About Fairbanks North Star County, AK

Although some were hoping we would see a kindler, gentler Old Man Winter this year, it seems the old boy has other plans. According to a weather genius friend, and confirmed by NOAA, we're going to see record cold temperatures sweep across the Tanana Valley.

Bring it old man.

I could probably live without seeing the mercury slide down to negative 40 and colder. Doing anything outside at those temperatures is just not fun, and can be life threatening if you're not prepared for it. Note: Always be prepared for it.

But, I well remember winters in the 80's where temps in the 40 below range were not a once or twice a year occurrence, but an event that set in around the middle of December and lifted sometime early to mid February... sometimes as late as March. In (late) May 1985, we celebrated my birthday with four and a half feet of snow on the ground. I think it finally melted the second week of June. January of '87 saw us grounded for a week while we waited out a 70 below cold snap at our cabin on the Yukon.

Right now the forecast is calling for lows of 20-30 below through the rest of the week, but if the clouds clear out it's possible we'll see 40 or 50 below. Welcome to life in the Last Frontier.

Now, where did I put that hot buttered rum recipe?

Ready to find your piece of the Last Frontier? Call or contact us online today. Our network of experienced professionals is ready to assist you through every stage of the buying process.

...or not. Truth be told these guys are a little on the slow side. If you're careful and let them adjust to your presence, it's not uncommon for them to come right up to you. Ptarmigan are very common in Denali and throughout Interior Alaska. The Willow Ptarmigan also holds the distinction of being the state bird of Alaska.

This little darling is dressed in her winter whites and it won't be long before she will be virtually undetectable on the solid white canvas that is Alaska in winter. There will be no wintering in Palm Beach as these guys (and gals - can't leave them out, can we?) will remain in Alaska throughout the winter.

Although the official state bird of Alaska, they are often hunted (and are quite delicious). While I have shot my fair share over the years, these days I prefer to shoot them with a Canon.

This day is a day of remembrance. A day to remember the men and women who have valiantly served this great nation since our Founding Fathers broke the bonds of a tyrannical King and declared that these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States.

On this day we remember those who have fallen. We remember those who have and continue to stand guard. We remember and we honor those young men and women who unselfishly pledged their lives to defend this grand experiment in democracy.

Our nation and indeed the world would be unrecognizable if not for them. Throughout history our American hero's have been liberators and defenders of freedom where tyranny and oppression reign.

They are our wives and husbands. Our sons and daughters. Our fathers and mothers. Our bothers and sisters. On this day we stand united to say thank you to all who have worn the uniform of the United States. A grateful nation thanks you for your service. God bless you... and may God continue to bless these United States.

In Fairbanks, join us at the Westmark Hotel from 11:00 - 12:30 for a Veterans Day event to honor our American Military including those imprisoned or missing in action. The U.S. Army Denali Brass Quintet will be on hand to perform at 10:30 and the Arctic Groove Orchestra will perform a Veterans Day Concert at West Valley High School at 7:00PM. Everyone is welcome!

It's not a common sight in Fairbanks. While there are quite a few small-scale horse ranches in the Interior, watching a dozen or so go galloping by is rare enough to stop you in your tracks. A couple of days ago I was taking some progress photo's of a new construction project for a client. I was just about to put my camera back in it's case when out of the corner of my eye I spotted these beauties running across the field behind the house.

It was late afternoon and as happens in Interior Alaska as we creep into the depths of winter, daylight was dropping fast. I managed to get a dozen or so shots as they raced out of range. At first I wasn't all that happy with them, but now I kind of like the ghostly feel.

I haven't been on horseback in more years than I care to remember (these days it would take the Budweiser Clydesdale's to carry me around) but I do love to watch them run. Here's hoping you have a blessed Sunday!