The other day I went on a little drive to the top of Birch Hill on Fort Wainwright, where I would have a great view of the smoke from the wildfires just to the south of where we live.
Looking in the direction of the sun, over my right shoulder, you can see that the smoke has wrapped all the way around, and is blocking out sunlight.
It is almost surreal seeing such an imposing image on the horizon. This fire has been burning since early June, and the dry summer we have been having has only made these fires worse.
In the distance, beyond the smoke, you can see the Alaska Range has begun turning white. Probably about 4 weeks left until winter hits up here.
There have already been pockets of frost in locations all around us, and some of the plants on my porch are starting to show the effects of the mid-30 degree nights.
Later that evening, I took these photos from my front porch.
This morning, the smoke is so thick, the air has a thick haze, and is irritating to the eyes and throat. There is no escaping it.
I know I am praying for some rain…we are supposed to have some in the near future. I hope that weather report is accurate.
