I have always said that once it is Halloween, New Years is the next day. That is how quickly time flies once the rush of the holidays hit. So here we are, trying to remember the rush of November.

So many great things to wrap up the month here in Alaska. First month of the website launch, getting settled into my new job (which seems to be going great so far!), winter activities, and Thanksgiving! As we approach December, winter becomes more prominent here with the shorter days, longer nights, colder temps, and more snow. But, as not fun as that sounds to some people, winter here means a whole new set of activities! Skiing has started, ice skating the frozen lakes, ice fishing, winter cabins with friends, and auroras are amongst only a few things to do in the winter and there are many more!

As stated in the last post, the auroras have been extra spectacular this month. We had one of the strongest geomagnetic storms seen in the past 30 years producing one of the most vibrant nights I have seen. And the bigger miracle is that it was clear skies in southcentral Alaska! Totally worth seeing them for hours despite it almost being sub-zero temps that night.

Yuditna cabin Friendsgiving at Lake Eklutna

Shortly after, a group of my friends organized a pre-Thanksgiving cabin get together. Now this not exactly glamping in a bougie cabin one might find near a Colorado ski resort. In Alaska, the state recreation department has numerous wooden-framed cabins with wooden bunks, a table, and either a kerosine or wooden stove. No running water or electricity. I like to call it “camping without having to bring a tent.” This particular cabin that we were able to go to was called the Yuditna cabin located along the shores of the scenic Lake Eklutna. The reservation says “sleeps maximum 8 people.” With nine people and four dogs, we had to quickly put our intelligent brains together on how to Tetris our sleeping arrangement for a cabin that probably only fit maximum 5 people. Despite so, we were able to have a fun night together hiking out in the middle of the night 3 miles to this remote cabin, playing games, food, drinks, and skiing. It was definitely worth the iconic sunrise on the hike out.

Adult sleepovers in a cabin in remote Alaska

Thanksgiving was also busy and spent with wonderful people. Coming back from the cabin, we had a lovely Friendsgiving at the Reilley’s newly bought home in Eagle River, Alaska! Also had to find a way to cram people in for a special occasion, but it’s always a good time every time!

Thanksgiving morning was not the morning Alaskans imagined it would start… Shortly after 8am on Thanksgiving morning, Alaskans were woken up by a rather large magnitude 6.0 earthquake very close to the city of Anchorage. Thanksgiving has now become “Shakesgiving.” Now, earthquakes are absolutely no strangers to the state, but this one was the largest one felt since the 2018 magnitude 7.1 earthquake which happened almost on the exact date! Part of being thankful that day was that there was no major damage and no tsunami. So in typical Alaska style, we went on our day with turkey trots, gatherings for meals, skiing, etc.

Now things are starting to quiet down again before they pick back up. November may be coming to an end, but it is preparing us for all that December has to offer. More snow for more activities, winter solstice, lighting of the trees, Christmas, New Years- we are still going down the slope without pizza-ing.

“Shakesgiving”

First Week Down