Golf and Reindeer

The beautiful weather tempted David and his trusty caddy, Steve, to head for the golf course at Ft. Wainwright.

The Chena River as a water hazard. 

Putting with a C17 in the background. 

A pretty golf course and pretty weather.



I had been intrigued by the Antler Academy near Santa's house ever since I have been here, so this morning I decided to check it out.  This is a new attraction here, and it is one I heartily recommend if you are an animal lover.  The guides are very knowledgeable and the reindeer (Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, etc.) are charming.  Among the things I learned:

1.  Reindeer have no front teeth so they can't bite you. 

2.  Reindeer feet are very large.  They serve as snowshoes during the winter.  

3.  If you touch the antlers while they are in velvet, the reindeer can feel it.  

4.  Reindeer are not the same thing as caribou, although they are related.  Caribou are bigger.

5.  Reindeer are not native to Alaska.

6. Reindeer are domesticated animals, caribou and elk are not.

7.  Antlers are in velvet in the summer, become bone in the fall, and are shed in Feb./March.  

8.  Reindeer eat the velvet as it comes off the antlers.  

9.  Reindeer like to rub antlers on people and chew on their clothes. 

10.  If visiting reindeer, do not shower and put on clean clothes.  You will just have to do it again.