Arcticulates : KFields

Arcticulates: Let it Snow

Sat, 14 Jan 2012 16:32:13 PST

Let it Snow? It seems this year that Alaska's winter season has been living up to it's well known reputation, and then some, when it comes to challenging and extreme. What with... below 0 temps before winter even officially started, hurricanes, avalanches, ice storms, high winds, blizzards, and overly abundant snow falls, so instead of happily chanting "Let it Snow"...most are saying "No more Snow!" This year Alaska has been breaking records or nearly breaking records all over the place, when it comes to snow storms. We do have a couple of areas in Alaska, where 'mountains' of snow are the norm year after year.. Valdez, to name one...is famous for it's tremendous amounts of snow fall every year. The snow this year has been amazingly abundant, heaping up to 50 feet high in Valdez, tho beautiful I can imagine all the shoveling can get pretty 'old' by the middle of winter. Driveway in Cordova Photo by: Cordova Buzz I love when it snows blankets everything in pure crystally white snow. Makes everything look smooth and clean, and it really does muffle sound. With that said...I do not like shoveling snow! Thank goodness I have some grandchildren young enough to think it's fun. I find it tedious having to shovel the same area over and over again. But I really like the look of the snow, perfectly piled on both sides of the driveway, and walk ways. We have some friends that have small plows that can be hooked up to four-wheelers, and they get the snow moving job done pretty quick, tho...our other friends swear by their snow-blowers which pick up the snow and blow it to the side about 6 feet. Which is okay...but you still have to shovel the snow that's heaped up where those handy dandy pieces of equipment won't work or reach. Adding Height With Snow Photo by: Kate Herring Plus we have to dig out the vehicles that are buried in snow, if we need to go anywhere, using shovels, brooms and ice scrapers, which come in mighty handy this time of year. I must say... we can get a great workout, just preparing to run a few errands. I feel for the wild animals outside that are trying to trudge through this deep snow, which I am sure is pretty tiring. They tend to head to the plowed roads because it's easier for them, but it also makes it extra dangerous for drivers to have steer around these big animals on dark, icy, snow covered roads. It is also a little harder for the big animals like Moose and Caribou to get to their food sources, like the smaller Willow trees we have. So they are hanging around people populated places because of the snow removal we do, making it easier access for their food supplies. We have a couple hanging around our house this week, stripping the bark off the willows near the shoveled walk ways and driveway. Sleeping under the huge Black Spruce trees where the snow isn't piled up. Moose Stuck in the Snow Photo by: Jamie Whiteside The snow we are getting this year surpasses the amounts we have had in a long time. If it keeps up, Anchorage is on track to have the snowiest winter ever, surpassing the previous record of 132.8 inches in 1954-55, I think they are sitting at 89"-90" inches now and we still have a whole lotta winter left...and the weather person predicting more snow coming... Valdez which is known for major snowfalls every Winter has surpassed shock and awe... and has had a total of nearly 321.8 inches this season. That's more than 14 feet above normal for their area. It has been dubbed 'Snowmageddon' in the media. Road to Valdez Photo by: Unknown With all this snow everywhere, Alaskan's take it in stride, actually, come to think of it... [...]

Arcticulates: Wild Blueberries

Sun, 08 Jan 2012 16:23:24 PST

Wild Blueberries One of my most favorite wild berries that grow just about everywhere in Alaska is the Wild Blueberry. During the months of July and August is when they are ready for harvesting. Most who love to gather the berries, look forward to the challenge of picking berries without a bear incident. Bears are always out searching for the ripe berries that grow in abundance on the hill sides and along the roadsides of Alaska. Right now between the Fresh Salmon in the local Streams and Rivers, and the ripe harvest of berries, this is when the bears of Alaska gain most of thier fat layers for the long winter hibernation. Wild Blueberries Photo by: K Fields Looking at the areas where Blue Berry bushes grow, it looks like nothing but weeds and wild flowers. The blueberry bushes grow close to the ground. They are easy to find when walking around moving brush aside. Besides it's really good exercise to get out there and hike around looking for the perfect Wild Blueberry spot. Perfect Wild Blueberry Spot Photo by: K Fields The little blue berries are easily located in the green folige. When looking at the picture below you can see the little berries near the ground. I love taking the grandkids with me when I go berry picking, they fill up on berries and run around getting lots of exercise, and I have company. Plus they get excited when they have donated some of their berry treasure towards making a delicious dessert using Wild Blueberries on top of Angelfood cake and whipped cream. Close-up View of Wild Blueberry Bush Photo by: K Fields The thing I like the most about picking wild Blueberries, are that the plants are very distintive, they have their very own color and shape, so it's pretty easy to find them, some areas are thickly covered, you can pick gallons in just a day's worth of picking.. other areas they are more sparce and harder to find. I think a lot of Alaskan wild berry pickers have their own secret spot where the plants are plentiful. Some will gladly share where.. others won't. I have a few places that I know about that I can get plenty of Wild Blueberries my problem is finding the time to go and pick them. Wild Blueberries in Hand Photo by: K Fields Wild Blueberries is considered a antioxident superfruit — in fact they have the highest antioxidant capacity per serving, compared with more than 20 other fruits. This helps in fight Aging, Cancer and Heart Disease, Urinary Tract Health, Vision, and Metobolic Syndrome, and countless other maladies. Which is all wonderful to me.. but the main fact is they taste so good. They can be mixed into just about anything, made into jellies and jams and sauces, they make amazing syrup. And there is nothing like a handful of frozen berries for a snack to cool off with in the summer time, or dropped into a tall glass of lemonade. Black Bear Searching for Wild Blueberries Photo by: K Fields There are a few precautions we need to take when out on a Wild Berry Picking hike and that's being on the look-out for bears, as it is their favorite berry too. They usually can be found in the most popular berry spots, and generally if there is a bear in the area, we avoid it and go find another spot. Most of the time, bears will graze and eat berries and not bother you.. but why take that chance on finding the one bear in all of Alaska who hates sharing. Bright Blue Blueberries are Easy to Find Against the Green Bushes [...]

