Even the atmospheric haze from the recent volcanic eruption of Mt. Redoubt couldn’t stop the sun from shining and warming up the frozen landscape outside the studio. I just can’t stay inside on days like this! Bob and I took a two hour hike across the lake to the opposite shore then walked south following the trail along the wooded ridge between two lakes. The snow is melting fast, sometimes we found ourselves slipping down south facing slopes in mud. We walked back onto the frozen estuary at the end of a long finger and staggered through melting drifts until we found solid ice again. On our way back to the studio we saw others enjoying the sunshine, the lake was transformed into a beehive of activity with ice fishermen scattered everywhere. Our neighbor shoveled a glassy ice rink and kids squealed with joy as they skidded across the slick surface. An airplane landed on wheel skis, and vehicles, snowmachines, and ATV’s slowly inched toward their favorite fishing spots.
It won’t be long, the ice will be too thin and all will grow quiet until break-up. I love those silent days as well, when the birds and waterfowl return to build their nests. Alaska in April is awesome!
Gail Niebrugge, Alaska landscape artist
