The Agnew Family aboard the "Dog House"

The Chena Lakes Recreation Area was developed when they put a flood control system into place. In 1967 Fairbanks was hit by severe flooding of the Chena River. The pictures of the flooding helped to make you realize just how bad it was. If you look at a map you’ll see that the Chena River meanders through Fairbanks. A lot of the rivers we’ve seen have huge river beds with a few streams of water currently flowing, which makes you realize what spring run off is like. Anyway, the flood control area consists a dam and 20 foot high burms that run for at least 3 miles creating what could be a large lake but is used in summer and winter as a recreation area for horse back riding, 4 wheeling, snowmobiling, skiing, etc. Then along the road way which runs beside the burms are spill ways to take more water. It was incredible and apparently put to use in 1992 (I think). The people in Fairbanks don’t seem to worry about the Chena flooding as they continue to build near the banks of the river. Today we went to the museum at the University of Alaska. The building is under construction so the display areas are a bit crowded. It was worth the trip though. There were displays regarding the Japanese and native populations being interned during WWII, the history of the native population, sea life and birds in the area, mining, the Hubble Telescope, Northern Lights and Blue Babe (restored Ice Age steppe bison mummy).



Blue Babe therestored Ice Age steppe bison mummy


They wouldn't let me take him home.