In an effort to speed the thaw, the town's loader carved a path to our school door today. Hopefully the thinner layer of snow/ice will melt more quickly and less muddy. (Also of note, a good shot of the post office with its raised footings - typical of Arctic construction techniques. If structures are built directly on the ground, the permafrost will melt, the ground will buckle, and the foundations will heave.)
At one time I was thinking of taking a teaching job in Alaska. They were offering a tremendous bonus. I am glad I didn't. I wouldn't want to be dealing with all that cold.