Winter Sunsets

I think winter sunsets in Fairbanks are prettier than summer sunsets.

There tends to be more Denali sightings as well in winter. I still think it's amazing that I can see Denali from Fairbanks at all. Puts it into perspective as to how tall 20,320 feet is, even 120 miles away.

Sweet Tanana

I was in Tanana this week and it was nice to be back. I'm not sure why, but there's a decidedly different feel in town this year. It doesn't feel as sad.

Once above the fog when leaving Fairbanks, I had a great view of the Alaska Range. 

To Be Continued...

It's hard to believe that my four month stint in Fairbanks is over and I'm already back in California. It's been odd getting used to dark skies at 9:00 and the relentless traffic. In many ways it feels like I never left. This is both comforting and disconcerting. I've had new experiences and have changed, yet nothing else has.

In August I'll be returning to Fairbanks but this time in a slightly different capacity from my previous position. More details on that come. I'll be driving my car up to Fairbanks. Seeing how well I navigated that small town, it's sure to be an interesting drive. 

I enjoyed my time in Fairbanks immensely. It was just what I needed -- a change in perspective. While there I felt as though I was in a protective bubble, on an extended vacation. It never felt like real life. But the friends I made certainly were real and I look forward to seeing them all again. As for now, I'm enjoying catching up with my California friends.

I know the long Alaska days make summer there special, but honestly, California summers are hard to beat. I've already been camping in the Sierras and I don't think there is any place on Earth that is as exquisite as the Sierra Nevada range. Regardless of where I am in the world, those mountains have my heart. The California coast is also amazing, not to mention the Napa Valley and my patio! So much to do this summer!

Have a good summer y'all and I look forward to filling you in on the details of my next Alaskan stint. Hopefully with tales of ice climbing, dog mushing, more snowshoeing, and of course whatever trouble comes my way.

Magnificent Denali as seen from Talkeetna.

BARF

Born And Raised in Fairbanks.  Yep. This, is how Fairbanksans who have lived here their entire lives refer to themselves. "I'm a BARF." I didn't make this up (believe me, I wish I had). I was told this by my new found hair stylist. He was proud. I like it: short, accurate, double entendre. The perfect acronym.

Snowshoeing in Denali

I didn't realize how close Denali National Park actually is to Fairbanks, until the Spring Break Road Trip to Anchorage. So snowshoeing in Denali it was to be on a fine Sunday. I loaded up the snowshoes, my back pack and headed off. During the winter, operations at DNP are limited. The visitor center is closed, as is the bookstore. But they do have a ranger working and of course you can get your stamp for your National Park Passport (a main reason for going!)

 

Everyone has an ice sculpture!

Weekend Recap

-- Took photo documentation of Denali only to find out it isn't Denali. Curses!

Neither of these peaks is Denali.

-- Checked out walking trails at UAF campus only to discover that I have no idea how to dress for hiking in -1 weather. My ass was frozen.

View from UAF

-- Was told the Northern Lights were out so I dashed outside in my long underwear, boots and jacket faster than you can say "Maker's Mark" where I stood for 10 minutes, waiting. Oh, the ecstasy of sweet anticipation! Only to then hear that, right, can't see them in Fairbanks tonight due to the fog. You could only see them from the town of North Pole. It was -10.