All of what you are about to read is just a newcomers observation. None of you real Alaskans, need to be gettin' mad if you see it differently. I ain't the sky channel. None of this is official.
But lately, I've noticed that things are changing around here. It is well after 9:00 p.m. now, and the sun is low on the horizon. It seems nearly level with the second floor loft area where I am sitting curled up in the floor, and if I peer beyond my computer monitor into the light of the sun, I have to shield my eyes from its fury.
During this time of year, magic hour, also known as the golden hour, begins around 8:00 p.m. Magic hour is the time of day when all seems dreamy in the glow of the sun. I've noticed that in Alaska, magic hour lasts well over an hour.
It is easy to let Wee Willie Winkie stay up past her bedtime when the sun is still shinning so beautifully and she is happily entertaining herself as she has been doing more often lately. Each night I tell her when it is past her bedtime and each time, she assures me that she knows it. Since she can’t read a clock yet, I asked how she knew it was past her bedtime. She said, “because the sun is more beautifuler”.
When the sun finally settles in, it is darker than before. If ever I have to let the dogs out after midnight, after a few seconds, I find myself racing back through the door into the security of the cabin. There are acres and acres of darkness, just out our back door and the bears are still awake and the moose still roam.
And the sun isn't the only thing that is changing around here. The leaves are changing too. There are trees all around the cabin that are nearly full of yellow. The wind is cold. Long sleeves are being brought out into the open. Legs are covered. Some folks even like to throw a log or two on the wood burning stove at night and in the morning. It is August in Alaska.
And to summarize with a "Hoot"
When walking back to the truck after a short excursion around Donnelly Dome, Wee Willie Winkie, described the conditions best when she said, "This wind is pulling off my face!"
This is funny to see you guys dressed like it is cold - you know it is August, right? Just kidding, I know it is starting to get cold up there. I hope you guys are working on that stack of wood this weekend!
ReplyDeleteGreat pics! Send some of that cool air down here to BamaNation. Love, Aunt Janice
ReplyDeleteI just don't know what to say. Love the photos, love you.........but worried. Have a great day and please get prepared for winter.
ReplyDeleteI'll admit, I'm a little concerned with the gloves, fleeces and hats out in August...but I guess I should have expected it. I just hope it's not too much of a shock when the first freeze hits town.
ReplyDeleteStay safe up there! :)
Yes. The weather came as a shock to me also, but, it warmed up the following day. That is good.
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