Arcticulates -

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 16:30:34 PST

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Arcticulates: Smokey Season

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 20:41:01 PST

Smokey Season Wildfires here in Alaska are a very common experience every summer, which we jokingly call 'Smokey Season' because smoke fills the air during the beginning of summer till late summer or fall. It's just a part of living in Alaska that we have all grown accustomed to… so much so that we make jokes about needing our annual dose of wildfire smoke or it just doesn't feel like summer. Wildfire in Alaska Photo by: Unknown Alaska's fire season is from April 1st to August 31st. Just last year Alaska's wildfire officials declared that the month of May was unprecedented with fire activity. We had 95 active wildfires burning, and the lightening strikes by the thousands were not helping. 1,467 firefighters, which included around 900 from other States, were manning 13 of the fires, other fires were burning unchecked because of lack of man-power and/or remote locations. Billows of Wildfire Smoke Photo by: Unknown Wildland Fire management in Alaska is an interagency effort. The three agencies are: Bureau of Land Management, Alaska Fire Service (AFS) State of Alaska, Department of Natural Resources Division of forestry (DOF) US Forest Service (USFS) Plane Dumping Fire-Retardent Chemicals Photo by: Unknown Fire is a natural force in Alaska, it rejuvenates the earth; it burns off some of the insulating organic matter, things like...leaves, Spruce needles, dead grasses and trees etc… which once removed the ground soil can warm up. Plus the ashes from the burned organic material helps add nutrients to the soil, and aids in faster decomposition. If there's no fire activity, then the organic matter will accumulate, permafrost table will rise, and eco-system productivity falls. So fire can be pretty critical in maintaining the viability of cold dominated eco-system, which can be said…is a large portion of Alaska Raging Wildfire in Alaska Photo by: Unknown Alaska's Wildland Fire Management face difficult decisions when faced with a raging wildfire, because of the 'benefits' I just mentioned and the 'negatives' for example...endangering human life, and destruction of private property. Each fire poses different scenarios in how to go about extinguishing them, by using the 'control', 'contain' and 'confine' strategy, for which this quote is so fitting: "In order to be ready when needed, you must also be ready when not needed"… author unknown. Black Spruce Engulfed in Flames Photo by: Unknown There are some Wildfires that are located quite a distance away from people and private property (located in areas that in order to gain access, you have to use a boat or plane) that are carefully watched, but allowed to burn out by themselves, because of the environmental benefits mentioned above. Any Wildfires located near people are automatically considered high priority and critical protection suppression is put into effect, to as little acreage as possible, this would include areas that have uninhabited private property, high value natural resources, and cultural/historical sites. Smoke Plumes from a Distance Photo by: Unknown Here are a few more links if you are interested in reading more on Wildfires in Alaska: Link for Alaska Wildfire information: Alaska Wildfire Information Link to an awesome list of Fire terms - glossary: List of Fire Ter[...]

