Doorway to nature

The big Eclipse this week surely opened a portal to many in the lower forty eight states. It seems obvious that nature’s big events, like this recent one, are not normally admired or watched by those in urbanized areas of our country. Up here in Palmer, nature’s events are always big deals and deserve both our attention and our reverence and respect. And we comply because Nature is part of why we live here. So observing a rare astronomical event is of course an important occasion in Alaska. Sadly we couldn’t see much nor did we expect to see much. However that didn’t stop us from watching the eclipse watchers in many parts of the United States, Mexico and Canada. Many were jubilant and thrilled. Many were dismayed. Some were confused and disappointed. But regardless of their reaction, it was an important portal to the wonders of the natural world. We hope they will recognize the joys of weather and natural phenomena. We hope they will flock to their parks and dark spaces to look at the night skies. We hope they will appreciate more the gifts of our natural world. Now, in this Solar Eclipse event, it was a built up circus complete with festivals and food trucks in many areas. There was lots of coverage, T shirts, hoopla and commercialism. But that’s ok. If it opened the door to wonder, then it is worth it. It was pretty sweet to realize that when the eclipse happened, many bothersome views and politics went out the window. We treasured a moment that was natural and extraordinary.

Axle Limit Signs—This is a sure sign of impending spring. And unless you want corduroy roads to fail, or ruts, or outstanding sink holes, it is wise to follow the directional signs to limit your loads.

Palmer Pussy Willows—Pussy willows are popping and we smile because they are true love-signs of spring. Pussy willows are Nature’s payment for the pothole problem which we will now discuss.

Potholes, puddles, mush holes and mud pie lanes— We seem to have been lucky this year, so far, in the pothole department. But but remember Palmer potholes evolve daily; sometimes they become “pop-holes quickly!” Mush holes puddles and mudpie lanes are a different animal. Palmer Pothole etiquette: If you see part of the road softening, please flag it, so you don’t lose your neighbors. Post the pothole’s location on social media so we know what to avoid; keep watch as potholes grow and expand; and be careful with your sportsmanlike maneuvers to avoid it.

Aroma—It’s the smell of spring in Palmer. And it isn’t floral. Nor pastel. It is the smell of dog doo, compost and rotten ice. This year an added ingredient to the aromatic play-mix is spruce tips, due to the huge wind storms. Collectively, it does smell good. After a long and beautiful winter, the arrival of aroma is a welcome thing, regardless. The earth is alive.

Fresh Snow Will Hasten the Melt—Scientists say that fresh new snow is an excellent tool—in spring time—because it has more energy than the old rotten snow. That equates to more BTUs. Which means it is hotter snow and therefore it will melt faster and make the old snow melt faster. Now this may be true but it offers no consolation to me at all—this time of year. It’s like if you eat more fresh candy, the old candy will disappear from your tummy. Right. Winter, the arrival of aroma is a welcome thing, regardless. The earth is alive.

Break-Up Fatigue—Every single day there is a battle between the forces of good and evil. War and Peace. Sun and Ice. This is high drama. In fact “the melt” of yesterday was refrozen AGAIN by the night of darkness. Over and over again. This is the flirting bitterness of hope and despair on a daily basis. Break up is unruly and disobedient. It does not observe the obligatory turn-taking in an ordered season of life. It wearies with it’s deception.. And depression is its bedfellow. Clinically depression is highest at this time in the upper latitudes because of the continual TEASE and insincerity. It looks warm outside. But it is cold as a bone and glaciers continue to grow. There is really a finite time that snow and muck can freeze and melt and refreeze. But Break up is a passive aggressive season. And not unlike other faltering relationships, it eventually ends in a big puddle of mud. But the mud is welcome and finally mud time is the best of break up.

Bears are Bumbling About—And they are hungry and grouchy. It’s the time to be alert. Bears are coming out from hibernation and are looking for food. Bird feeders, compost piles, and garbage cans attract hungry bears so make these things scarce and secure. You may not see a bear in downtown Palmer, but they are very close in the neighborhoods and forests surrounding town.

Many Momma Moose—Be aware that these pregnant moose are not happy. They are hungry and they irritate easily. Give them space.

Barbara Hunt is both Palmer writer and artist. She works hard to keep the robust pulse of Palmer, Alaska. She shares the good stuff in the weekly Palmer Alaska Buzz Column in the Mat Su Valley Frontiersman and daily on the Palmer Alaska Buzz Facebook Group.. Contact at bhunt@mtaonline.net or text 907.315.3222