Chena Hot Springs, Ice Museum and MOOSE!

Thursday afternoon...after battling a bit of a cold, I made my way about 70 miles north, into the wilderness to the Chena Hot Springs Resort.

It started raining on the drive up, but even through the rain and fog, it was a beautiful ride. I checked into my room in the 102 building...the lodging here is kind of dormitory style, but well appointed and comfortable. Since it was raining...the first thing on my agenda was a tour of the Ice Museum.

This is a year-round museum open 365 days a year. The owner of this whole resort is a scientist specializing in Geo-Thermal energy. The interior of the museum is a balmy 20F. As we stepped in, the walls were lined with parkas...to keep us warm for the 45 minutes we were to be inside.

Local artists have created amazing ice sculptures inside.

As a special treat, you are served a very special Ice-tini in your very own ice martini glass. You sit on Caribou hide covered ice stools at the Aurora Ice Bar. It was quite an experience...and a VERY strong drink.

There are four ice hotel rooms in the Ice Museum which you can reserve for $600 per night. The beds are made of solid ice, but are covered with Caribou hide and arctic sleeping bags. One of the beds is shaped like a polar bear, and you sleep on his belly!

After the museum tour I needed to warm up a bit, so I went to dinner at the resort restaurant and had myself some AMAZING smoked salmon pasta and a few cocktails.

Friday morning, I woke up (after a fantastic night's sleep) to the sun shining bright and a beautiful blue sky. I had to take advantage of the hot springs. There is a rock lake that is fed by the natural spring and it was amazing. I didn't take photos close up of the lake, didn't want to seem like a peeper. =)

After toweling off, I wanted to take a nature walk...though I was warned about a very recent bear sighting close by, so I didn't go very far. But I didn't see some fun signs along the way.

Walking back to my room...to pack up and get ready to check out...there were a few visitors to the resort. Mama Moose and her little Moose. Amazing.

As I wait for my ride back to Fairbanks, where I'll hop a flight to Anchorage...I sit in great appreciation for the opportunity to come here, and revel in the seemingly endless beauty of this land.