The ride home - in two parts

[Blue_In_AK]

This is the view from the window of our hotel room Sunday morning.


Following the snow grader out of Fairbanks for many miles, but we were relieved that the snow had stopped. About eight inches had fallen on Saturday.


We finally pulled off the roadway to get some distance between us and the flying snow. This was the view across the valley. If I'm reading my map correctly, this is the Tanana River valley.


Across the highway, the frosted trees looked beautiful backlit by the sun.


Approaching the Alaska Range and some weather.


Every cloud has a silver lining.


This one was begging for black and white.

[GentryDixon]

1. The first photo is stunning.

I was in Alaska one time many years ago (Jul). I was amazed at the size of the flower blooms. I assumed it was the abundance of sunshine.

We flew into Anchorage for a funeral, so only had one day for sight seeing. But it was amazing. We went south from Ft. Wainwright to various little settlements. Very beautiful.

[Blue_In_AK]

2. Yes, the flowers here are huge.

Anchorage prides itself on the summer flower displays. The plants are all started in the city greenhouse, and then as soon as the soil warms up enough in the spring, usually around Memorial Day, you'll see the city workers out all over town putting the already blooming flowers into the beds and hanging baskets. It's like instant summer and so appreciated after the long winter. I've seen chrysanthemum blooms as big as dinner plates.

[GentryDixon]

3. The petunias amazed me.