That in-between time again . . .
Anchorage is in that in-between time between winter and summer.
With record snowfall this year (136.6”) things are a little slower than normal to begin our thaw cycle or “break up” as it is called here. Things finally warmed up enough to get the melting process underway full swing with our first 24 hours above freezing since probably last September.
It almost feels like it is time for celebration as everyone escapes the houses and heads out to the trails, bicycle paths, and about anywhere not indoors. People are back outside, many without jackets or the heavy wear of winter.
Dogs are being walked with more gusto now and couples are out walking again.
Snow is melting at a nice pace with the major streets pretty dry after about a two week period of wet muddy roads pooled with water awaiting the storm sewers to thaw and take the water away. The pot holes are being filled by the City crews as fast as they can so we are thankful they are quickly getting the really bad ones and also sweeping up all the excess gravel that was put down all winter.
This limbo time when snow melts uncovers all that has blown or settled under the fallen snow. Debris is slowly exposed creating an eyesore all over the metro area. There are several events that happen during this time before the heavy tourist season gets underway. We have people all over the city that walks the roads for several weeks picking up all the debris and trash that has been buried all winter. Corporate sponsors donate the large yellow or orange trash bags where everyone can fill up the bags, pile up the trash along side the roadways. Everything that doesn’t fit inside the bags is left to be picked up by the City crews and within about two weeks Anchorage is ready for the Outsiders to arrive to begin their adventures. Another event which helps everyone is the Annual two weekends that the City opens up the landfills for everyone to bring their debris, broken tree limbs, or old tires and other fill to clean up your house and yard. It rids the town of all kinds of items that did not survive a long cold winter season.
Soon the flowers will be brought out of the large greenhouse and placed all over the City of Anchorage. Downtown will be alive with color to go along with the beautiful weather we are now having. Soon the rivers will fill with fish as that breath of life to all of us fisherman await the new season openers. Our fly rods are ready, creels cleaned of last seasons catch and now everyone can put away the winter toys and break out the boats and ATV’s. We embrace the sun and the warmth it brings and as we soak in the much needed Vitamin D.
Embrace the springtime and soon to be summer. Get out and take a hike or plant those flowers. Pull out the patio sets and the grills again as we can now sit outside and enjoy this wonderful season. Grab your bike and head out to the many miles of trails around town. Be adventurous and head down one of the few highways in Alaska and visit other areas for that bite of lunch or drink with friends in other areas.
Enjoy the sun as we are now over 15 hours of daylight now heading to 21 hours with those 5 minutes added each day till June 21st. If you are reading this from Outside Alaska, come on up and see what adventures await.
Have a great summer everyone, I hope to see you dropping a line in the water with me sometime.
Comments