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The old adage in Alaska is that summer is for building, and we have a lot of things that need built! We had plans on plans on plans for this summer, and they have all gone by the wayside thanks to the rain.
Firstly we were planning to finish the roof. We weren’t able to complete it last year because there were 4 windows that still needed cut in and it got too cold. Half of the house has been very dark without those windows! We had hoped to have them in and the roof on as soon as it warmed up. Except this summer has never warmed up. It’s into July and we are still averaging under 60°F. To add insult to injury we have had exactly 3 days of sun this summer, and it still wasn’t even the full day. We can’t install and seal windows and roofing in the rain, so I’m not sure when we will be able to finish that.
Additionally,
the rain and snow melt managed to take out our beach access, and that was a pain to fix! We can’t drive to our cabin without the access up the bluff. Gotta love unexpected emergency fixes. And our property had almost no standing water last year, but thanks to the rain its everywhere this year.
We also wanted to go BIG with the garden this summer. Between the cold temperatures and constant rain everying is about 2 inches high and waterlogged. I have potatoes planted in bags that are under cover so I have my fingers crossed I get enough of those to can for winter.
Another side effect of all this rain has been the massive mosquito population. We are using all the tips and tricks. From using mosquito dunks in standing water, using DEET on us and Sawyer Permethrin on the dogs (not cats!), to having multiple traps around the property. We even have electric mosquito rackets in the house, and we are still getting eaten! This is the first year since we moved to Alaska that I’ve regretted having an outhouse. There are always mosquitos in it!
Last year by this time I was over the drought and hoping for rain every day. This summer has been the opposite! We could really use a week of straight sun to get some of the bigger things done.
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