Jack’s weather report:
Wow!.....it was near record temperatures today in Barrow as the string of beautiful days continue. It was in the 60’s by this afternoon.
No trip to Barrow is complete without a trip to Joe’s Museum. Joe works at one of the restaurants in town called PePe’s. They specialize in Mexican food but actually serve a variety of offerings. Here's a picture of the restaurant from the outside. We have eaten here several times during my five weeks in Barrow.
PEPE's : North of the Border
Joe’s Museum is open by appointment only and only after the restaurant closes, so you have to call ahead of time and set it up. Does 10:30 p.m. sound ok?
A walk across the street and up some stairs to Joe’s house brings you to his museum.
Joe at the entrance to his museum.
Joe’s museum is actually part of his house and includes artifacts, stuffed animals, ivory carvings, baleen baskets, which Joe makes himself, and a variety of other odds and ends.
Joe's cat Homeless lying on a display case of artifacts.
Caribou Mask found at Joe's
Marina, an archeologist working for the summer at BASC said the collection must be worth a small fortune and would even make the Smithsonian envious.
Joe is quite the character and is half the show. He loves to answer your questions and also loves good joke, which he threw into the conversation as often as one would fit. Most of his collection was obtained through beach collection, locals giving him things they find, and through bartering.
Joe's Moose
Joe's Coke Polar Bear
There's lots more to see at Joe's Museum but you will just have to visit Barrow for yourself if you want to see it all.