Winter solstice in the land of real winter

On December 21st the sun rose at 10:59 am and set at 2:41 pm leaving 3 hours and 42 minutes of daylight in Fairbanks.  Compare this with 21 hours 49 minutes on the Summer Solstice.  I stayed around the cabin from Winter Solstice though the end of the year to reflect on my experiences over the past year and spend some quiet time in solitude.  This was not difficult as all of my friends had gone away over the Christmas and New Years holidays. 

The temperature varied from 0 to minus 32F but the first days of 2010 have seen the temperature drop to minus 35 - 40 in Goldstream Valley.  I did go for a walk each day accompanied by my trusty camera.  Most of these photos were taken at 1:30 pm. -- later or earlier than this would have required use of a flash (or a better camera).

 

The Alaska Range with ice fog over the city taken from Ballaine Hill

This photo of the Alaska Range is taken from the top of Willow Run on one of my walks.

Snow-laden willows

Moose off Willow Run near the intersection with Goldstream Road.

I have made peace with the squirrels and no longer attempt to chase them from the bird feeder.  How could anyone begrudge them sunflower seeds when it is minus 30 degrees outside?  Besides, they really are quite cute.

Birches with snow in arctic pink sunlight

Moonrise on December 30th at 1:30 pm looking east on Goldstream Road.

Another view to the east from near the cabin.

Home sweet home.  If you look closely you can see the electric cord running from the house to the car.  I have had to leave it plugged in all night for the last few nights as the temperature has been around minus 35F.  Just a fact of life so near the arctic circle I guess.

Yours truly returning from one of my walks at minus 25F.  Hard to imagine, isn't it?

Happy New Year to all and I hope to see those of you in Florida in March.