Barrow, Alaska

When we arrived at 10:30 a.m., the temp was a balmy 31 degrees.  Fortunately, Elizabeth had warned us to take winter-gear.  We wore down coats, hats, and gloves; it was still cold!  (Yes, I said it—cold!)

We dropped our things at the hotel (not the outerwear) and jumped-in the van for the Tundra Tour.  Heck, let me just show you what we saw—

Our guide, Billy

Jaw bone of a bowhead whale in the bone yard

The duck hunting village--
note the baleen and driftwood palm tree!

HIGH cost of spam!

Matt's pop tarts--WOW!

Even jello was more than my budget could afford!

Snowy arctic owl--beautiful!

Yes, yes they do!

Inupiat Eskimo dancers at the Heritage center in the middle of Barrow.

The next day, we wandered around town (population-4500) and went on a great impromptu tour with Will.  He drove us up to Point Barrow (the furthest point north).  Unfortunately, there were no polar bears.  Well, maybe that wasn’t a negative as the vehicle we were in could barely push 5-10 mph with deflated tires on a shifting pebble track.  I am certain any bear could out-run us, and well, win the “battle”.  Will assured us, however, that the sound of a motor engine would frighten them away.  (Now, I ask you—What happens if you cannot restart the jeep?)  Later, during the tour, he invited us to try some muktuk from his personal stash.  Yes, Matthew tried it.  (What won’t this boy eat?!)

Barrow

Barrow homes

The farthest north single family residence in the U.S.A.

Will's home (our tour guide)

Matthew touching the Arctic Ocean

The famous blue and yellow astroturf football field

Local school bus

Muktuk--skin and blubber of a bowhead whale...yum?

After 83 days of constant sunlight, Barrow has a "sunset".
This was taken at midnight. 

Our hotel-- Top of The World Hotel

This is definitely a town to visit!  Next time, we will stay longer.  The people were wonderful and there are clearly more “secrets” and adventures to find!