A Drive into Fall

above: Fireweed in full bloom.

A local woman told me shortly after we arrived in Alaska that “when the fireweed turns red, Summer is over”. Last week in Anchorage, the fireweed still looked as it did five weeks ago when we crossed the border. But, yesterday on our drive to Denali National Park the fireweed suddenly indicated that “Summer was over.”

I have been admiring the pinkish purplish perennial bloom since the Yukon and it has been a constant companion adorning the roadways and towns throughout our travels in Alaska. Also known as Rosebay Willowherb, It is native throughout the temperate Northern Hemisphere, including large parts of the boreal forrests. It is a hardy plant that thrives in open areas with plenty of light and its seeds remain viable in the soil for many years. After forrest fires, it is the first plant to re-establish itself.

right: Another bloom seen just yesterday that fooled me into thinking it was still Summer.

Although the Summer temperatures ranging from the 40’s to 70’s have been cool for a South Carolinian, the fact that it was still August  fooled me into thinking that it was still Summer with more yet to come. After all, Summer in Charleston can linger into October. I was just getting into the swing of Summer in Alaska and now, apparently, it’s over!

left: Blooms gone from the Fireweed

I had noticed in Talkeetna yesterday that the blooms on all of the fireweed were gone but I hadn’t noticed any “red”. Then over the course of the 140 mile drive to Denali, the landscape and colors morphed from Summer into Fall.

The Aspens were appearing as plots of gold on the mountainsides, the low shrubs were a mix of red, orange and yellow. And whole fields of Fireweed had become vibrant seas red.

left: Fall colors of the forrest floor.

I have never had such a short Summer and certainly have never seen Summer become Fall during a two hour drive. It was really quite shocking as I am still in Summer mode but, Alaska time is different and I will have to learn change with it and move on out’a here or I may accidentally find out what Winter in Alaska is all about. Evidently Fall only lasts about two weeks!

above: “Red” Fireweed indicating Summer has ended.

“To be interested in the changing seasons is a happier state of mind than to be hopelessly in love with spring.” George Santayana