A Glorious Morning on the Road

An amazing thing happened when I was on the road with Jack one time.

We woke up at what the truckers call 62 Mile, a good-sized pullout used by truckers and tourist buses and just anyone traveling the road.  It was Pink Birch Tree on the Daltonlate September and the drive up north had been sunny and crispy cool.  I could not have gotten luckier on a time to be on the Haul Road.   Orange and yellow autumn colors abounded and even a pink birch tree showed up every so many miles.  (Click to enlarge.)

Tourists on the Dalton HighwayNo snow had fallen, but when we woke up that morning at 62 Mile the tundra outside was a winter wonderland.  There were tourists milling about, gazing at the frosty grasses that surround the pull out.

Tourists on the Dalton HighwayAnd as you can see, there was a long line at the restroom, so I decided to take a walk out onto the tundra, and I’m so glad I did.

I discovered frost-covered fireweed, spider webs glinting in the morning light, and best of all, an absolutely stunning mist rainbow.  I hadn’t known they even existed before, but now I have proof they do.  As the frost was evaporating off the tundra, the water vapor in the air created a rainbow that shimmered in the sun’s light.  As I stood watching, the sunlight slowly burned off the frost on the ground, leaving plants thawed on one side and still frozen on the other, and the glorious rainbow eventually faded away with the warmth of day.

A moment of astounding beauty.  Luckily, I took a quick video and lots of photos, some of which may give an inkling of how amazing that morning was.  If anyone ever tells you that the arctic tundra is a frozen wasteland with no redeeming qualities, here is proof that it is not true.

(Click on the first one and scroll to the right.)

 

 

9 comments on “A Glorious Morning on the Road

  1. Kathyteresa Rowland says:

    I have never seen anything so perfect.. so
    untouched by man. You are very lucky.. Thanks for sharing.

  2. Katie says:

    Amazing photos. I’ve never been there, but Alaska must be a beautiful land – worth visiting. A bit cool 🙂 I suppose, but that’s the reason why it is still so wild with – for sure such fresh, almost breathtaking air. It’s priceless and You live in the paradise, Lucky You :-). Take care and safe roads 🙂

    • judyinalaska says:

      I definitely feel “lucky me” when I’m outside in moderate temperatures, but when I’m waiting for our 3-4 month little window of summer, and the dark cold dryness is wreaking havoc on my skin and eyes and sinuses, I don’t feel very lucky. It’s all about give and take I guess, there are pros and cons everywhere you live, and if it weren’t a bit cool, like you said (lol), then this place would be overrun. And yes, the air!

      • Katie says:

        Hallo Judy, thank You for a nice reply. I wish You once again – safe roads, weather always as beautiful as on Your photos and – well… warm clothes 🙂 – for You and Jack.

  3. jinnysue says:

    ONE: I’ll bet Jack still believes he chose the exactly perfect wife. 😍

    TWO: I don’t always make time to read and view all your posts, but I’m really glad I did.

    Three: My favorites were, frosted fired plant, frosted spider web, the round mirror with Jack in the SW corner.

    Thanks Judy. I love nature too.

    Jinny

    Date: Sun, 7 Feb 2016 01:43:56 +0000
    To: jinnysue@hotmail.com

  4. Flo says:

    Nature at its best. These pictures are gorgeous (which is why picking up one is just impossible!) and you’re so lucky to live in such an untouched place. Thanks for sharing those pics with us.

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