Snow on the mountains, gold in the trees

Fall is officially here in Port Alsworth, Alaska.  Everyone here has been in denial.  Fall means colder weather, snow, and eventually harsh winters.  I couldn't be more excited about this truth.  Summer in Alaska was great, it was so green and lush, but fall...well, fall has to be the most beautiful time of year here.  The leaves all change to gold, much unlike the fall in Michigan, where leaves turn red, yellow, orange, brown, etc.  Part of the reason I was sold on this trip was my supervisor telling me about how all the colors on the mountains change.  I couldn't really picture it.  But now that I'm here, experiencing and seeing it in person, I know I made the right choice.

One of my favorite plants in Lake Clark is Fireweed.  Before, I thought the name was derived from it's bright magenta blossoms (didn't quite fit), but as fall has progressed, I know see why it has its name.  As colder temperatures occur, the leaves change from bright green to red/orange/yellow, and look like fire!
  

It has been quite the experience to see all the colors change.  Walking around, I can remember how green and muggy the summer was.  Now I walk around bundled up.  I've even needed to pull out my gloves.  Next will be the hat!

This is one of my favorite things about being in Alaska.  I've only one week left here, and when I go home, fall will be just starting there.  Fall in Alaska is a short season.  As they progress into October, it gets colder, and all the leaves fall (especially if these windstorms we've been having keep up).  The great thing about this trip is that I'll get to see fall for twice as long!  It is the best season in my opinion.  Only fault in the trip is that I missed the start of the Spartan Football Season.  But as I've heard, they're not doing the best...must be because I'm away right?  I'd like to think so.  Hold on Spartans!  I'll be there for the next game (well, maybe the game after next)!

  

 

 The big moment that really tipped us off that fall was coming, and soon winter was snowfall on Tanalian Mountain.  All of the other mountains had a fairly large dusting of snow, but Tanalian always stayed dry.  Well, one day that changed.  We first saw a little snow, okay, no need to worry there.  But the next day, it had accumulated!  You could definitely feel a chill in the air that day!  Since then the snow has melted, accumulated, and melted again.  But that's how weather goes out here.  Until we get some real cold temperatures, that snow will keep going away.  I must say though, those cold mornings are great! They wake me up just as well as my coffee (well...almost)!