The Nip is in the Air . . . Still

The first ‘official’ day of fall finds termination dust making its way down the Chugach Mountaintops in Alaska. Termination Dust is what Alaskans call the first dustings of snow on the mountains signaling the oncoming winter, hence termination of summer. Oh yeah, it’s that thing we have had in the past but not this year.

The changing of the leaves in fall is quick. Blink and you may miss it. The landscape both in the neighborhoods and on the hillsides is dotted with lots of yellow and very few oranges. The cranes are flying overhead in formation beginning the long journey home. Geese are following suit and making their way across the sky.

Alaskan snowbirds are planning their trips to warmer climates, as well. The exodus of motorhomes hitting the highways is just beginning as the tourist and the snowbirds make their way south. Hawaii, Arizona and Mexico are popular destinations for Alaskans fleeing the onset of winter! After the third coldest summer in history, it would be understandable.

With the largest distribution of the Alaska Permanent Dividend (PFD) in history coupled with the Alaska Resource Rebate, more than the usual number of folks may be vacationing on a warm beach this year. The Alaska Resource Rebate is supposed to help with the high cost of heating this winter but of course, with the highest heating fuel prices in history, it may be cheaper to follow the cranes south for the winter!

Mexico is just a fading memory now . . . odd how quickly we get back into the grind of everyday life.

Ice