October 2022 in Alaska

“Notice that autumn is more the season of the soul than of nature.”- Friedrich Nietzsche

The transition from light to dark is upon us here in Alaska and it is a time to reflect on the busy season of long days, productivity, travel and adventure. The days are growing shorter, we lose the morning light the fastest, it is dark until 8am. Less time with the sunlight, reminds us to be grateful for those productive months full of life, adventure and preserving of memories to help us through the dark season. It is a deeply sentimental time for most folks who live up in the north. We return to the warmth and protection of our homes and hearth, we settle into our quiet selves and reflect, we prepare for winter with both anticipation of what will be and apprehension for the unknown challenges that will present themselves. Winter up in Alaska is magic. This morning I sit with my cup of coffee in front of my fire and look out at the birch trees that have shed their yellow leaves. I can see the Chugach mountains through the trees and the summits of those mountains are blanketed with the first snow. The alpine tundra has lost its vibrant autumn color. The moose rut is over, the bears are obtaining their last calories, the caribou are regrouping and the Dall's Sheep are returning to their winter ranges and the Sandhill Cranes have flown south. The winter view has returned to my little corner of the world. I listen to the Nuthatches as they chat with one another about these same changes and the Chickadees chime in with their cheery reflections. The temperature hovers in the high 40's during the day and in the evening dips into the 30's. The autumn colors have passed their prime. We are in the great wind down into winter. It will be quiet for the next few weeks until the celebration of the first big freeze and snowfall opens the winter recreation up for skiing, sledding, ice fishing, mushing and aurora viewing. For now, I am going to continue drinking this cup of coffee and imagine all those winter experiences yet to happen with gratitude on all that transpired during the light months. As Nietzsche simply states, our souls are felt while the leaves fall.

-Emily

October 2022