above: The outdoor “rock pool”.
What do you call a place that has hydroponic greenhouses, horseback riding, an ice museum, a playground, a hot spring, a plastic recycling machine and it’s own geothermal power plant? Quirky would be my answer. And, quirky it is but, it goes by the official name of Chena Hot Springs.
The Resort is located about 60 miles Northeast of Fairbanks and if the world ever comes to an end this may be the place you’ll want to be. They are in a remote part of Alaska, have their own power supply, grow their food and if the stress of the end of the world is too much you could always have a nice relaxing soak in a hot spring. If you are worried about the winter temperatures of -40F, you could always step into the ice museum to warm up. It’s a balmy +20F in there!
right: The outside of the Ice Museum.
If you are worried about being bored in such a remote place, forget it. The aurora borealis plays up to 200 nights a year! The resort even has a viewing area designated for the event. Rumor has it that the Japanese believe it to be auspicious to conceive during the aurora and they come in bus loads to see it.
The partially maintained grounds are an eclectic mix of log cabins, metal buildings, plastic covered greenhouses and miscellaneous rusted vintage vehicles which makes for an interesting walk.
right: Their tomato vines can grow to 70 feet long.
We had a soak in the hot spring, aahhh. But, the highlight for us was the Ice Museum. There are four ice hotel rooms available for the hardy folks who want to spend the night. According to the resort, only about 5% of those who book an ice room qualify as hardy as the rest bail out before morning comes.
left: The Hippygeek and Lil’ Dude prepare to go into the “deep freeze”.
below: How about a honeymoon romp in an icy polar bear bed?
There is an ice bar where they serve up appletinis in an ice glass, very smooth. There are jousting knights, very impressive. There is a “fire place” where you can believe yourself to be warm and even an alter for those wishing an “ice wedding” (I don’t know how auspicious that would be). And, all of it is lit up with colorful fiber optic lights!
right: The Hippygeek sips on an appletini.
left: The Dudes play an ice xylophone.
The artistry was amazing, inconceivable really. I don’t know how it is possible to carve ice at all let alone with the intricate detail in these pieces.
right: The Dudes “warm-up” by the fire.
below: The “alter”.
The resort has something for everyone whether you want an auspicious conception, learn how to recycle your household waste, grow tomatoes, have a romp on the playground or a good ole’ soak in the hot spring. We just happened to love the Ice Museum but it will be a cold day you know where before I will spend the night!
A bystander asked an equestrian sculptor how he did it. The sculptor replied, ‘I just chip away everything that doesn’t look like a horse.’ (unknown)
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