The first day of spring is showing its stuff -- bright sunshine, temperature around 30 and more than 12 hours and 16 minutes between sunrise and sunset here in Anchorage.

The season of darkness is over. Alaska already has more daylight than any other place in the U.S. (Miami has 12 hours and 7 minutes, Seattle has 12 hours and 11 minutes, and Washington, D.C., has 12 hours and 8 minutes.)

This morning’s bike commute to work didn’t feel very springlike -- 7 degrees at the house when I pedaled off, and I arrived at work with some chilly toes. But the ride home looks like a winner.

And I just talked with Gina, who was practically giddy after her ski today, saying something like, "Spring skiing is the BEST!"

The forecast says next week’s temperatures may reach the mid-40s. Not sure if I’m quite ready for that, but if the ski trails will hold for a couple more weeks and the cycling continues to improve it’ll be the perfect start to spring.

-- Steve