Autumn in Alaska

Fall is upon us here in Alaska.  The leaves are yellow and orange and the fireweed has turned red.  Before moving here I had never seen fireweed, but it is a beautiful wildflower or weed that blooms in August with bright flowers and then in the fall the leaves turn red.  From what I've heard, fireweed is common out West.

I miss Vermont a lot right now.  There is no where as beautiful as Vermont during the fall.  The colors are like an explosion.  The air is as crisp and wonderful as a bite out of a juicy apple and the afternoon sun is still warm and bright.  I experienced three Vermont falls, so I'm going through withdraw! I can't wait to go back.  As a student I don't think I did a very good job of enjoying my surroundings as much as I should have.  That is one reason I'm trying to experience Alaska as much as possible while I'm here.

I was fortunate enough to see some caribou today and a moose.  The caribou are not shy or aggressive.  They kept to themselves and pretty much ignored me.  I was able to get pretty close and take some good pictures.  The moose on the other hand quickly darted away.  It was a young moose.  I've yet to see a bull moose.  It is moose hunting season and I was told all the bull moose have gone up into the mountains to hide??

I've been looking for mums and pumpkins, but I haven't found any yet.  And there is no apple cider either! Outrageous!  

Enjoy some pictures I took today of fall in Alaska and the caribou.