As usual, shortly after declaring the coming of spring, we’re experiencing a February cold snap. Temperatures have fallen as low as 9°F. High winds drop the wind chill into the -20 range, where frostbite can occur within 10 minutes. The moisture in the air, even though lower than usual, makes the cold feel even colder. We’re lowering the blinds at night to hold cabin heat, and burning through the wood pile at an alarming rate. I’ve taken to wearing a hat to bed. I’m shamelessly indulging in a second cup of coffee most mornings, we’ve had to move everything from the cool box to the bedroom window sill to prevent freezing, and—well, let’s just say that outhouse visits are brief and very much to the point.
It’s cold enough that we’ve brought out the “big guns”: our winter parkas.
Aly ready for a hard crossing in Excalibur parka, scarf, balaclava, hat, and goggles (Photo: Mark Zeiger).
