In Alaska, everything is big: the mountains, the distances, the adventures. This week we have experienced the biggest snow storm I can remember. Snow started falling on Monday evening. Tuesday morning there was already 15 inches.
Snow continued to fall throughout the day at a steady rate. By afternoon, another 10 inches had fallen.
At school, the kids watched eagerly out the windows, waiting to ride their snowmobiles home in the afternoon. Good thing they brought them as the school bus was one of the many vehicles to become stuck in the deep drifts.
At home, Mike and the crew worked to shovel snow, plow snow, shovel roofs, and clear doorways. The snow continued to fall. By Wednesday morning, there was an additional 15 inches on top of the cleared driveway. The school bus cancelled service, but the school remained open.
The storm has been dramatic. Roads and trails are like tunnels. It is difficult to recognize familiar places. I have heard in stories about snow covering windows, but this is the first time I have actually seen it.
I love the way the trees look all covered in snow. Spruce trees are flexible to handle bending under the weight of snow. They also have narrow boughs to prevent collecting too much snow. I know that eventually the wind will blow and clean the trees off, but until then, they look like a Christmas card.
You know there may be trouble when the puppies are sitting on piles higher than the fence. This daring pup jumped out to visit a few times.
The snow has made for fun times. Max and I have been enjoying sledding down the driveway. He also likes to be dropped into the deep snow, in his own personal hole. Mike is working hard to keep the trails open and the dogs are enjoying running in the new snow.
Here at The Wolf's Den we are thankful for many things. We are thankful for this beautiful snow and the adventures it allows us to take. We are thankful for our dogs and the incredible life they have led us to. We are thankful for our warm house to return to when the adventures are over. We are thankful for the friends, family, neighbors, and visitors who have helped us follow this dream.
Happy Thanksgiving from our family to yours. Mike, Caitlin, and Max