Not really a discussion, just wanted to share Heidi's photo with all of you

[raven mad]

She's a great taker of photos here!



Her website is on the photo.

[Little Star]

1. Stunning!

[raven mad]

2. Thanks, Little Star - Heidi is great.

I can't ever get photos of the aurora to come out........of course, that is MY problem; at least I get to see them in all their glory! Of course, the colder it gets, the sharper they are, and it's currently 33 below zero, projected 48 below tonight.

Yes, it's worth it!

[Little Star]

3. Are you in Alaska?......

I wish I were younger because I would be moving there. Although you have given me a bit of a pause with those temps. lol

[raven mad]

4. Yes, in the Interior, which aside from the North Slope and Northwestern,

is the coldest part of the state. I love it............and don't let age stop you, our summers in the Interior are quite warm! I've seen it get to nearly 100 above. Of course, no aurora, but lots and lots of daylight! C'mon up, I'll buy the first cup of coffee!

The winters have been much shorter and milder for the last 15 or so years. Here's a neat article from the local rag: (don't read the rest of the paper, it's extremely right-wing Tea Party drivel). Looking good for the Yukon Quest race this year - cold and plenty of snow!

http://www.newsminer.com/news/local_news/frigid-temperatures-settle-on-fairbanks-interior-alaska/article_c201fb82-a59b-11e4-8c80-c3e0e0aa8415.html

Yukon Quest: http://www.yukonquest.com/
The food drop for the race this week has been a little tougher than usual! http://www.newsminer.com/news/local_news/food-drop-tests-yukon-quest-mushers-logistics/article_cbb5a51a-a470-11e4-b8a5-4bb6742bf3f7.html

[Blue_In_AK]

5. We're going to be up in Fairbanks

for the finish of the Yukon Quest, at least hopefully for the early arrivals, Feb. 14-18. I think the race starts on the 7th, so at least some of the teams should be in during that period. We've gone out to Nome for the Iditarod the past five years, but decided to do something different this year. We're taking the train up from Anchorage and flying back.

I'm excited for the photo ops, hope to see and photograph some auroras.

[raven mad]

7. Bingo on the 7th, Blue_In_AK! Try to stay at the Mariott, 2nd and Cushman -

You'd be right on the river for the finish!

I love the years it starts here - with the new footbridge over the Chena, you can catch some great action. We try, in the "even" years, to be at the start, at the first checkpoint at Chena Lakes, and the next checkpoint at "Two Rivers" (Angel Creek Lodge on the Hot Springs Road).

If we get lucky and the spouse has time off, after that checkpoint, anything's fair game!

Run, puppies, run! Big field and new sponsors!

[Blue_In_AK]

10. Springhill Suites, right?

We made reservations a while ago and asked to be on the river side. Hopefully, we will be.

[raven mad]

14. They're not usually extremely jammed this time of year.

If you asked, they'll probably have you one, simply because they're trying to nail down winter visitors, and the Quest is one of the biggest draws in this shivery part of the state. Don't do their lobby restaurant, though, high priced and mediocre quality.

[Blue_In_AK]

6. Little Star, you could move to Anchorage where I live

and be quite comfortable. Our winters aren't as cold nor are our summers as hot. It's really pretty temperate here.

[raven mad]

8. And it's gorgeous headed down the Seward Highway!

I have never, not once, been to Anchorage that I haven't been rained on. Yes, even in mid-Winter! LOL! Those who are scared of the cold should start out in Southeast or Southcentral. Those who expect even mild sophistication should probably head straight to Anchorage and not pass go or collect $200! Culture we have in the Interior.........class, definitely not! LOL!

Welcome to Fairbanks!

[Blue_In_AK]

12. I love the Interior, though, class or no.

One of our best camping trips was at the Granite Tors about 10 years ago. We decided to do the hike and were really woefully unprepared, but we made it, all 15 miles. It seemed like it was straight up and straight down. When we got back to camp around 6:00 p.m. we decided to lay down for a little rest and didn't wake up until 8:30 the next morning! We hadn't even eaten dinner. LOL. We probably couldn't do it now since we're 67 and 68, but I'm really glad we did it once.

[raven mad]

15. That IS a fun hike!

We haven't been able to tackle it for a couple of years, but ride out there all the time just to gaze and picnic. The Hot Springs Road is one of the best drives around here!

[Little Star]

9. You have no idea how much I wish I could....

I'm a few day's late to that party. But I entertain myself vicariously living the dream.

[Blue_In_AK]

11. I'll post lots of pictures when we get back from the 'Banks.

The train ride should be spectacular. They have those glass dome cars, plus you can step out on platforms between the cars.

[Little Star]

13. I'll be waiting....

[Solly Mack]

16. What a great photo!!

Beautiful! Love the angle of the shot.