The weather has been colder than normal, and we have gotten about 61 inches of snow this season. That's about five times what we got last year and better than double a normal year.
The snow is creeping up to my dormer window. Cabin fever has set in. So what to do?
Planning the Next Trek
That's what we are doing. Questions to be answered include:
- Where to go.
- When to go.
- How to get there.
For the present, we are hunkered down here in the Midwest. Last year we had about 12 inches of snow. In a typical year we get about 26 inches. This year we have 60 inches and counting. What a bounty! It seems I'd have to drive about 1,000 miles to get to good weather, and on the route I'd pass through more snow and ice.
A few weeks ago, returning from a business trip to California, the temperature when I got off the plane and stepped out of O'hare Airport was 80F colder. Shazam! Now that will wake one up.
I've been in Wyoming in the winter, experienced -65F wind chills in Iowa and so I can't say this is all that arduous a winter. Here in the Midwest, we get to experience this from time to time. No Biggie! Of course, for Tom Skilling this is an even bigger bounty. Here's my formula. Take whatever Mr. Skilling says and pick the low number. Over time that will be closer to reality. For example, 2 to 6 inches of snow "predicted?" Then use 2 inches and look outside in the morning.
However, I must admit that it is somewhat daunting to plan a trek in the warm sunshine under these conditions. Yet, Spring is only 36 days away. What I am experiencing each day is temporary and fleeting. I'm of the opinion that when we get to 30 days, that will mark the commencement of the "downhill run." Yes, I know, the arrival of Spring, as marked by March 20 does not mean the arrival of good weather. That is not news. When I was a small child we would sing nursery rhymes and other ditties. I recall "April showers bring May flowers." When I was a child I thought everyone was insane; we didn't see flowers in any abundance until June. Then there was that song from "Easter Parade." It spoke of parades, clover and bonnets. We were hunkered down and walking around in boots. To wear one's spring best for Easter was an invitation to jack frost to chill your bones and for cold and soggy socks.
Easter Parade
In your easter bonnet, with all the frills upon it,
You’ll be the grandest lady in the easter parade.
I’ll be all in clover and when they look you over, I’ll be the proudest fellow in the easter parade.
On the avenue, fifth avenue, the photographers will snap us,
And you’ll find that you’re in the rotogravure.
Oh, I could write a sonnet about your easter bonnet,
And of the girl I’m taking to the easter parade.
In your easter bonnet, with all the frills upon it,
You’ll be the grandest lady in the easter parade.
I’ll be all in clover and when they look you over, I’ll be the proudest fellow in the easter parade.
On the avenue, fifth avenue, the photographers will snap us,
And you’ll find that you’re in the rotogravure.
Oh, I could write a sonnet about your easter bonnet,
And of the girl I’m taking to the easter parade.
Nevertheless, I am building my "to do" list and planning for that first trek.
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