I’ve discussed a range of attractions from Interior Alaska in the previous seven articles. Today I’m taking a more lighthearted approach. Oftentimes I encounter fascinating, memorable or amusing signage, and for some reason I like to take photographs of them. So here are some of the best examples that highlight and illustrate the trip.
Alaskan “Interstate”
Alaska doesn’t have interstate highways per se, although it does have roads that contribute to the Interstate Highway System. Nonetheless, most of its lane miles don’t conform to established interstate standards because Alaska has a specific regulatory exemption. So, for example, it makes little sense to offer four lanes, directional divides, and limited access interchanges given the relative lack of traffic.
The state’s signage also doesn’t display familiar interstate highway shields seen everywhere else. Alaska chose a much more localized design featuring the Big Dipper and the North Star, in alignment with the state flag. Regardless, Alaska’s four “interstate” highways still belong to the larger system.
Murals in Fairbanks
Fairbanks stays dark and gray for much of the year. So why not brighten it up? There are several murals downtown that do just that and join colorful artwork on steam vents scattered throughout town. I’m sure that residents appreciate anything that cuts down on seasonal affective disorder.
Men’s Room
The men’s room at the Fairbanks’ Cultural & Visitors Center featured what appears to be an Inuit gentleman in a parka. It was memorable, and of course got the point across. Then I remembered its exact opposite in a different far-flung state, Hawaii. There the gentleman wore an Aloha shirt and shorts.
Stickers and Graffiti
Stickers have gotten out of hand at some tourist spots. I’ve noticed them at a lot of breweries, where they seem to be encouraged, but it detracts from the experience at many other places. The back of the Arctic Circle sign, as an example, was completely covered. So I encourage reasonable efforts to discourage the practice where appropriate.
Here at the Alaska Pipeline exhibit north of Fairbanks, they almost seemed to be pleading for restraint, while putting tour operators on notice. Maybe tour operators can keep their unruly passengers in check. And of course no graffiti — that shouldn’t even need to be stated. People should simply behave themselves.
Boxes
I think my box is down but I’m not 100% sure. We took a stroll on the Chena Riverwalk to its endpoint near Fort Wainwright. This sign appeared at an empty field along the highway. Whoever owns the land (city? military?) seems to use it as some sort of temporary dumping ground. So I think this is designed to remind drivers to put their truck beds back into normal position before driving off? But I don’t know. Your guess is as good as mine. Apparently enough boxes in wrong positions became sufficient to warrant a sign.
Trail Marathon
The Equinox Marathon is a big-deal running event in Fairbanks, mostly run on wilderness trails. They’ve been doing if for decades so it makes sense that it has a long-established route. In fact, the signage remains in place permanently even though the race happens on a single day near the Autumn Equinox. Why take it down when it’s a beloved tradition that will certainly return next year, and then the next, and so on. Plus, it helps people train for the race on the actual course. We saw this sign in the woods near the Large Animal Research Station.
Countdown to Christmas
So I guess this one didn’t really surprise me. The Santa Claus House in North Pole, Alaska had a countdown to Christmas clock. That makes perfect sense; the elves need to focus on the deadline because nobody postpones Christmas. Only 80 days, 14 hours, 24 minutes, and 13 seconds left to go!
Excess Snow
Fairbanks gets north of five feet (1.5 metres) of snow in a typical winter. It’s bitterly cold and a some of the snow sort-of blows around like sand. But there’s still plenty of accumulation and it stays there for months. So it has to go somewhere. They take excess snow to a big, empty lot where it can melt away slowly when the city warms up again. But I didn’t see anyone asking if boxes were down!
Toilet Etiquette
We visited Interior Alaska outside of the normal tourist season. Even so, visitors still come up here during colder months, and many of them travel from places in Asia. They want to see the Aurora Borealis (which is indeed spectacular) and this part of Alaska is great for that. Also, for some Asian countries, Alaska may be closer than similar viewing areas in Europe like Scandinavia. There are tour companies in Fairbanks that cater specifically to Asian preferences.
However, I was still surprised when we stopped at the Yukon River Camp, a remote point along the Dalton Highway. Nearly everyone dining there spoke Mandarin. So in that context it makes sense for signage to highlight local toilet etiquette, to prevent mishaps and misunderstandings: sit on the seat, don’t squat; flush the paper; operate the handle with your hand not your foot. Local customs can be confusing (I’m talking to you Japan, with your fancy toilets that require an engineering degree). It’s nice to remove the ambiguity.
Moose Brains
The Yukon River Camp had another interesting sign: they really want moose brains. But why? Some internet searching led to a likely explanation: it’s an essential ingredient for traditional leather tanning by indigenous craftspeople. Apparently the brains contain lecithin, which is critical to the process.
I’m hoping that “BRUGER” is a typo or maybe it’s an interesting loophole. Like, maybe if you bring moose brains expecting a hamburger, you get something else.
Articles in the Interior Alaska Series
- Golden Heart
- Downtown Fairbanks
- Greater Fairbanks
- Parks Highway
- Coldfoot
- Dalton Highway
- Richardson Highway & More
- Memorable Signs
See Also: The Complete Photo Album on Flickr.
Leave a Reply