Spring has finally come to Alaska.
It began with a bang this year, almost like the flipping of a switch. Suddenly the sun came out, and the temperatures stayed above freezing, melting off the three feet of snow in our meadow more each day.
We began to notice that the birds were back – singing songs in the trees and making the beautiful summer music we hadn’t heard since last August. Sandhill cranes croaked their throaty cries as they flew overhead in large flocks. Many landed in a muskeg nearby and began to pair up for nesting season.
We got out the flip flops, even though there is still snow on the ground. The sunshine is warmer here in Alaska, almost like high altitude places. The sun is much more intense, making 60 degrees feel more like 75. There is very little humidity however, so even if it is warm in the sun, it is cool in the shade.
With the rapidly melting snow, a pond was created in front of the cabin and the children had fun poking the water with sticks, wading around with their boots and floating toy boats on the water. Soon they were rolling up their pant legs to wade through it in bare feet and begging to be allowed to wear shorts. It’s ice water, and barely melted! But after such a long winter cooped up in the cabin I get pretty lenient as long as everyone stays healthy.
Our spring may not sound like much to you if you live in a warmer climate, but to us it is absolutely wonderful! We have waited for warmer weather for so long that seeing it happen is the most amazing feeling.
I live in northern Alberta and we still have snow around the trees edges and hills. There’s also a lot of mud and puddles, which the children enjoy! It’s been freezing every night. But the sunlight! It’s so bright already early in the morning and stays light so long, from 6 am to 9:3O pm.