Cuckoo's Photo Competition - Clouds

Cuckoo continues her photography competition with a different topic each month.

The topic for this month is Clouds and here is my entry.

This picture was taken this summer when we visisted Alaska. We were driving from Fairbanks to Chena Hot Springs, the day had been clear for the most part when suddenly the clouds started reeling in. We stopped at this pond and the clouds were stark grey.

An interesting weather station!

A few months ago, we went wine tasting with a couple of friends and came across this barn in front of one of the tasting rooms. In front of the barn was this very interesting "Official weather station"

Alaska - Part 5 - A drive down Richardson Highway

During our trip to Alaska one day was dedicated to a drive down Richardson Highway. Richardson Highway runs from Fairbanks to Valdez, a distance of about 350 miles. Google Maps will tell you otherwise - that Richardson Highway runs from Delta Junction to Valdez and that the section before it is Steese Highway, but the actual road signs mark it as going from Fairbanks to Valdez.

Before leaving I had done some search on the internet - there were people who claimed it to be the most scenic highway in Alaska. Plus when we started it looked like it was going to be a pleasant day. Our 2 prior days in Denali had been cloudy and rainy at times and so I was really looking forward to the drive.

Our first majestic glimpse was that of the Alaska range that started coming into view pretty much as soon as we were leaving Fairbanks. As we crossed Delta Junction and the range came closer the views kept getting better.... Plus there were long stretches of the highway when we couldn't see a car for miles around us.

The Alaska Range along Denali Highway

There are portions where the highway runs parallel to the Alaskan Oil Pipeline. S had stopped to take pictures of the pipeline when he got talking to someone travelling in the other direction. This person told him - "Summit Lake is looking beautiful today". As we drove on we came upon this pristine blue lake clearly reflecting the snowcovered mountains around. This was definitely the high point of our drive.

Summit Lake

A larger part of the day had now been spent in the car. We were getting tired and were not stopping as much as we were in the beginning of the drive. But as we approached Glenallen, the Wrangell Mountains started coming into view - Mt. Sanford, Mt. Wrangell and Mt. Drum. The excitement came rushing back.

The Wrangell Mountains

Mt. Blackburn

Mt. Wrangell

This post is getting long...moreover I am getting sleepy. Rest of Richardson Highway in the next post.

Alaska - Part 4 - The Trip Plan

A friend recently asked me what our exact trip plan for Alaska was and I forwarded her a small spreadsheet I maintain for longer trips. I thought it might be useful for other people planning a trip. Here is a snapshot of what I ended up sending to her.