First Impressions

As you approach Fairbanks, driving those final miles from Delta Junction, there is such a sense of relief. Those 12 days had been terrific and torturous. Seeing all new country and making a drive that by comparison to the world population, few people get to make, while at the same time, sitting in that van, driving and driving and driving, got really old after about the 9th day! Being the Gemini that I am, ‘change’ is a constant favorite. At that point, anything other than driving would have been welcomed.

There are a few chuckles as you approach Fairbanks, like driving through the village of North Pole, Alaska. Geographically a little misplaced, but cute and working it hard!

And then finally, the city limits of Fairbanks!! God was I glad to get there. I had done my homework. In 1973 the city was about the size of Newport, Kentucky, in 1973. So it wasn’t very big, I think 5 stop lights in all at the time. It was a little rough, not much sophistication showing, but on a clear day, looking south, you could see Mt. McKinley, and there we were, in the interior of Alaska!!

Jim had an apartment in a complex called Fairview Apartments. The complex was the largest in town and had been a former Army housing site. I checked in pretty quickly and found out that they did have a 1 bedroom furnished apartment available. The price was right so within a few days, I was in my own place. But before I moved out of Jim’s place we managed to lose my cat, Sadie.

Sadie had made it all the way from Cincinnati to Fairbanks and within 2 days of my arrival someone left Jim’s front door open and Sadie sneaked out. I was heartbroken. I let the apartment complex know and they said they would keep their eyes open, but I was sure he was gone.

Our first night in town we went to a favorite bar of Jim’s that served excellent pizza. We sat around all evening, Mom, Dad, Maureen, Jim, Mr. NZ (yep, he was still with us) and I chatting and enjoying the evening. What a weird experience though, when we left the bar at 10:30 PM and stepped into broad daylight!!! For whatever reason it was the first that I noticed their incredibly long days. I knew of them of course, but there is nothing like an Alaskan night in the summer…it never comes!!!

So, I was there. I had an apartment. Next would be to get a job. But before that, Mom and Dad had to return to Florida. They stayed two weeks and then got back on the road again. Mr. NZ rode back with them to his hometown, somewhere in Ontario. That was a good thing as he helped Dad with the driving. Mom and Dad met his parents, and they graciously hosted them for a few days to take a much needed respite from the road. Mr. NZ stayed in touch with Jim, Mom and Dad for many years and eventually traveled to Florida for a visit.

Wish I could remember that guy’s name!!