We’re off to Fairbanks, no Rest for the Weary.
The temperatures have plummeted, it was zero this morning. Winter has finally reached the Matanuska Valley. We are packing for our next show at the Carlson Center this weekend in Fairbanks. The drive should be spectacular if the weather stays the way it is today, clear and cold. The roads are reported to be dry and the landsape is at its peak of beauty under a layer of fresh snow. One of best parts of the Fairbanks show can be the drive, it can also be the trip from Hell if the weather turns bad.
It is always a gamble on the weather, so we allow an extra day to travel each way. We go slow because more often than not moose will be on the road. Up near Summit herds of caribou can be seen from one of the many large pull outs in the area. We always allow enough time to stop and watch wildlife. That’s why we live in Alaska.
Once we enter the flats on the other side of the mountains the temperatures should really drop. The defroster will work overtime keeping the windows clear. If it is 40 below or colder we will need to block the wind from the radiator to keep the car heater efficient. Some people will wedge a piece of cardboard between the radiator and the front grill, others have custom vinyl covers that snap into place. Whatever the method, if you don’t do something you will be cold.
The last few years it has been relatively warm, maybe minus 20 at the most reaching zero or above during the day. But, for some reason I have the feeling we could see some real cold this time. I’m packing my bunny boots and down parka in the survival bag, just in case.
I’ll give you details of the whole event when we return. Till then, stay warm!
Gail Niebrugge, Alaskan Artist