Arcticulates: Marvelous Mountains

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 09:31:21 PST

Marvelous Mountains The photo below is a beautiful view of the mountain range that practically surrounds the town where I live. I have always loved mountains, they give me a feeling of security that I cannot explain. Some use the word 'mountain' as a description of something that is a 'struggle' or 'hard' in one's life, but I've never been able to look at them in that way…they have always been majestic, beautiful, and dare I say a bit magical...in my eyes. Mt Hayes Photo by: Michael Kingston I cannot fathom a world without mountains and I feel so blessed to live in Alaska, where there is no end to mountain 'vistas' everywhere you look. One famous mountain is known by the names: Mt. McKinley or Denali, it ranks up near the top in the list of the highest mountains in the world… This mountain's height is 6,194 meters or 20,320 feet high. It's a rare day to see the whole mountain, because from the middle on up, it's usually covered in clouds. Ice Fishing Photo by: Dwight Phillips Denali is a mountain well known not only for its size and beauty; but also as place that many mountain climbers have chosen to conquer. Which unfortunately, tho there have been many who have experienced the victory of reaching the top, there are also many who have fallen into seemingly bottomless crevasses, or what some climbers refer to as being 'flash frozen' (which happens when icy winds reaching -70 in temperature, and blow up to 60-100 miles per hour) or getting lost never to be found again. I feel for the families whom have lost loved ones, but as for the ones who've died, at least it can be said that they died living their dream. Mt Denali/McKinley Photo by: Michael Kingston The tops of the highest mountains in Alaska are snow covered year round. Some of them have layer upon layer of ice in their crevasses that run deep into the mountain, called Glaciers. Most of the rivers in Alaska are Glacier fed, meaning as the Glaciers warm in the summer months, the water from the melting ice drains into rivers and streams, these waters are full of silt, which is rock and stone crushed into a fine powdery substance from the pressure of the constant movement in the freezing and melting of Glacial ice. Mountain with Misty Glacier Photo by: K Fields When some people see the grayish brown waters in some of our rivers it causes them to think they are polluted, which they really aren't, the water is just full of the brownish silver, finely powdered silt. This silt also causes the rivers to be dangerous for swimmers, because of the fine silt clinging to and weighing down clothing, so much so that it causes the person wearing them to sink. Summer Mountain Views Photo by: K Fields The mountains always seem to speak to the adventurous that are willing to hike up into them, rock climb, or heed the thrill of mountain climbing. They are also home to many wild animals and birds that live in Alaska. They are in addition to great beauty... pleasantly mysterious, as when either by viewing or hiking into them, you may find hidden crannies of waterfalls surrounded by deep mossy grounds. Mt Denali/McKinley Photo by: Michael Kingston The mountains are full of breathtaking colors from natural minerals and stones that run through them, and/or a variety of green[...]

Arcticulates: Forty Below

Sun, 20 Nov 2011 08:53:39 PST

November 20, 2011Forty Below As I sit and write this... it's -38'F outside, warmed up from -46'F during the night. We are experiencing colder weather then usual for this time of year. Tho it isn't unusual to have temps hovering just below zero, we usually get these extreme cold kind of temps in the Interior of Alaska during late December... mid January, but none the less, when you live in Alaska you simply have to be prepared for whatever the weather will dish out at any given moment. Below Freezing Winter Scenery Photo by: Dwight Phillips Surprisingly enough not all of Alaska has to tolerate these kinds of cold temps. In the areas like Anchorage, it rarely gets very far below 0'F. I live in the interior of Alaska where there are extreme drops in the temps during the winter. Coldest it's been since I have lived here is -68'F. There are many things we need to be aware of during this kind of cold snap.. and the biggest is to make sure your skin is well covered when outside for any amount of time to avoid frostbite. Frosty Moose Photo by: Dwight Phillips An interesting phenomenon when it gets this cold is what we call Ice Fog. The deep rivers that run through the interior of Alaska do not completely freeze up, so the water is slowly moving. When it gets this cold, a steam comes off the water, so much so that it turns into a very deep dense fog in the areas where the rivers are. When these ice fogs dissipate they leave a layer of ice blanketed over everything. Frozen Sunset Photo by:Dwight Phillips Plus along with the Ice Fog, we have Ice crystals that cover the ground in extreme cold which are called Frost Crystals. When these Frost Crystals grow larger it's called Hoarfrost Crystals. Hoarfrost Crystals are formed by the cold temperatures and water vapor near large bodies of water. Ice Fog and Hoarfrost Cover Trees and Oil Pipeline Near a River Photo by: K Fields It's not uncommon to see Hoarfrost covering everything, like a thin blanket, in below zero temps, the most common form is called Surface Hoar. How this Surface hoarfrost comes about is when it warms up during the day, like... let's say... -18', (I know most of you are thinking.."THAT'S WARM???" But when compared to -35...-50.. YES... it is!) And then when the temps drop during the night, the cold air touches the surface of the snow, and the water inside the snow bank (from the warmer daylight hours) evaporates and then recrystalizes on the surface. Hoarfrost on Spruce Tree Photo by: Mike Kingston So in the morning you wake up to beautiful sparkle faceted surface hoarfrost ice crystals covering everything. Creating a winter wonderland, and when you walk across the snow the Surface Hoarfrost crunches and sounds like tiny shards of glass tinkling together. A very amazing phenomenon, tho it usually melts when the sun comes up. Hoarfrost Covered Tree Near River Photo by: K Fields When you go outside... you will see the whole world around you alive with sparkles the beauty is amazing, and very hard to capture on camera. It is like a bunch of small diamonds nestled together, coating everything, and it just sparkles by the smallest glint of light.. and during the daylight hours, and the sunlight catches the facets on these ice crys[...]

