Welcome to Nome

Welcome to Nome, Alaska - temperature ZERO! Here is a visual aid to help you understand the cold, vast, open, emptiness that surrounds us everyday. Located behind me is the Bering Sea - completely frozen and covered with ice!

Please Comment

Dear Readers,

Over the next several days, I will be posting parts of my nature journal and pictures! I am practicing for a nature project, and I would really love to hear comments. What are you curious about? What doesn't look right? and, of course, what is working? Please check out the post titled, The Last Days of January!

I look forward to reading your comments.

N.

The Last Days of January

Minus 34 is not an enjoyable temperature in nature. It’s days like today that I have a complete appreciation for my indoor plumbing and heating. As I arrive in my secure location near Swanberg’s Dredge, I feel a little rush as I ready myself for the adventure of discovering animal tracks and following the trail. Wouldn’t it be fun to follow a little bird or maybe even a fox? I happened upon dog tracks. 

                                                                                                           

The impression the paw made into the snow was intact. The imprints were fairly close together as if the dog was slowing down. I followed the tracks for several feet, and then I came to the end. Sitting before me in its frozen glory was a large pile of poo. Feeling crushed, I had to laugh at the hilarity of the situation. Near the dog tracks there were tire tread marks as if its human companion chauffeured him off after doing his business. 

My cheeks felt like ice cubes, but as I turned to go I noticed the setting sun and the imprint of snowmachine tracks across the frozen ocean. I had to snap a picture, even though they're man-made the designs across the snow and ice were impressive. I spent a few more moments looking around before heading back to the warmth of my home.  

Near Swanberg's Dredge

The wind whispers from all sides as I gaze across the vast, open emptiness. There is a stark feeling of isolation as I look across the horizon and see nothing but white until it looks like the earth just stops. The cold is gradual but quick. I've only been out here for a few minutes and my cheeks sting with the bite of the wind. The temp today is a balmy minus 7 with a crisp, constant wind of 7 mph. The windchill is almost 30 below. Why am I out here?

As I start to walk back to the truck something catches my eye. All along the edge of the road, sprouting from beneath many layers of snow and ice, are blades of grass. How does something stay alive in the bitter cold? It has to be alive. It's green and standing straight up into the air. Some blades stand nearly 2 feet while others are just peeking out from the snow. I've lived here for nearly 16 years, yet I don't recall ever noticing this little miracle before. As I reach the truck, I notice a figure jogging in the distance. It is just he and I for miles with nothing but the sound of the wind.

Nature Writing

I'm beginning a new adventure. Over the next few months I will be exploring nature. The temperatures are extremely cold, but the beauty that surrounds me is magnificent. The journey promises new experiences and a new style of writing.