The sun provided only chilly brightness during most of April. On some days it begrudgingly radiated enough warmth to thaw, but everything re-froze at night.  On other days it never warmed surfaces enough for thawing.  Even so, and despite the last snow showers, the streets were clear and a few "summer" cars came out of garages and temporarily parked by snow piles left from winter plowing.

Above right: Fresh moose tracks appeared between the time a neighborhood dog walk began and the time it ended.

After a thaw, re-frozen snow framed icy moose tracks in the driveway.

April winds gusted through, whipping the birches and scattering debris.

Birch trunks maintained their usual stoic indifference in the wind while fragile bark flakes trembled, improbably anchored.  The sturdy trunks provided subtle studies in color and line, their bark recorded a visual history of branches lost, trauma, growth. 

A tulip poses in a snowbank.

Local streets lead to foothills that lead to mountains.

The centers of this eagle's concentric hunting circles gradually moved from the north, over the house, and on to the south.

Stylish clouds formed over the Chugach peaks.

Placid water in Cook Inlet near Girdwood allowed reflections on a falling tide. Snow is still at sea level, literally.