into Alaska from Canada, where we sadly bid farewell to our 24 pack of eggs and brand new bag of cuties. I can only hope those two diligent border patrol agents savored their breakfast, especially considering the sky- high egg prices of that time. I may still be a little disgruntled.

Favorite Things About Our Alaskan Adventure

Our trip to Alaska flew by!  We truly enjoyed all of our adventures, the refreshing chill in the summer air, and all the wildlife encounters that graced our journey. We learned so much about the wildlife, native culture, and the region as a whole. 

Yet, if I were to pick a favorite, the Kenai Peninsula would undoubtedly claim that spot. Here, it felt like we were embraced by the finest of both worlds- majestic mountains that met the vast expanse of the ocean.

As we were exploring Alaska, our minds often turned to the early settlers who forged their path in this land, facing an unrelenting battle not just for survival, but for prosperity in this remote and unforgiving terrain. Yet, the indescribable beauty of Alaska remains.

Although the Alaska Purchase was finalized in 1867, it is intriguing to note that it wasn’t until 1959 that Alaska attained statehood. I feel blessed to have been given the opportunity to explore this beautiful state with my family, Alaska has now inched its way to the top of my kid’s favorites list. 

Bible Verse of the Day

Matthew 25:35-40 (NIV) 

"For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me... Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me."

Reflection

• May our hearts not only absorb these words, but also let them ignite action within us. Just as Jesus champions the cause of the underprivileged, may we too take up that noble fight.

• My prayer for us all is that we will follow in Jesus’ footsteps by casting aside our worldly biases and preconceptions, transforming our sometimes apathetic love into a powerful verb. Let us embody it, speak it, and generously share it with all, particularly to those whom the world rejects.

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