Almost two months of heavy rains turned my hiking buddies and I into “weather hawks.” We look for and examine multiple weather forecasts for a four or five hour window somewhere in the state where the sun graces us with its magical light and warmth.

Some may disagree, but I think weather forecasts have improved dramatically over the last 15-20 years. But it’s not always right, as we’re at the mercy of the ever-changing moods of the Gulf of Alaska on our southern doorstep.

Over the years we have noticed that sometimes the weather changes faster than predicted. That’s why I always prepare for Wednesday’s hike the previous Tuesday. Look for hourly forecasts. Wake up at 3:00 am if you can be in a place that offers 3 to 4 hours of a phantom bright orb that has barely been seen since July.

My friends say I’m being driven. A more precise word is obsessed.

South-Central Alaska and the nearby Anchorage region also have microclimates. For example, the area of ​​Eagle’s River is covered by clouds, and Lake Eklutna, blessed with rain shadows created by the great mountains of Chugach to the south, can sometimes see glorious sunny days.

Similarly, the hillsides and upper parts of the Glenn Alps can be overcast by the Cook Inlet marine layers that are stacked around Flattop Mountain. However, it may be sunny in West Anchorage around Kincaid Park, even closer to Cook Inlet.

If you want to defeat the weather monster, you’ll need to drive your car away. Admittedly, Alaska’s road network is limited. But in general, you can greatly increase your chances of finding better weather by venturing north or east. DFGOA) = good weather (BW).

Two years ago in early October, I drove over 270 miles to the Knavesna area, about 100 miles south of Tok Junction, to find sun and blue skies. It worked for several days. We had a lovely hike in the Mentasta Mountains, which we hadn’t been to before.

This summer, Fairbanks was blessed with good weather in August. Distance didn’t stop me from heading there. It was my lack of knowledge of the trails in the area. Further north along the Dalton Highway, the weather was considerably better than in South Central.

Of course, it helps a lot in retirement. My friends and I can always jump in for a quick weather change. And this summer we geared ourselves up to do something unheard of: hiking in the rain. And we’ve observed many others doing it. Luckily, they seemed to be enjoying themselves.

It doesn’t matter if it gets wet for a short time. I have poor visibility. It’s hard to justify a strenuous hike up a mountain ridge when you can’t see a mile ahead.

Readers may find it hard to believe this, but in the past 50 days of near-constant rain, at least 14 breaks when it was sunny, partly sunny, or cloudy and no rain. Or found a “window”.

There are a few people in Alaska who examine weather data as closely as professional meteorologists. I am also one of them. However, it has not been clarified yet. Even when it’s raining everywhere, Moose on the Kenai Peninsula sometimes clears his path. Go to Figure.

Frank E. Baker Freelance writer based in Eagle River.

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