AFTOFAAATC
New Member
I've been to AK twice and both times in the summer and its really not that bad at all. Don't get me wrong, its completely weird to check the time and its 1130 and the us is JUST starting to think about setting... Its a plus if you like spending time out doors (my dad and I tapped in on the 18th at 0023 and had little difficulty watching that last drive) Never experienced the winters but my Uncle was also stationed in ANC for 4 years and they said its all hype about the winters. I would take ANC anyday. AFA however is not somewhere that I would want to live ... (been there too)
I was stationed at Eielson AFB (30 miles south of FAI) for three years and let me tell you the winters are no joke. The coldest I saw was -64 and that was without wind chill. Nothing wants to work at that temp. ANC is a seafaring climate and is spoiled with weather scenery and everything else. Another thing about the winter sun is civil twilight. That simply means that when the sun rises and sets, there is about two hours of light (dim) on either side. If you can handle 7+ months of winter temps and you love the outdoors then AK is for you. The summers definitely make up for the winters though. It is always 75-80 and the sun sets for only a couple of hours (depending on latitude). The mosquitoes will eat you alive. Lots of bug spray. I loved it, especially the FAI area. Truly the last frontier.