April 25, 2006 - 18 Inches of snow breaks record

Alaska law requires that studded snow tires be removed no later than May 1 of each year. Spring seemed to be here with the arrival of the large mosquitos. On April 24 the weatherman predicted 1 to 2 inches of snow/rain tomorrow. With the temperature high at 51 and a low 31 degrees, we laughed at another poor prediction. Well, he did miss his prediction by approx. 16 inches.

We had an auction for the Eagle River Nature Center at the BP Bldg. in Anchorage scheduled for the evening of April 25. All day we watched the snow fall but the roads were so warm it was quickly melting, and then it start to stick. As time neared for our departure we waded thru approx. 10" of snow to get to the car. It continued to snow all night and this morning we had a total of approx. 18 inches. Apparently winter is not over.

On April 25 four of our summer resident volunteers arrived. . . .but summer was not here. We told them they would have the privilege of seeing three Alaska seasons in the first month . . . winter . . . . spring . . . and then summer would arrive.

Two automobiles, our jeep and Paul's honda

Backyard at Eagle River Nature Center

This is the rear of our motorhome with snow bank around and footprints made earlier and then filled in with snow.

Time to leave the Eagle River Nature Center

The motorhome was removed from storage last week (with only a few minor problems) and is now parked beside the Nature Center. This is a sad time for us . . . . loading the motorhome to leave after sending seven months in this beautiful valley with so many great people to work with. One could not believe how this has become home over the three winters we have spent here.

We leave here early in May to volunteer with VIP program for Alaska State Parks. First we will go to Denali State Park Northview for approx. five weeks. We will spend 5 days inside the Denali National Park at the TEK campground during this time. Have done this before and really enjoy being there. We will not have our tow car but with the TEK pass we can ride the park bus as much as we want (as long as there is a seat available) getting off to walk and catching the next bus. Then about June 20 we will drive south to Bird Creek Overflow Campground for July, Aug. and early Sept. Both these campgrounds are in areas we have not spent a lot of time in, so we are really looking forward to spending time at these locations. Bird Creek is on Turnagin Arm. There are miles of paved bike paths, tidal bores and buluga whales in the Arm.

April 9, 2008 headlines in the Anchorage Daily News read: "Sucker Punched, Late snow puts spring on hold and keeps tow trucks, rescue crews busy". Yes with 3.5+ inches of snow in our area (more in Anchorage and on the hillside) and many people having taken off their snow tires because of the extended warm weather the tow trucks were busy. (The law requires the tires be removed by May 1.) The result was 121 accidents, 9 with injuries and 85 cars in the ditch including our own Dick G. on his way to volunteer at the Center yesterday.

Trip to Arkansas to visit family

Usually when we visit there is some project that "needs" our help. This year it was a hutch for the rabbits that Braden and Kate raise as 4-H projects.

The riverside park has several covered pavillions as well as minature golf, go-cart race track, etc.

The normal route of the river is beyond the tree line that is in the middle of the water.

The day after we arrived the Batesville are got 5" of rain and the area north that drains into the White River got 12" resulting in mass flooding of the area.

Dogsled Adventure

Recently a friend from the Eagle River Nature Center, Louise Preyer, took a 5 day trip by dogsled over 100 mile. The adventure took place along the Denali Highway in temperatures as low as minus 20. They spent two nights in tents and one in a log cabin. Before departure they were given instructions on handling a dog team and sled.

Sign at the Denali Highway near Paxton.

Mt. McKinley with Tangle River as seen from the Denali Highway.

As the six sleds progressed along the Denali Highway (which runs from Paxton to Cantwell) closed to traffic during the winter the Alaska Range gave beautiful backdrop.

Tents called "Artic Ovens" were used for two nights on the trail.

Information posted on inside of Artic Oven Tent.