It’s been a cool summer so far in Alaska and fairly wet. While a good part of the globe has baked, Alaska has been pretty mild across the state.
Fairbanks had its coolest July in 25 years. So far this summer, we have not gone above 81F.
It’s a trend that has continued after a very chilly winter.
Fairbanks officially reached 70 degrees for the first time this season on Wednesday.
It’s the 11th latest date for hitting that mark since record keeping began.
A continuation of what was a very cool month of May for Interior Alaska.
One of the perks of traveling is the unexpected gems one runs across. Sometimes it’s a special location, sometimes it’s an experience, and often times it is an individual. As I traveled the U.S., and I’ve been to all 50 states, I have learned that every state has something unique, something special to offer.
As much as I make fun of Iowa, and trust me, I have an entire book of jokes, I have always known that Iowa is loaded with gems, and Andy Clark stood out in the very best way.
I was in Knoxville, Iowa for eight months, spending a good amount of my time at the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame & Museum. Andy often called me “his bouncer”, as we prowled the Second Floor during races and special events, and I was happy to play the role. We shared a love of music-particularly Jazz & Blues, cars, and humor. I learned a lot from Andy, and I hope I took in just a bit of his quiet dignity. From double duty during Nationals to purgatory in the Rotary Tent and quiet moments after the dirt stopped flying, Andy was just a joy to be around.
An evening with Andy on the Second Floor was always entertaining and educational. Looking back, I enjoyed our time touring Barnhouse Music and quiet lunches at Smokey Row, solving the problems of the world, just as much.
I have returned to my space Between the Circles tonight, because Andy followed this blog regularly when I was active. It is only fitting that I return in his honor. I thought the absolute world of Andy Clark, and even though communication wasn’t possible in recent years, he has often been in my thoughts.
Rest in peace Partner. I have no doubt you will find a band to join in the next chapter. It was an honor and a privilege.
I was lucky enough to see Kristofferson live at a small venue in Utica, NY.
Like a bird on the wire
Like a drunk in a midnight choir
I have tried in my way to be free
The Oxford & Cambridge Far Eastern Expedition left Hyde Park in London on this day in 1955. Their destination was Singapore.
They had a few adventures along the way. The trek was documented in the book “First Overland” by Tim Slessor.
Today is Walter Harper Day in Alaska. Harper was the first known individual to summit Denali on this day in 1913.
The first successful summit party of 2024 returned to the lowlands this past week.
Currently there are 261 climbers on The Mountain, with 952 having registered to attempt Denali this summer.
There is no “best” time to climb Denali, although May – June are the most popular. One never knows what the weather will be on Denali. Winter ascents are attempted, but are rare.
There are several possible routes, but 90% of climbers choose the West Buttress Route. It is common to spend 17-18 days on a summit trip, depending on experience, weather and group size.
Most climb in groups of 5-6. No groups larger than 12 are allowed.
The Muldrow Glacier Route was the northern counterpart to West Buttress and was considered the less technical route, but that changed with the Muldrow Glacier surge in 2021. Currently the glacier appears impassable from the air.
Photos credit: Denali National Park and Preserve
