Fairbanks to Deadhorse return - Alaska and Points North: Tips and Tales from the Road - page 159

As we head north we travel over the coastal plain where the annual precipitation is only 13
cm/ 5 in. However, the underlying permafrost extends up to 600 m /2000 ft thick, effect-
ively sealing the ground so surface water pools, creating vast and beautiful wetlands. Nice
for the birds in more ways than one. I have wondered why so many species migrate all the
way to Alaska each summer. Now I know. It's where the most prolific food source is - an
orgy of luscious bugs breeding prolifically in the wetlands of Alaska's coastal plains.
It's a good day for wildlife spotting, with about 100 Dall sheep perched precariously on the
rocky faces. Near Deadhorse a herd of stoic looking muskox stand absolutely still, staring
blankly at us. It's a warm summer day but I've seen footage of them standing just like that
in the worst -50 degree blizzards. Neither stance nor expression change. Maybe they are
saving their energy for dancing under the northern lights?
Caribou may migrate in herds of thousands but today they are gathering in small family
groups to graze and lounge in the grasslands around Deadhorse. They are not perturbed or
disturbedbyourpresence,barelyflickinganeyelashwhenwejumpouttosnaptheirphoto.
Caribou are the species that mythologically, we Canadians recognize as Santa's reindeer.