Arcticulates: Alaska Fall Colors #3

Sun, 13 Nov 2011 09:35:49 PST

Alaska's Fall Colors #3 Fall in Alaska is quick... most times in just a couple of weeks, the leaves can change colors and fall to the ground. There are many other interesting aspects of Alaska's fall weather. One of them is the Bull Moose. During this time of the year Bull Moose grow healthy humongous antlers, covered in a brown fuzz appropriately called 'velvet'. He is getting ready for rutting season, where these huge fellows will fight for the 'fair'... Cow Moose, by charging each other and whacking their heavy antlers together. You can hear the sound of the antlers clanking. I have no idea if they get headaches from this or not... when watching and hearing them I always feel that they should. And a time or two I witnessed a couple Bull's antlers get tangled up, and it took them a little while to get apart.. Drat.. and me without a camera at the time. Bull Moose With 'Velvet' Covered Antlers [...]

Arcticulates: Going Greenhouse!

Tue, 03 May 2011 11:40:19 PDT

May 3, 2011 Arcticulates ® Focusing on Alaska's Beauty Author: K. Fields Going Greenhouse The past couple of years I have discovered that the house we live in has plenty of room for us, grandkids and guests, but not enough room for trays, upon trays of baby seedlings. They take up a lot of room, and I end up having to take them outside too early, and losing some to the overnight cold.. So I decided that I need a greenhouse. Our budget, on the other hand, says.. no.. no you don't. So I... not being one to let a little thing like lack of moola discourage me, went outside and started wandering around the garden area to ponder about where I would put the greenhouse if I had one, and my eyes fell upon this old dilapadated shed with a leaking roof. Junky Shed Photo by: K Fields This old shed was packed full of stuff (and spiders... ugh) from previous house owners and tenents.. I knew it was going to be a ton of work to empty it out and clean it up, so I have been putting it off. As I stood there leaning on the garden fence, looking at this 'disaster waiting to happen' building...an idea suddenly hit me.. It would be soooooo worth cleaning out that mess, if I could remake that old shed into a greenhouse, it's near the garden, and a little distance from the house, and in a nice area with sun and shade depending on the time of day. So I asked my husband and son, both avid builders, if they would examine the shed and see if it was worth tearing apart and rebuilding into a greenhouse. They both looked at me as if I were crazy.. grinned and looked at each other, communicating without words as only men can.. rolled thier eyes.. then they went out to the old shed to take a look, while letting me know not to get my hopes up. Greenhouse photo by: K Fields After much, much, much debate and discussion.. they decided that the framing was strong and had not been damaged by the leaks, so we should be able to use it as is...but the roof on the other hand was badly damaged, and would have to be discarded, which was not a problem because we would be removing it and replacing it with plastic (eventually some clear hard plastic roofing). So they decided that this would be a perfect building to remake into a greenhouse, and it would save a ton of money, not having to buy all the foundation and framing materials. It took most of the summer to get the piles of stuff removed from around the building and inside it. It was filled to the brim with useless stuff. Most of it was ruined by the leaking roof and/or by the squirrel and shrews nesting in it, so loads and loads went to the dump. The rest went to whoever wanted it (someone else's trash is someone's treasure). Greenhouse Photo by: K Fields We finally got it all sorted and cleaned out, and could start tearing off the walls and roofing. This took a couple of days to get done, and we discovered that the sheets of plywood on the sides of the building were in great shape, so my son-in-law picked them up, and used them to enlarge the boiler-room at his place. The roofing was not salvageable at all so it went to the dump. After all the walls and roofing were removed, all that remained was the foundation and framing which were both in very good condition. The final quarter of the summer was spent putting on the plastic and repairing the built in shelving inside the greenhouse. We ended up with a few holes on the plastic walls from a couple of big wind storms, that whipped [...]

