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December 20, 2006

It Snowed..and Still is!

The crew and 30+ inches of snow...time to shovel!

There has been some debate going on in this household over the past few weeks. You see my father and his wife, Susan, are coming to Valdez for the week between Christmas and New Years. The question at hand is: should they bring their touring skis or not?

Until yesterday there was room to wonder. Before yesterday, there was just enough snow to cover the grass. Then 24 hours ago it started to snow. It is still snowing. Take a look at the new gallery to see the evidence. As you can see, there is no longer a debate; Papa, bring your skis.

This summer, several old-time fishermen told me that the worst storms in Alaska come with the new and full moons. I doubt there is any scientific research to back up this statement, but I can attest that there seems to be plenty of anecdotal evidence that proves the theory. Enough such evidence that I would think twice before traveling on Alaskan waters during those phases of the moon. The interesting thing is that tonight is the new moon.

Yesterday we started to cut our teeth in the Chugach Range. The day was shortened by my need to get some work done and the poor visibility. My goodness, we are out of shape, though that is what we get for being on the boat this summer. As my heart was pounding and I was breathing hard, all at a measly 2,700 feet above sea level, I longed for my winter lungs and strength. Usually by Christmas I have been skiing and hiking at 11,000 and 12,000 feet for over a month and have acclimatized to such great altitudes; this sea level thing is killing me. So the 10 days of pain begin. The 10 days of getting lungs and legs in shape. The 10 days of being sore and tired. But then, there is all that snow!!!

Posted by Michael at December 20, 2006 11:53 AM

Comments

Posted by: Rob Wham at December 30, 2006 10:37 PM

Posted by: Heiko at December 20, 2006 8:13 PM

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