Could it be snow?

A few days ago I walked along the edge of the lake and was treated
to the crunch and rustle of leaves with each step I made. The
acoustics of this season are different and all sounds, no matter
how hushed, are as crisp as autumn air.
~ Eric Sloane ~


The weatherman has been calling for snow all week. It's starting to seem a lot like the "boy who cried wolf". So far, the snow has not come as predicted - at least not here in Fairbanks. It has, however, fallen in the higher elevations (above 1000 feet). Fairbanks sits at about 450'.

This morning, I noticed what appeared to be a dusting of snow on the roof outside the bedroom window. Or perhaps it was only a thick layer of frost? There wasn't any of the white stuff on any of the streets, but it was on the dirt path where I take Sedona for her morning walk.

I grabbed my camera and went out for a drive. I was hoping for a nice sunrise or clear view of the range and I was in luck. I glanced toward the horizon and saw an amazing sight. Not only was the range out in all its glory, but the angle of the sun emphasized every crag and peak beautifully. I decided to drive to the top of Birch Hill for a bird's eye view.

Not far into my climb up the steep and switchback road, I encountered snow. It was only a light dusting and only seemed to cling to the dirt of the road, but it was snow nonetheless. I have to admit I was excited to see it. I wonder if, in a few months, I will be questioning my joy? Nah!

I stood at the top of Birch Hill for many minutes - looking out at the range and watching the sun paint the crags and hills with its yellow and orange rays. It was chilly, but my heart was warm. I so love living here....


Fort Wainwright sits in the foreground as the Alaska Range is painted by the sun

Snow dusts the road on top of Birch Hill