When Alaska surprises you with 80-degree weather

I came across something other Alaskans might appreciate especially with global warming and all. Last June I spent some time at the East Pole in temperatures around 80 degrees F. At the time I discovered I didn't have a shirt out there that wasn't flannel or wool, no sun block either, and I suffered accordingly.

When I came back I went about taking care of that and ordered a couple of lightweight pullovers and a shirt LLBean called sunsmart. I liked the shirt and on a whim one night (late night, glass of wine, credit card sort of thing) I ordered another one.

This time I read the label. What it says is this shirt has a UBF rating of 50 plus. In addition, it's cool, moisture-wicking, breathable and quick drying. You can also roll it up and stick it in a backpack and it takes up very little space and weighs almost nothing.

I haven't put them to a real test yet but so far loving them. I don't often recommend a product but I think this one's a winner. (And, no, I am not being paid to do this.)

A few things I learned in the past couple of days

Another one of those nickel quizzes