Arcticulates: Beautiful Night Lights

Mon, 25 Apr 2011 15:50:01 PDT

April 25, 2011 Arcticulates ® Focusing on Alaska's Beauty Author: K. Fields Beautiful Night Lights There is something about seeing the natural phenomenon called Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis, in dark skies, (I call them Night Lights) that warms even the coldest of hearts. People who would normally avoid going outside in the freezing minus temps, will dress up in their winter gear just to go outside and look at the natural display of lights wavering across the dark skies. Even tho there is a lot of scientific explanations of how... why... and what causes them.. all I can say is that they are amazing to look at, and at the mere sight of them, neighbors are calling each other sharing the news that they are out, so that the joy of seeing them can be shared by all. Aurora Borealis Photo by: Dwight Phillips There is something that happens in the dark dreary winter nights and days, that seem to make people go stir-crazy. So to counteract that, our small town usually puts on a fireworks display around the middle of February, which is considered one of the coldest months in our winters. People are ready to get out and brave the extremely minus degree cold to see the beautiful displays of light against the dark skies. Fireworks Photo by: Dwight Phillips Most people who do not live in the extreme weather patterns that we have here, or have 20 hours of darkness for a good 3 months straight, don't always understand the fascination of Northern Lights.. yes... they do like them when the ever see them.. but some question the sanity of Alaskan's who are so thrilled to get a chance to see yet another night light show. The beautiful lights waving against the darkness gives an exciting feeling inside the belly.. like that thrill you get in the pit of your stomach, when swinging on a swing, high in the air. The sight of them brings hope! That soon it will be light and warm again. It's like sitting in a dark room all by yourself, not even able to see 3 feet in front of you, and a tiny light comes on, or a match flame flickers to life.. your eyes are immediately drawn to the light, and the reaction inside is pure joy at seeing it. Very hard to explain. But I have experienced that feeling many times when outside at night in the freezing cold darkness, dead silence as if nothing is alive, and all of a sudden I will notice streaks of lights filling the sky, moving and swaying as if dancing to music that I cannot hear. Getting brighter and bigger till it fills the dark sky with bright colors, reflecting off the snow all around me, brightening up the dark night, bringing on those feelings of hope and excitement. Northern Lights Photo by: Richard Mitchell The Fireworks we hear booming in the dark coldness are exciting, and people all around are ohhing and ahhhing at the beautiful bright lights against the dark sky. They laugh out loud with pure joy and pretty soon are patting each other on the backs, while shouting joyfully when the next burst of beautiful light breaks over their heads. Cabin fever melts away as the crisp cold fresh air brushes against flushed cheeks. And warmth from the barrels burning firewood nearby waft past, reminding all of how good warm feels. Wanting to stay longer you notice that the air is glittering with ice crystals from the breath of those enjoying the show, you notice arms wrapped in down filled coats hugging the body, hats and gloves pulled on snugger, fe[...]

Arcticulates: Alaska's Fall Colors #2

Wed, 06 Oct 2010 11:57:23 PDT

October 6, 2010 Arcticulates ® Focusing on Alaska's Beauty Author: K. Fields Alaska's Fall Colors #2 During Alaska's Fall Season the ground cover in the wooded areas are bright with color as you can see with this low bush cranberry plant filled with wild, ripe cranberries. The cranberries are always ready after the first heavy frost. The air is heavy with the smell of ripe cranberries. They are easy to locate with the vibrant red and green leaves, and easy to gather. When ever I am harvesting wild berries I imagine what I will be making with them during the winter season. Like: Wild Cranberry Muffins Low-Bush Cranberries Photo by: Mike Kingston The beautiful wild cat and only wild cat in Alaska, the Lynx is very hard to see in the fall colors, as the tan and browns of the fur blend right into most of the background colors. Tho I am quite sure they are happy to see the change of seasons as this means the wild hares are also starting to change from brown to white, making it easier to see them, until we have the first heavy snowfall. Lynx Photo by: Dwight Phillips The colors during this time of the year can be short lived but spectacular. The variegated waves of oranges, yellows, reds, and greens mixed with the blue skies, snowcapped mountains, and dark spruce trees can be a sight that takes your breath away. This time of year everyone is busy preparing the outdoors for the first snow. Getting things put away, firewood stocked up for the long winter season almost upon us. Alaska's Fall Season Photo by: Dwight Phillips This is also the time where the migrating birds are gathering for the last time this year in the waters and fields around us, getting ready to head south. The air rings with the honking sounds of the many varieties of ducks and geese flying overhead in great v shaped flight patterns. This is the best time to get pictures of the beautiful swans pictured below as they also gather together for a long flight out of Alaska. We are only blessed with their presence for a few months. It can be rather sad to see them fly away.. but they will be back next year. Swans Photo by: Mike Kingston There are many bears that are out and about this time of year, gathering up the last bits of berries, bark, grasses and wildlife meals before they find their hibernating place for the long winter months. Since this is also the time for hunting season, the hunters must be aware of their surroundings at all times. Because the Grizzly Bears which are huge... will gladly steal the fresh meat from a hunter. And possibly the hunter could become the fresh meat. It is a dangerous situation to run into a Grizzly Bear. Grizzly Bear Photo by: K Fields The Caribou's colors blend into the brown and tan colored grasses in the fields and wooded areas.. This is also the time to hunt them, which hightens the challenge to find them because of the color blending. I have also found it fascinating that these beautiful big animals with antlers that can be almost the length and height of the animal itself, can walk into the edge of a forest of trees and disappear. You literally cannot see them. It is like a cartoon.. Now you see them... now you don't. [...]

