A short drive towards the outskirts of Nome reveals the scars left by a long winter. Bumps and ruts toss cars- and their passengers- up and down from their seats. As the snow melts in early May, brave travelers can make it just over 20 miles out of town before encountering impassable snow drifts. The tall task of clearing and repairing the roads surrounding Nome are well underway, with the Alaska Department of Transportation spearheading the effort.