Tis the season to look up

There is so much going on over our heads right now. (And I don’t mean metaphorical, or political) Physically, over our heads is a number of things we need to pay attention to in Palmer, during this last two weeks of September.

Steroid Sunrises and Sunsets—This is the season when those pale, baby-blue and pink pastel shades greet you in the morning and the rich pumpkin color and golden light bid you a good night. Look Up at these spectacular events, almost daily, unless we are socked in by murky clouds.

Mountain Color Wheels—At no other time— in our ongoing and constant mountain admiration society— are the mountains as fully dressed in color as they are now. Look Up and catch the burgundies and oranges and gold and deep delicious browns snuggled up to the remaining greens—which admittedly, are on the short leash now.

Autumn Auroras— The dancing shimmers are back in the dark sky now and although we have had a fabulous summer, we welcome back our Northern Lights and dancing lady of the sky. Look Up and feel both the magic and the secrecy that the heavens share with us in the dark. Hello moon! Hello stars!

Curated Clouds—Since mid August we have had some spectacular cloudfests! Look Up to see the large flock of small sheepie clouds, the full ocean of cloud waves, the highest, most fragile cirrus calligraphy in the sky. We have also entertained some major tumblers on the horizon, some enormous thunder bumbles and the most gentle and soft perfect cumulus trophy clouds this year.

Fruited Trees and Leaves— We all know that leaves have been falling for a few weeks, sometimes quickly and sometimes leisurely. But the hardy tamarack still has some beautiful needles, and the local townie trees still have some golden coins. red fronds and orange blades attached to their branches. The large cottonwoods have nearly shed but suddenly if you Look UP you will spot bird nests you never noticed all summer. The most beautiful fruited trees are bright red with crabby apples and orange berries. Birds aren’t desperate enough yet to strip the trees of the fruit, but that drunken bird-time is coming soon.

Solid Sunflowers—You have to Look Way Up to appreciate the towering and regal Palmer Sunflowers which are still standing despite all the rain and wind. Downtown Palmer are some impressive examples with the best perhaps in Raymond’s yard, beside Silvertip Designs. On the other side of the shop is the community gardens, featuring another brave and stalwart sunflower.

Lots of Sky Traffic Action— There are many active small planes, military jets, sky divers, kites, and a variety of helicopters busy in the sky right now. Look up and admire the crazy, innate ability of flying things!

Migratory bird flocking—You will see people standing totally still and staring up at the sky when a large tribe of honking geese, cranes or swans fly over. Look Up and celebrate the journey both to Alaska and from Alaska. Birds are so smart and know when to travel based on their internal clocks, body fat, light, temperature and physical fitness for the flight and food availability. But perhaps the most interesting thing is the birds’ ability to navigate using the sun, stars and the earth’s magnetic field to guide them on the long southern journey to warmer climates for the winter.

Migratory Restlessness—This intangible and anxious “need to move” is not restricted to birds. It is called “zugunruhe,” which is a German term for an agitation or an “electric call” to start moving. I believe we as humans also become obsessed a little bit with movement at this time of year. The time to tuck ourselves in for the winter is not fully upon us yet in mid September. Instead we are cleaning up our yards, putting gardens to bed, feathering our nest, hanging lights, taking the last drive on the mountain, and either hiding or finishing up those summer projects, It’s no accident that people start planning trips, purchasing airplane tickets, joining classes, and yearning for change at this time of year. I think we feel the same deep-seated desire that the birds feel when they travel. We want to both prepare our comfort caves for winter and also profoundly seek new experiences. Look Up and enjoy this season of change.

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