Arcticulates: Alaska's Fall Colors #1

Thu, 23 Sep 2010 15:51:30 PDT

September 23, 2010 Arcticulates ® Focusing on Alaska's Beauty Author: K. Fields Alaska's Fall Colors 1 During Alaska's fall season, tho it's short... it's spectacular. The colorful leaves are vibrant variants of the colors green, red, yellow and orange, paired with a backdrop of brown and tan fields, dark green spruce trees, and the deep blue sky, toss in a few snow peaked mountains and sparkling blue lakes and streams and we have a natural 'WOW' factor in breathtaking views. Beautiful Fall Scenery Photo by: Mike Kingston Fall season is also hunting season in Alaska, one favorite is the grouse. They are small birds, a bit slow moving, which makes them a quick and easy catch. Their natural colors blend into the fall browns which make up for their sluggish somewhat clumsy movements because you can't see them unless they move. Grouse Photo by: K Fields Bears are out big time! They are busy gleaning as much berries and other vegetation as they can, before their long winter hibernation. It's a time to be extremely cautious while hiking or walking in the wilderness and during your hunt, because meat eating bears have no qualms at all about appropriating the hunter's harvest of meat, for themselves... or eating the hunter... Another Browsing Brown Bear Photo by: K Fields It is during Alaska's fall season that the State Flower called 'Forget-Me-Not' bloom. Beautiful bunches of teeny tiny blue flowers with golden middles. These tiny delicate flowers are hard to find. I plant some every year in my flower beds, just so I can see them in the fall The leaves on the plants stay a rich green which is a beautiful backdrop for the bright sky blue flower petals. Alaska State Flower - Forget Me Not Photo by: K Fields Even tho Fall is also it's hunting season, the female cow Moose and Moose calves are safe. As per the hunting regulations for each area. These two Moose pictured below were enjoying a cool soak in some mud puddles in our driveway last week. It was really funny watching them, as they looked as if they are our WATCH moose.. instead of watch Dogs, we have Moose. It isn't uncommon to have Moose wandering around on our property. We have to be cautious when entering or leaving the house, so we don't startle them. There is nothing more dangerous then a mamma Moose who has been startled. Mama Moose and Baby Resting in Mud Puddle Photo by: K Fields Alaska has a plethora of wild animals that blend-in with the browns and tan colors of fall. The wild Coyote, of which Alaska has unlimited amounts, can be very hard to see if they are not moving. They are considered scavengers, and are always on the prowl for food. Coyote on the Run Photo by: K Fields Autumn in Alaska is also a time for the amazing phenomena of Salmon swimming upstream to spawn. They are easy to spot in most of the clear water streams throughout Alaska because they turn a bright red in color. They struggle against the large rocks and rushing water to get to the quiet areas. Some make it, some don't. This is also where we have a go[...]

