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Billie's Backpackers Hostel I didn't see much use in taking photos on your way to Fairbanks, so I'll just give you a brief description of the trip. We packed up and were on our way to GSP. Our daughter, Serena, took us there in her car, arriving at about 8am for our 10:50am flight.
They called our boarding class on time and we were off to O'Hare International. We landed a little early and headed to Terminal 3E, gate 11, for our next connection, to Fairbanks, Alaska. O'Hare is gigantic, as expected, so the supposed 20 minute walk to the gate was not an exageration. Since our boarding time was in about 4 hours, and it was lunch time, we stopped at McDonalds for a Big Mac and fries. After eating lunch we found out our flight was going to be some what delayed, leaving closer to 5pm than the original time of 4pm. We decided to find the USO, so we could relax a bit. Turns out the USO was in Terminal 2, but it wasn't that far.
After relaxing, and having a cup of coffee, we head back to Terminal 3, checking on our departure time. The time wasn't any
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Our bedroom at the hostel later, but the boarding gate went from 11 to 8 to 6. After waiting a while, they called our group. While we waiting, they kept telling us about how full the plane was and how there wasn't much room for luggage, etc., which sort of bothered me because we were pushing the 2nd carry-on having to fit under the seat, with our backpacks from the Camino. But, there was no problems, and they even sold some 1st Class seats at a discount. On the way to Fairbanks, which was almost 7 hours long, we discovered the new rules or policies for American Airlines, and most other airlines... no free lunches or dinners! I guess they were trying to keep the flight price down. We would have used our credit card, but you not only have to have their App, but you have to have your credit card added, which we didn't.
After several movies, and attempts at sleep, we touched down at Fairbanks International Airport or FAI at 8:45pm, about an hour later than the original time. It was also after the last bus, so we ended up getting a taxi to take us to Billie's Backpacker Hostel, where
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One of only 2 bathrooms in the hostel. we would spend the next 4 nights. The taxi cost about $27, but the driver was friendly and talkative. Billie's Backpacker was just off the main road, but there seemed to be no place nearby that had any food. Thankfully, the hostel had some blueberry muffins and coffee, so it was OK. The hostel is a nice comfortable-feeling hostel. Our private room was on the other side of the house from the main areas, and you had to enter a passcode to get to the main area, but that was fine. The older lady who ran the place lived in our section of the house and was quite friendly. Our room wasn't that big and the only bathrooms were shared, but hey, what do expect for the price. After "dinner", we somewhat unpacked and hit the hay.
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Doc Smith
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Saying Hello
Nice to know you two are still enjoying your annual treks. I'm looking forward to your posts. Enjoy, have a good time and don't feed the bears.