I'm a little dazed this morning (lack of sleep) as I start my day at the Creamer's Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge. It's takes me a while to find the trail but I'm greeted by the beautiful songs of a little bird.
Plenty of Iris in the fields.
Before I get too far on the trail, I look up and it's looks like it'll rain at any moment so onto Plan B.
So I make my way out of Fairbanks and head down to Chena Hot Springs. I'm really not interested in the Hot Springs rather the drive there - I'm assuming it will be very scenic as I image it will follow the Chena River which should mean a good chance at seeing wildlife, butterflies (if the sun would come out).
As I expect the road travels thru the forest. The first 9 miles drives like the roller coaster at Kiddieland. I suppose the ups/downs and bumps are due to frost heaves from the very cold winters. I'm not sure why it's only the first 9 miles but I am happy when the rolling ends.
There are not a lot of river views from the road. But there are lots of little ponds - some quite beautiful.
There are many dirt/gravel river access roads but since I don't know the shape of the roads, I simply drive by.
I see no wildlife along the road other than a muskrat crossing the road to get to another pond.
The highlights are 45.5 mile pond and 48 Mile Pond.
I get to 45.5 Mile Pond first and I have it all to myself (except the many mosquitoes flying around my head -- someone forgot the bug spray - must get bug spray).
The view is great especially with the broken clouds.
As I walk along the right shore for 20-30ft, I scare up many dragonflies and blue damselflies. I chase for a bit. (I need to try and ID these.)
As I head over to the left side, I'm happily surprised to see a butterfly lying on the gravel parking area - it's a White Admiral!!! He's alive and well as he flies several times.
Another butterfly to add to my trip - though I've seen the Canadian Swallowtail and White Admiral in WI before. And the Field Crescent is very common in the lower 48.
Next stop is Mile 48 Pond. Again, it's all mine. Not as many dragonflies here for some reason. I notice there's a picnic area further along on the left side of the pond. I decide to walk over - just checking for more dragonflies. I only make it about 30 ft when I hear splashing; not the fish hopping out of water sound. I look to the other side of the lake and it's a moose!! Nope, it's two moose!! The splashing is the baby running thru the water. The mom is calming feeding on the vegetation at the bottom of the pond. This is so awesome!
I'd love to get closer but right now, the Mom is happy (and I'm sure she knows I'm here) and I'm not pushing that boundary.
I simply take a seat on the ground and watch the baby frolic
And the mom feed.
What an awesome experience!
I hate to leave but I also don't want to wear out my welcome so I head back to my car and continue down the road.
I finally reach the end of the road which is the Resort; I don't go in but instead turn and head back to Fairbanks. The road definitely wasn't as scenic as I had thought but I'm not complaining, the Mom and baby moose were worth the trip!!
When I get back to Fairbanks, it's raining so I decide to do the tourist thing and go to the North Pole - in AK of course. It's about 13 miles from Fairbanks. Of course, it's a tourist trap with the Christmas Gift Shop but it's so close so why not.
After visiting, all I can say is, I've been to the North Pole!!
Time to head back to Fairbanks. I stop to get some bug spray and return to Creamer's Field as the sun is partially out now. I spray up before I hike the Boreal Trail.
On my way thru the field to the trail head, I see another butterfly. It's brown and I see it land. But since you're not supposed to go into the field (and there were people around), I never actually get a good look at it. Maybe tomorrow if its sunny.
The Boreal Trail is a nice trail as it works it's way through the forest.
The trail is both dirt paths and boardwalks. Lots of water along the way.
And Cala Lilies.
Still can't believe the Mom and Baby moose!!
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