Arcticulates: Snowshoe Hare - Bunnies

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 18:43:32 PDT

September 8, 2010 Arcticulates ® Focusing on Alaska's Beauty Author: K. Fields Snowshoe Hare Bunnies We have been clearing a lot of dead trees from the property this summer, and while cutting down a insect ridden tree, six little bunnies started hopping all around us. We had never noticed them while we were walking around the area. The colors on these bunnies help them to blend into the ground so much that we didn't see them, and we had almost dropped a tree on top of them. After we discovered the nest, we pushed the tree to fall over in a different direction to spare them. Tho I question the wisdom in that... as the nest was not that far from my garden area. Wild Snowshoe Hare Bunny Photo by: K Fields The interesting thing about these little bunnies, is that being born in the Hare family means they are born with a full coat of fur, they can see and can fend for themselves quite quickly. Which I guess they would have to... because they are born in nests above ground or in shallow depression in the ground. Snowshoe Bunny: Snuggles Photo by: K Fields Snowshoe Hare are all over Alaska. They thrive well in the wild terrain, and do very well during the winter months, their fur color changes from brown to white so they blend into the snow covered terrain that we experience in the winter months here in Alaska. Another Website with information on Snowshoe Hairs: Snowshoe Hair Information It is extremely hard to find a Snowshoe Hare nesting place. It is so well hidden in the leaves and bramble, that practically the only way to find one is like we did, which was to stumble upon it while cutting down trees and brush. Snowshoe Bunny: Tiny Handful Photo by: K Fields These baby bunnies are very tiny, not much bigger then the palm of my hand. They didn't seem fearful at all when handled, tho we only picked them up to take a few pictures and then released them back in the wild. Their ears are so tiny about the half the size of my thumb nail. They were very alert, and very quick, when released they disappeared in the wooded area in a matter of seconds. They will no doubt find each other quickly, but the thing is when they are older they will be off by themselves or in pairs. They do not nest in groups like some rabbits do, nor do these amazing environmentally adjusting Hares breed with Rabbits. Snowshoe Bunny: Tiny Ball of Fluff Photo by: K Fields We went back a week later to check out the area and see if the nesting area was still there, and not to our surprise... it wasn't. I am sure that they moved it to another area far away from where we were. But then again, it is very hard to find them so I could be wrong, and they may have been in the same area, only we couldn't see them. More information on Hares: More information on Snowshoe Hares Snowshoe Hares all look alike, there is no distinguishing marks that makes one stand out from another, and you cannot tell by looking at them which is the female or male. Even when fully grown they still look exactly alike. Snowshoe Bunny: Brothers or Sisters? Photo by: K Fields These amazing bunnies that we have in a old wheelbarrow in the picture [...]

Arcticulates: Cook - Caribou Meat Pot-Pie

Thu, 19 Aug 2010 23:41:56 PDT

2008-2010 Arcticulates ® Focusing on Alaska's Beauty Author: K. Fields ~ ~ Cooking in Alaska! ~ ~ Caribou Meat Pot Pie By K. Fields Ingredients: 2 lbs. Caribou Meat (Cut into 1/2 inch chunks) 1 Onion (Diced) 3 Carrots (Diced) 5 Medium Potatoes (Diced) 1 Cup Corn (Frozen works great) 1/2 Tsp. Celery Salt 1/2 Tsp. Onion Powder 1/2 Tsp. Garlic Powder 1/2 Tsp. Sage 1 Tsp. Salt 1/2 Tsp. Black Pepper 3 Tbs. Butter 1 Tbs. Cornstarch (If needed) 2 Deep Dish Pie Pans 4 Pie Crusts Directions: 1. Place chunked Caribou meat, onions, butter and seasonings in large cooking pot. On medium heat, stir constantly until the meat is throughly browned. 2. Add 6 cups of water, potatoes, carrots and corn, bring to full boil. Lower heat and simmer while stirring occasionally for approximately 30 minutes. 3. The mixture should thicken during this time of simmering, but if not add Cornstarch and stir gently until it is like a thick stew. 4. Put Pie Crusts in 2 deep dish pie pans, fill to the top with meat mixture. Top the pie with another pie crust and seal edges. Cut steam holes in the top. There should be enough to do 2 pies. 5. Place pies in the oven, at "350F and cook for approximately 20 minutes. I suggest that you put aluminum foil around the edges of the pie to keep them from over-browning. 6. Remove Pie from Oven when Pie Crust is Golden Brown, let set for approximately 15 minutes. Serve Each Pie will make 6 servings. K's Tip:s Served with Sourdough Bread and butter, and a fresh tossed Salad makes this Pot Pie into a delicious meal! Pies can be frozen and reheated for another day. I usually make 4 to 6 pies at a time and freeze them for those busy cold wintery evenings with no time to cook. Back to: Cooking in Alaska Recipe List Back to: Arcticulates' Home Page VZME2ZDXVT7H [...]

