Enough Layers and the Ass Don't Get Bit!

[jamesq]

I just walked to work. Air temperature was -32, with 28 Km/H winds, making the wind chill factor -48). Reactions amongst my coworkers ranged from "Damn that's impressive" to "Are you fucking nuts".

I figure, I can't run in this weather, but if I pile enough layers on I can certainly walk. Given I was carrying about 20 kilos of extra gear, I probably burned the same amount of calories. Unfortunately, it takes a lot longer to walk with all that gear then it would normally. 50 minutes instead of my summertime record of 35 minutes.

Most importantly, I've always liked taking a long walk in bleak weather (provided I'm not feeling the effects of that weather). I broke out my "PARKA, EXTREME COLD WEATHER" coat that the old man got me when he was still working supply on CFB Calgary. He didn't steal it, they were writing it off due to a tear in the fabric (easily fixed) so he just rescued it from a landfill. I love that parka, but I can't wear it unless it's this cold. It's too damn heavy/warm/awkward/bulky for anything but these kinds of deadly cold snaps.

The parka, an extra winter vest, snow pants and my Sorels were all I needed. Hell, give me an air supply and I'd be able to take a walk on Mars.

I'm pretty tired now. Don't know if I'm up for walking back. I might cheat and use the train to cut the distance to a third.

Comments

[oblivions.livejournal.com]

... if the train is running. Co-worker waited 30 minutes this morning in the cold, watched a full train go by then heard and announcement that there would be no more trains so please find another method to your destination.

[garething.livejournal.com]

It's running. I just came home on it from SAIT. I was held up this morning going to SAIT at Banff Trail for 15 to 20 minutes as the switches on the lines were frozen.

[oblivions.livejournal.com]

At least you made it somewhere... my car is frozen solid (frozen gas line I think).