Cold Snap

When -30 Hits on the Mountain

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This winter started slow. I’m not complaining, the mild temperatures have been very enjoyable. Walking down to the spring to see the water still running, cutting and storing more wood and being able to drive the road into the New Year have all been very different from years past.
I think when the weather is delayed, we all start to suspect it will appear with a vengeance. And, that it has. 

The evening before the cold snap

Snow

Northern communities have over 40 different words for snow, and it makes sense. With the sudden shift in temperature, the nature of the snow has changed entirely. In places where it was soft and sticky before, it has turned into a hard thick crust. Breaking it apart feels more like chipping apart soft stone, and sounds similar too. As I move this rock-snow away from one of the tents I think to myself;

‘This would make an excellent building block for an igloo’  

Animals

I have cold hardy animals for a reason! The bunnies show minimal signs of feeling cold, their fur is so insulating that when snow lands on them it doesn’t melt. The goats and chickens have all ‘fluffed up’, standing their hairs and feathers on end. This allows for them to keep a warm pocket of air against their skin. As long as they have a place out of the wind and some good snacks for calories to burn, they’re happy.

The chickens don’t like their feet cold and have opted to stay in their coop. The goats mostly do the same. I’ve blocked the air vents in the coop and goat house to keep in more heat. It’ll be a bit stuffy, but they won’t mind for a few days. 

New Respect

Living up north gave me a newfound love and respect for cold weather. I find the cold doesn’t feel any different once it gets below -20C. Then, it’s just… cold. I used to be very well acclimated, standing at the bus stop in -40C wearing the following;

• One long sleeve shirt 

• A sweater

• A down vest

• A scarf

• Fingerless gloves

• Pair of yoga pants

• One pair of socks

• Sneakers

• A Touque

• Regular underwear (Not long underwear) 

In hindsight, I don’t know how I did it. I would say I find dry cold is far less intrusive than wet. It takes longer to get into your bones, opting to bite mostly on the surface of your skin, nostrils, and eyes. As I layer up to go split wood my outfit is well beyond what I’d wear to go to the bus stop. This cold surely feels much more wet! Maybe I’m getting soft. 

Luci isn’t a fan of the cold

The Sun and Trees

The toughest aspect of this cold is the wind. On cold days I like to face the sun and let it warm my face, hands and whatever’s freezing up. The wind tends to rob that warmth, making for purely chilly days without reprieve. Even the trees, which usually sway in a warm breeze - stand stiff and rigid in the cold.

What To Do

Hopefully, this cold snap only lasts a week and I’ll be able to go outside without so much preparation - physically and mentally. Our snowmobiles prefer not to be started in this temperature and I’d rather not risk getting stuck.
For now, I’m happy to stay in and catch up on some crafts, eat good food, have some warm drinks and read a book. This is the winter I’ve been waiting for and I’m glad it’s finally here.