Arcticulates: Majestic Eagles

Tue, 17 Aug 2010 23:25:14 PDT

August 17, 2010 Arcticulates ® Focusing on Alaska's Beauty Author: K. Fields ~ ~ Majestic Eagles ~ ~ Beautiful majestic Eagles are one thing that Alaska has plenty of, there are two varieties here in Alaska, both are used as national symbols to many nations. The Bald Eagle which is pictured on the 'Great Seal' of United States of America, and the Golden Eagle which I have been told is a immature Bald Eagle... Since I question the validity of that information. I have done some research because I would like to know the truth and would like to be able to share true facts with all whom may be reading this! So this is what I have discovered. According to Alaska's Fish and Game, the The Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) and the Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) are two distinctly different species of Eagles. Bald Eagle: Bring it! Photo by: Richard Mitchell I have listed here two pages that verify what I always thought, which is... they are two different species of Eagles: Alaska's Fish and Game: Information On Bald Eagles in Alaska and Avianweb: Eagle Information Here is a website that clears up this misunderstand. It seems the immature Bald Eagle looks like the Golden Eagle except for the plummage on the legs. "A Golden Eagle's legs are entirely feather covered; an immature Bald Eagle's lower legs are bare" according to: Bald Eagle Information So that explains why I have been told that the Golden Eagle is a immature Bald Eagle... Because they look so similiar when they are both young. So you have read it here! That rumor is false! Bald Eagle: Did I Hear You Right? Photo by: Richard Mitchell Famous Eagle Quotes: Like a young Eagle, who has lent his plume To fledge the shaft by which he meets his doom, See their own feathers pluck'd to wing the dart Which rank corruption destines for their heart. Thomas Moore Corruption The haft of the arrow had been feathered with one of the Eagle's own plumes. We often give our enemies the means of our own destruction. Aesop The Eagle and the Arrow Yet spirit immortal, the tomb can not bind thee, But like thine own Eagle that soars to the sun Thou springest from bondage and leavest behind thee A name which before thee no mortal hath won. Lyman Heath The Grave of Bonaparte I wish the Bald Eagle had not been chosen as the representative of our country; he is a bird of bad moral character; like those among men who live by sharking and robbing, he is generally poor, and often very lousy. The Turkey is a much more respectable bird. Benjamin Franklin letter to Sarah Bache (January 26, 1784) And thus among these rocks he lived, Through summer heat and winter snow: The Eagle, he was lord above, And Rob was lord below. William Wordsworth Rob Roy's Grave Yawn, Stretch, Try to Come Alive Photo by: Richard Mitchell It's a well known fact that most Eagles have excellent vision, they have the keenest sharpest sight of any animal hence the saying "Eagle eyes". Thier eyes are quite large which explains to me why they seem to have such a commanding stare. I have learned that humans have 200,000 light-sensitive cells per square millimeter of retina, whereas Eagles have a million. Also, people see three basic colors, where Eagles see five (I am wondering how that was figured out) which helps them pick out prey that has been [...]

Arcticulates: Ice Sculpture Winners of 2009

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 13:16:17 PST

February 5, 2010 Arcticulates ® Focusing on Alaska's Beauty Author: K. Fields ~~ Ice Sculpture Winners of 2009 ~~ (Single Ice Block Category) All Photos by Rhonda Konicki I wanted to post some pictures of the ice sculptures done last year in March. These pictures are the winners. This post has the pictures of all the sculptures carved using one block of ice. The details to these sculptures are amazing. The cold weather and snow piling up outside have me looking forward to the new sculptures that will be done in just a march this year. I admire the people who like to work with ice and create such beauty to look at, transforming long dreary winter days into beauty. 1st Place and Peoples Choice in Realistic Surfacing Kingfisher Ice carving done by: Junichi Nakamura - Japan Suguru Kanbayashi - Canada All sorts of tools are used to ice carve, power tools are a biggie.. drills for drilling holes, with a large variety different shapes and size bits, chain saws for chopping huge pieces of ice off the block, sanders and drills with a variety of discs to smooth and shape the ice. Of course warm clothing is a must if you are working outside, and here in Alaska day light doesn't last long, so some good lighting is a must. Ist place (Abstract) Ice Carving Spring Ice Carving by: Aaron Costic - USA Martin King - USA There are some really good web pages on the internet that can teach you how to carve ice. It is always nice to know the basics before you begin.For instance... here is a website that has a video teachings and good tips on carving ice and figures our of ice. Here is a great one on: How to carve a sphere. This website also sells the tools needed so if you decide you want to try it, you got it all right here. As a sidenote... I do not own or have any thing to do with this site. I am just fascinated by the Art of Ice Sculpture and will be listing other interesting sites as well. How to carve a face video 2nd Place (Abstract) Adam and Eva: One Heart for Two Ice Carving by: Vitaly Lednev - Russia Sergei Loginov -Russia There are dangers to ice sculpture too, first of all the ice blocks are extremely heavy. If they are not sitting, stacked or fused right they can fall on someone, which can cause some pretty major injuries or death. Most professional ice-carvers are aware of this and take precautions in making sure things are done right. They also cord off the larger more delicate displays so that people cannot walk up to the or climb on them. If you do not know what you are doing, caution is always best, rather then crushing your hands, feet or bodies from large chunks of ice falling. So wearing protective warm footwear and gloves are a must. Plus taking the time to stabilize your work before you add anything to it, is best... to prevent serious injury from the ice blocks slipping. 2nd Place (Realistic) Leafy Lunch Ice Carving by: Greg Butauski - USA[...]

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