Spring fever is a weird thing in Alaska.

The skiing is the best it's been all year. The days are longer and warmer. And that creates an odd situation -- a few too many warm days and the skiing trails start to melt away.

And it’s during that time that spring fever hits. In this case, the fever is the crazy clearance prices on skis and other outdoor gear at local stores like REI, Alaska Mountaineering and Hiking and Play it Again Sports.

I caved in to the fever yesterday afternoon.

After a few trips between those above-mentioned stores, I walked away with a complete set of skate skis and a new pair of classic cross-country skis. Once I swore I'd never get into skate skiing -- it probably takes more technique than I have or am really willing to develop, but I tested a set of skis the other day and I’m hooked.

Now that I've invested some cash in my new winter sports gear, my spring fever is calling for a few more weeks of cool temps to keep the trails in skiing condition.

-- Steve