Sunday, September 12, 2010

Update to last post

It has been pointed out that since my new cabin looks so much more, shall we say, substantial that some of you may be wondering if it is actually "dry". The answer is yes.



This is the exit on the Steese Highway from Fox spring where I still haul my water. It is my impression that this fall has been more striking and colorful than last year.


The Spring in Fall


The Outhouse

Saturday, September 11, 2010

End of summer, end of fall, end of everything...

at least until the first snowfall. Summer and Fall seem to come to an end simultaneously in Fairbanks. Next weekend will be the last farmers' market, Friday will be the last day the Pita Place is open, and Hot Licks Homemade Ice cream on College will close shortly thereafter. Today is beautiful -- 60 F, bright sun, and full fall colors. Everyone and their dogs are outside.



A rosy dawn ...



Willow Run on a gray day after the rain.


My old cabin



... and my new one.



The cabin is twice as large and much brighter. You can see the sun rise from the window facing east in the loft and see it set from the window facing west. The small window above the bed should provide an excellent view of the northern lights in winter. This is a vast improvement over having to walk out to the road at 2:00 am to see them.


Somewhat higher above the ground it has two balconies. This one is facing south.




The chickadees frequent the bird feeders -- but so do the squirrels. I think I have already gone through about 20 pounds of black oil sunflower seeds in a month.


The last flowers of the season from in front of the public library.


They are a feast for the eyes (to coin a phrase).



The height of fall colors on Ballaine Road at the bottom of Goldstream Valley.


Close-ups from a walk in the woods ...


It is difficult to get a really good photo of moss (not that this is, I just liked it).


On this walk I didn't see another soul -- and I'm glad there are no bears around here.


Ballaine Lake.


The Pita Place

--included especially for Ann. They have the best falafels ever. I had my last one of the season today.


Creamer's Field

There are still Canadian Geese around but all of the sandhill cranes have gone.


The Tanana Valley Farmers' Market


Knit hats are reminders that winter is not far away.


Local honey.


Wonderful 'Alaskan Grown' veggies.


Remind you of anyone?


The road ends at the cabin.


The decoration above the window is a partial caribou antler I bought at the fair this summer. Rosemary's comment was "Whatever you paid for that, it was too much".


The prayer flags have also moved.

'Tashi deleg' to all and I hope to see many of you in Florida very soon.