Ice Sign: A sure sign that winter is on its way ... a sign posted along an Anchorage bike path.

I took a walk this afternoon and saw a woman driving her convertible with the top down.

I know Alaskans like to hold on to every last bit of “pre-winter” as possible, but it was about 32-33 degrees at the time.

In my mind, winter has already set in. The ground is freezing up nicely, which is exactly what I want before the snow starts to fly. Get a good solid base down for cross-country skiing.

Ice Trail: And proof that the sign isn't a useless warning. Ice covers most of the Chester Creek Trail in Anchorage as it passes under C Street.

One of my co-workers rode his bike to work today and I had to give him credit. My bike – and probably my mind mostly – wasn’t ready to hit the trails with the temperature hovering around 20 this morning. Gina mentioned the other day that it’s definitely time to put the pogies on the bike to keep the hands warm.

I agree.

It’s also time to enjoy the last little bit of pre-snow autumn. The sun is shining brightly today and it’s time to get out and enjoy it!

-- Steve

Fireweed: A patch of fireweed is spent and awaiting the next season.