WINDY

Alas, yesterday's sunny skies have yielded to what so far has been a gloomy, windy day.  Weather folk are calling for winds approaching 50 mph at higher elevations while down here at sea level we're getting sustained gusts of 20.  It looks like a B&W photo out the window.  Temperatures are fast approaching 40 so the slight snowfall from this morning is already history.  We move slowly toward springtime, but at least we are moving.  Think this might be preferable to what my friend David is experiencing as he works a job near Carrizo Springs, Texas.  There, right on the border of Texas and Mexico, he has already put spring in the memory bank.  Temperatures of 100 are starting to be the norm.  In APRIL!

Sunshine

Today is sunny!  Beautiful blue skies and temps that are only mildly cold.  Springtime in Alaska is just around the corner.  Trying to decide what fun stuff to do next week while Nancy is in Florida.  Decisions, decisions.

Sunsets

A snow storm yesterday morning dumped about 3 inches of amazingly white snow on Anchorage.  Despite the overcast skies, by early afternoon most of it had melted away .  For the most part a cloudy overcast day. So we were surprised when we left the gym at 8 pm and discovered the sun had decided to make an appearance.

OOOPs

Looks like I spoke too soon.  Had a nice snowstorm this morning.  Maybe 4 inches total.  With temps holding right above freezing, will melt away quickly but just shows you can't speed up the process by wishfull thinking.  Supposed to get cold again tonight so roads will get a little worse.  On the bright side, snow makes everything look so damn pretty!

Winter is leaving

Last night we had our first above freezing lows for this year.  Its been almost five months but looks like winter is once again going away.  A new season of adventure awaits.

PORTAGE LAKE REVISITED



Sunday March 13 we headed south to Portage Lake with the intention of actually hiking across the lake to the glacier for which it is named.  Tried this a few weeks back but hellacious winds turned us around mid lake.  Weather this time was perfect - sunny and windless.  So I am happy to report that Champ and Mark made it to the glacier (Nancy stayed home in her pjs). 

Adventures like this are what make this place special! 



Posing in front of Portage Glacier



SPRING HAS SPRUNG

Have been enjoying the sunshine the past few days as we leave winter behind once again.  Its hard to believe I've spent four winters here in Alaska.  Wow, I am no longer a cheechako by any definition of the word.  Days are getting longer by almost 6 minutes per day.  Up to almost 13 hours!

Enjoyed another birthday atop Ruth Glacier at the Mountain House.  Beautiful weather and great views.