24 Hours of Sun Light Options

[Justin & Brandon]

Hi Charla, we've really enjoyed reading your journal. We check it everyday. The pictures are great also!!

Here's our question: Since there is 24 hours of daylight, how long does it take a "new-comer" to Alaska to adjust to never seeing the sun actually go down during these few months? How did you and your team prepare for this adjustment?

[Charla_Jordan]

Hi Justin and Brandon!

I am so glad you are reading my journal entries! To answer your question--there is absolutely no way to prepare for 24 hours of daylight. Your body tells you that you are tired, but the sun makes you think that your not. There are many nights when people do not go to bed till 1:00 - 3:00 am. But, then you have to get up and work the next day and breakfast is at 7:30. Eventually your body gets so tired that the sun does not bother you anymore.

All of the dorm rooms or the WeatherPort tents have what they call "black-out blinds" where it blocks the sun from coming in the window. Although the second day I was here, I had the blinds down and the sun was still peeping in on the sides. I woke up and saw that the sun was up and, just like at home in East Texas, I thought I was late to work. It was 4:30 am and I went back to bed. Although it is hard, I believe this time of year is better than being here in the winter when there is 24 hours of darkness.

Thanks so much for your questions. Look for my animals journal entry!
Charla