We got to Anchorage and the plan was to spend a day or two catching up then fly to Barrow on the north slope for solstice. Barrow is about 320 miles north of the arctic circle. It is also about 1200 miles from the north pole. Barrow has about 11 weeks in the spring and summer that the sun does not set. We wanted to see and experience 24 hours with no sunset. It is the northernmost city in the USA. and there are no roads into Barrow. The only way in is by air or water. About 65% of the residents are native to the area. Evidence shows the Inupiat people have lived here since about 500 AD. Most live by hunting and fishing including whales, seals, walrus, caribou, polar bears and what ever else is in season. There are treaties and agreements that allow them to maintain their historic subsistence living. I was very impressed with Barrow. No paved streets, minimal services and what seemed to be a very close community. We walked all over town over 2 days.
Out the plane window
The airport has one gate. Ticketing, security and the gate are all one area. We think there is one
flight each day.
One picture you often see of Barrow is the whale bone arch. It was about a 2 minute walk from our hotel.
As far as solstice was concerned Diana took pictures periodically out our hotel window. Other than cloud cover we were unable to tell any difference from day to night. The sun just did not rise or fall but stayed at the same elevation as it moved around the sky.
All the dumpsters in town had art work or writing on them. Given the life style of the locals we liked this one.
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