Last spring I  visited Utqiagvik, aka Barrow, AK in March and to be honest I wasn't sure what to expect. Barrow sits about 700 miles north of my home in Anchorage, Alaska and is nestled up against the Beaufort Sea and Chukchi Sea (both of which are part of the Arctic Ocean). My first worry was the weather, I had heard that the wind could be relentless and cause the already cold temperatures to plunge dramatically. On this I wasn't disappointed, landing in Barrow I found the temperature at a comfortable -11 but when the wind got going the temperature tumbled into the -30 region (just cold enough to give you an ice cream headache from the outside in). Thankfully I came prepared with layers and coverings for all limbs. My next worry was the remoteness, that there wouldn't be any services available but I quickly learned that was not something to worry about. This is when Barrow really started surprising me. Not only did it boast 3 hotels, but there are multiple restaurants, a hospital, university and its own cultural center.

The landscape of the area was so very unique, for me anyway. It was flat and white, looking north was the only change of scenery you were given and that was because you were looking onto the Arctic Ocean but turning in any other direction gave you the same monotonous view of white snow mounds as far as the eye could see. I have to say though that the although the landscape and weather we cold and icy the people were anything but. Everywhere I went the people that lived in Barrow were warm and hospitable. They put up with my relentless questions and told me some amazing stories. Their cultural center was full of great information and artifacts and a definite must see if you come to the area.  Despite the cold temps I was still able to get out and get a few pictures.

Barrow whale bone arch

The iconic whale bone arch in Barrow with a bank of clouds floating over the Arctic Ocean, or at least the part that isn't frozen.

IP163Sunset viewed in Barrow, AK. The sunset was amazing and starkly cold!

The trip to Barrow provided some pretty awesome sites as well. Most of Alaska was still draped in her winter clothes and this created some breathtaking shots from the air.

L321A valley of snake like rivers.

Winter river valley

L319Clouds billowing out of arctic mountains. Mountains shedding their cloudy blankets