Steve was off for several days, and wanted to go for a scenic drive, so we decided to head out to Chena Hot Springs.
Chena Hot Springs is about 60 miles from our house. It’s a pretty road to drive, especially once you get past mile 25 or so. That’s where the boundary is for the Chena River Recreational Area. Houses disappear, trees are abundant, and the Chena River twists and turns back and forth under the road. The road travels over some good size hills early on, but then levels off as it parallels the river. On a clear day, you can see the range from the hillier areas - and Denali too, when it’s back-lit by the setting sun.
We didn’t leave the house until noon. The sun doesn’t rise very far above the horizon this time of year, so we’re often greeted with orange and yellow light, when conditions are right. Some days it’s like having one continuous sunrise-sunset.
This was taken early on in our drive:
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The past few days have brought the most gorgeous sunrises and sunsets. The orange light has bathed the tops of the trees, and the entire landscape, as the sun moves on its low arc. Yesterday was a perfect day for a walk around the neighborhood. I haven’t walked the neighborhood loop since just before the first decent snowfall. It’s about 1.5 miles total.
It was about 8 above zero and the sky was blue with white puffy clouds when we left the house. Halfway through our walk the sun was low enough in the sky to turn the white clouds orange and yellow. It was lovely.
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When the Chinook winds blew through last week, they brought very warm temperatures that melted all the snow off the trees. The trees looked dead and ugly - much like they do during break-up. It was quite a sad sight, and although I appreciated temps in the high 20s and low 30s, the landscape lost its “Winter Wonderland” beauty.
Last night, snow began to fall - and it’s still falling. I estimate there’s been at least 6″ accumulation, if not more. All of the footprints in the yard have been covered up. It looks so perfect and pristine.
Raven and I enjoyed a short walk this morning. We didn’t go far; a hundred feet down the road. Then a four-wheeler came towards us with two unleashed dogs. While Raven isn’t aggressive, I wasn’t sure how she’d react since she was leashed and they were loose. That ruined my plan to walk further. It aggravates me when dog owners do not restrain their dogs. I can’t even enjoy a quiet walk with my dog because they think they own the neighborhood! GRRRR!
My bird feeding station topped with snow:
A chickadee and nuthatch having lunch together:
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In closing, I want to wish beautiful Kayla a very happy birthday! We hope you had a fabulous day, full of joy and love! We miss you, sweetheart! xoxoxoxoxoxox
