Athabascan Introduction

At breakfast in the Princess Fairbanks River Lodge we were surprised to learn that until 8:30 AM one could not order from a menu, but only from the buffet, which cost $16 per person. Glenda's omelet was claimed by a man who came into the line after us, but she quickly corrected the mistake. The riverboat cruise on the Chena River was far more than just a cruise; it was an excellent introduction to the varied elements of Alaskan culture and history. As we cruised down the river, we stopped to hear presentations on bush pilots, dog sledding and native culture. The presenters were on the bank of the narrow, shallow river, and their words were broadcast to the entire boat by wireless microphone and television. We stopped for more than an hour at the reproduction of a native Athabascan village. Young people demonstrated elements of hunting, housing and folkways. Another presentation won Glenda's heart. Laura Alloway, a contender in this year's Iditerod dog sled race, had dogs with her and discussed her preparations for the race. Back on shore we enjoyed a delicious lunch of beef stew, apple-pecan-goat cheese salad, and a rich chocolate brownie. During lunch, four-time Iditerod winner Lance Mackey spoke to the crowd about his recovery from throat cancer and his Iditerod victories.Read more