Changing seasons in Alaska

Seasons in Alaska are different than in the lower 48.  Whereas, in 

Texas, we used to dread the coming of summer with its record-

breaking temperatures and high humidity, we now welcome the

season.  And even though different durations, we still have all 4 

seasons.

This summer (that time from June to August) we visited the 

mainland, or main area of Alaska.  We actually were there during 

August. Temperatures ranged from the 40's to upper 70's.  When

we reached Fairbanks we were amazed at the number of flowers.

They were at businesses as well as homes and were all colors and

types. Each small town seemed to have a farmer's market as well. 

It seems that their growing season is from June to August only. 

But with daylight lasting from 19-23 hours,the plants grow at

tremendous rates. This accounts for the extremely large veget-

ables we saw at the markets.

Now, not all 3 months are considered summer to these 

folks.  Basically, June is designatedas spring with the

temperatures staying above freezing, and August is

autumn since the temperatures are beginning to drop

and the leaves are starting to change color.  So, that

leaves July for summer. The temperatures are comfort-

able, the plants are growing, and everyone is outside.

Kodiak does not have the extreme temperatures that 

are evident in Fairbanks.  As a result our seasons are

more typical. We have to start mowing the lawn in May 

and just finished the end of September.  Temperatures 

are comfortable during these months. It might occasionally

freeze at night but the days warm up to a comfortable

upper 60's or low 70's. We are able to wear our short 

sleeves and shorts and spend quality time outdoors.

Now that October is here, we are seeing the leaves change.

This lasts for a few weeks before they all fall off.  Autumn

is short and with the changing weather comes the time we 

have to consider putting studded tires back on the cars. 

There is some snow on the mountains in the distance.  We

probably won't have any snow until November and even 

then it will not amount to much.  

Winter is an entirely different topic, so I'll write later about

the problems when days are short and people get tired of 

being cooped up.

If you would like to see some photos of our changing scenery,

go to:    http://gallery.me.com/criokodiak#100317

or photos of the Fairbanks flowers during the summer:

        http://gallery.me.com/criokodiak#100302