Alaska News

As snow falls in Alaska, who can really tell if it's March or May?

HAINES -- We could pretend this is March, then it wouldn't be odd at all for it to be so cold and relentlessly snowing. Then, a bike ride in the snow would be almost fun, something to laugh or even brag about -- or at least a choice -- and not a must-do with seven weeks left before the Kluane-to-Chilkat International Bike Relay.

But if this were March, then the annual high school track meet wouldn't be happening this weekend (the track is plowed, but still pretty icy), or the prom (long Johns really don't dress up those strapless gowns), or the gala celebration out on the Port Chilkoot Dock for the 50th anniversary of the Alaska Marine Highway celebrated on Sunday. The spiffed-up Malispina is docked right in town. (You know, the choirs will sing, the Klukwan dancers will dance, and there will be a barbecue! Can't wait.)

Also, if it were March the local hotel wouldn't be opening for the season, and the Yukon tourism association wouldn't be holding its spring meeting in sunny, green Haines this weekend. And, of course, John and Sharon wouldn't be hosting the annual spring open house out at their Extreme Dreams gallery and garden Sunday afternoon.

If it were March we might not have that fresh halibut to grill tonight. Then again, maybe I'll save it for later in May (surely the heat will come on in the backyard tomorrow?) and make some deer chili instead.

Haines writer Heather Lende is finishing her third book of essays, "Finding the Good." This post originally appeared on her blog. It has been reprinted with permission.

Heather Lende

Heather Lende is the author of "If You Lived Here, I'd Know Your Name: News From Small-Town Alaska." To contact Heather or read her new blog, The News From Small-Town Alaska, visit www.heatherlende.com.

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