From The Alaska Experience Travel Guide : http://www.Videosource.com for stock footage and complete travel program availability
Transcript:
Alaska's northernmost major commercial center is
The town of fairbanks. once a booming gold rush town, modern fairbanks
Still sits on alaska's frontier . It is the home of
The university of alaska; ; and a jumping off point
For activities in the roadless north. The university
is a research center for alaska's agricultural
and technological development , and the site of one
of the state's most prestigious museums.
the fairbanks museum houses
Elaborate displays on native indian and eskimo culture,
Wildlife, and technology. These exquisite examples of
ornate apparel were fashioned from the many natural
materials available to the alaskan native.
To the native american, every day objects were sacred,
And worthy of time consuming artistic embellishment.
The beauty and craftsmanship of the artifacts on display
Here reflect a world view that is as worthy of preserving
as the endangered species that once shared this great
Land with its first human inhabitants. Complementing
The native crafts, are displays of the fruits of
Man's labor in more recent times. One popular exhibit
Features the gleam of gold that brought men from all
over to seek their elusive fortunes.
The university also maintains a large animal research
Station where visitors can see musk-oxen, moose,
Caribou and deer from the public viewing platform. creamer's field, located just outside of town
Offers 2 miles of nature trails and provides a
Sanctuary for migratory fowl.
A few miles north of fairbanks, you can drive right
Up to the great alaskan oil pipeline, one of the
Huge technological feats of modern times.
although the pipeline looks a little incongruous
winding its way through the wilderness landscape,
It was designed at a time when america was just
Awakening to the need for ecological preservation,
And it has many ecological safety features built
Into its design.
Portions of the pipeline are elevated
To allow the unimpeded migration of the caribou.
The pipeline is designed to slide on teflon sleds as
Changes in temperature cause it to expand and contract.
Expansion bumpers provide cushioning for these changes
And are part of the engineering features that assure
Structural integrity during an earthquake of up to 8.5
On the richter scale.
In order to keep the warm oil in
The pipeline from melting the permafrost below, the
Posts suspending the tube are actually fitted with
Refrigeration coils.
the high tech design of the pipeline is quite a contrast
To the old machinery displayed here in alaskaland's mining
valley.
This large theme park, built by the state of
Alaska and open to the public free of charge, also
Features a reconstruction of downtown fairbanks
During the goldrush days. These log houses were
Actually moved here from the old town center.
A ride on the miniature model steam train is
Popular with the kids, and is a good way to
Explore the park. For a longer trip into alaska's
Past, visitors board the steamboat discovery,
The last sternwheeler on the chena and tenana rivers.
The leisurely 4 hr excursion is run by the binkley
Family who have been piloting these riverboats for
Three generations.
A few miles north of fairbanks on 9 mile steese
Highway, another fascinating piece of alaskan history
Awaits. ..... The famous number 8 gold dredge.
This 5 story 250 foot rock eating monster took its
Last bite of this rich placer deposit in the late 50's.
today you can try your hand
At panning the gravels that lay just out of reach
Of the giant machine when it stopped working....
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Hunting for methane with Katey Walter Anthonyby uafairbanks106,759 views
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