| Driving on Richardson Highway heading toward Delta Junction, the two RV Gypsies came across The Knotty Shop, an Alaskan gift shop and wildlife museum. It was settled in the Tanana Valley 32 miles south of Fairbanks in Salcha, Alaska, open since June 3, 1989. The Knotty Shop had an unusual burl construction plus Alaskan wildlife displayed in a natural setting, and handcrafted Alaskan gifts. If you have the Alaska Tour Saver book (which your should buy if you go to Alaska), use the coupon to get a free ice cream, (if that particular coupon is in the newest book). | ||
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| The two RV Gypsies made Smith's Green Acres RV Park and Campground on mile 268 Richardson Highway their new home for two nights. The campground had Wi-Fi, but no TV/cable. | ||
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Delta Junction is known as the 'End of the Alaska Highway,' as the famous highway joins the existing Richardson Highway here to complete the route to Fairbanks. Named after the nearby Delta River, Delta Junction developed into an agricultural region as the result of state land disposal programs designed to encourage development. The area now is home to 37 large farms and more than 160 small farms. The area presents a picturesque rural setting complimented by spectacular views of the Alaska Range and the Delta River. Clear days allow stunning views of Mt. Hayes, Mt. Moffit and a number of other peaks. Accommodations: Three hotels/motels, fourteen bed and breakfast; ten restaurants. |
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| The aboriginal inhabitants of the Delta area lived along the Tanana River, north of the present town. The community of Big Delta came into being just east of the junction of the Delta River and the Tanana River. A ferry there brought travelers across the Tanana. With the coming of the Alaska Highway during WWII, a community grew up at the junction of the Richardson Highway and the new Alaska or AlCan Highway. That community is now the City of Delta Junction. Today Delta Junction is a vibrant and friendly community with an economic center near the junction of the highways, but stretching far to the east and adjoining the US Army Fort Greely community to the south. It is also the official end of the Alaska Highway. From here, Richardson Highway leads to Fairbanks and connects Valdez at tidewater with Fairbanks in the interior. It predates the Alaska Highway by 20 years. |
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 Lee
Duquette got attacked by a giant mosquito |
Below - The
visitor center |
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Below: The visitor center
had historical and wildflower displays and just outside is the large
white milepost for Mile 1422 of the Alaska Highway, marking the end
of the famous highway. |
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Below: Lee Duquette and Karen Duquette standing by Mile 1422 , the End of the Alaskan Highway |
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Below: Karen Duquette and Lee Duquette were each awarded a certificate for going through the trials and tribulations to reach the end of the Alaska Highway at Delta Junction, Alaska |
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left side of the Delta Deep Freeze thermometer dates are as follows, from top to bottom: June 25, 2983 +9 degrees May 5, 1958 -10 degrees March 22, 2008 -17 degrees Feb. 21, 1988 -42 degrees Dec. 9, 1966 - 59 degrees Jan 30 1989 -66 degrees |
right side of the Delta Deep Freeze thermometer dates are as follows, from top to bottom: April 13, 2008 +2 degrees April 5, 2002 -9 degrees April 21, 1949 - 37 degrees March 5, 1992 -48 degrees Feb. 23, 1980 -60 degrees Jan 6, 1975 - 72 degrees |
| The Highway's End Farmer's Market is held across the street from the Visitor's Center on Thursdays beginning in mid-May. |  |
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Below: An interesting
tour bus that pulled into the visitor center. Windows on one side of
the bus only. |
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