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| ice fog |
Weather in Juneau, like Wisconsin, is every-changing.
That old Wisconsin weather saying "if you don't like the weather now, wait a minute" is just as true here. It has been an unusually
cold
spell even for Alaska this December. Fairbanks, always one of the coldest spots (at least, the one with the most people!),
was at 46 BELOW ZERO at one point last week.
Juneau has hovered in the teens for highs (not much different for lows) and has been incredibly clear.
The last week has seen the sun rise about 8:45 a.m. and, for a change with the clear weather, we can actually see the sun come up over the mountains at the end of the channel. It has been really beautiful, but so bright that I have to shut the blinds on the windows in my office so I can see the patients!
However, the sun quickly disappears behind the mountains of Douglas Island so we just get a hint of light the rest of the morning and early afternoon. Sunset is about 3:00 p.m., and is really dark by 4:00 p.m. I know lots of people who rely on Vitamin D supplements to get them through the winter, but so far it doesn't seem to bother me.
Or, maybe it is, but I am just so depressed that I don't realize it! The funny thing about the clear weather means that the lack of snow has affected skiers and snowmobilers (snow "machines" here in Alaska!) with more than 2/3 of the ski runs in the state closed through Christmas. A condition called "ice fog" and freezing spray in the channel has made it difficult on bridges and for those who live on their boats. I can see the Taku winds picking up the surf and driving it in sheets up the channel (at least I can for those few hours of daylight!). We celebrated the Winter Solstice
 |
| View of the moon just before sunset over Auke Rec |
 |
| sunny day over the wetlands |
last Friday with a fire and good food (and adult beverages) down at Auke Rec. Auke Rec is our favorite spot, with a clear view across the ocean to the mountains that ring Juneau and is also "home" to a number of covered shelters with large fireplaces (bring your own wood). And, it is within walking distance of our condo!
Last year, when celebrating the solstice, the winds and rain made it somewhat difficult to enjoy our time there, but this year was clear and cold with no wind. The stars were incredibly bright and the moonshine was like a spotlight on the ocean. Sunrises and sunsets have also been spectacular.
 |
| Sunset on Christmas Day |
I have not seen the "northern lights" yet, but I have heard January (when cold and clear) is the best viewing month. Here's hoping.....
Weather in Juneau, like Wisconsin, is every-changing. That old Wisconsin weather saying "if you don't like the weather now, wait a minute" is just as true here. It has been an unusually
cold spell even for Alaska this December. Fairbanks, always one of the coldest spots (at least, the one with the most people!), 
was at 46 BELOW ZERO at one point last week. Juneau has hovered in the teens for highs (not much different for lows) and has been incredibly clear. The last week has seen the sun rise about 8:45 a.m. and, for a change with the clear weather, we can actually see the sun come up over the mountains at the end of the channel. It has been really beautiful, but so bright that I have to shut the blinds on the windows in my office so I can see the patients! However, the sun quickly disappears behind the mountains of Douglas Island so we just get a hint of light the rest of the morning and early afternoon. Sunset is about 3:00 p.m., and is really dark by 4:00 p.m. I know lots of people who rely on Vitamin D supplements to get them through the winter, but so far it doesn't seem to bother me. Or, maybe it is, but I am just so depressed that I don't realize it! The funny thing about the clear weather means that the lack of snow has affected skiers and snowmobilers (snow "machines" here in Alaska!) with more than 2/3 of the ski runs in the state closed through Christmas. A condition called "ice fog" and freezing spray in the channel has made it difficult on bridges and for those who live on their boats. I can see the Taku winds picking up the surf and driving it in sheets up the channel (at least I can for those few hours of daylight!). We celebrated the Winter Solstice 
Last year, when celebrating the solstice, the winds and rain made it somewhat difficult to enjoy our time there, but this year was clear and cold with no wind. The stars were incredibly bright and the moonshine was like a spotlight on the ocean. Sunrises and sunsets have also been spectacular.
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