Emma Stevens: A New Zealand author of an Alaskan love story
Romantic memoirs from New Zealand writer Emma Stevens
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CLIMATE

People often associate Alaska with snow and ice.  Winter months are spent mostly indoors because of the extreme cold. In winter the sun may not rise till 11:30 in the morning, leaving no more than 4-5 hours of daylight.  Temperatures can reach - 80 degrees with the wind chill factor.
However  there is a lesser known  and warmer side to the state as well. In the Central Yup'ik area, the short summer season is in July, August when temperatures can reach 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The sun is also out about 19 hours a day. At this time the growing is prolific. It is the season of much activity day and night, by people, animals and vegetation. 
Summer rains through August mark the beginning of fall. Locals often collect and store these spring rains as fresh water before freeze-up.

For further information check out the following link
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First freeze up means checking the ice for safety.
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Riding on the tundra in summer can still be chilly.
The village has short daylight hours in winter.  Ice cleats are essential if you wish to stay upright, when sheet ice lies just underneath the snow.
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Beginning of freeze up and treacherous walking time.
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Digging out of the house.
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Digging out vehicles is part of the winter scenario.
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Here the melting snow exposes fishing boats.
PictureA summer's day in the bush.


Even though the day may appear to be warm and sunny, the wind can still be bitingly cold. Bugs can make life miserable for animals and human alike.  For these reasons, long sleeves and bug sprays are useful in the summer.

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Tundra is exposed after months of lying under snow.