Five hours, 37 minutes.
That’s how much daylight we had today. It was one minute, 53 seconds less than yesterday. And it was more than we’ll have tomorrow.
This is the hardest time of year for ma
ny people in Alaska. Shadows are long at mid-day and, if you have a day job, your morning and afternoon commutes are both done in darkness.Everyone has a different way of coping with the lack of sun. Some sit in front of SAD lights; some turn to the warm glow of a bottle; the lucky ones buy plane tickets to the tropics; others cook themselves in tanning salons until they look like overgrown Oompa Loompas.
Fortunately, I’ve never been all that adversely affected by the lack of light. I rather enjoy it, as a matter of fact. It makes those long days in March that much sweeter. And pedaling through a forest illuminated only by battery-powered LEDs is fun as hell. A night of riding always helps me carry some sanity through the next day.
Some people think the dim light of winter is depressing. I think it’s photogenic. Strangely enough, I’m considered pretty cynical on many matters, but I’m an optimist when it comes to winter. I skip the SAD lights and tanning salons. A bunch of friends on fat bikes is the best antidepressant I've found so far.
But, just to be on the safe side, I have some of those tickets to the tropics.
I’m not crazy.
3 comments:
Awesome! You definitely are not CRAZY!
Enjoy your trip to the tropics whenever that may be. In the meantime, enjoy the best remedy for SAD anyone could have :)
I remember when I was in Fairbanks, sun rose at 10ish, set by 4. I am one that was affected by the light, I was usually in bed by 5! Needless to say, I didn't do so well in school.... The first winter I was there, the snowfall was 144"!! I bought a BMX bike and spent the winter riding and busing it. I love your blog. It is a connection to a land I miss.
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