Winter has finally descended upon Valdez. Now, some might say it's been winter for months: only 5 1/2 hours of daylight, cold temperatures, howling winds. Winter in Valdez, however, is all about snow, and until recently we really haven't had any.
Two years ago, weather.com declared Valdez to be the snow capitol of the U.S. Last year, we cemented that reputation by getting over 420 inches of snow, near record levels. This year, however, is belying the past. As of today, we've received 141.2 inches of snow, 62.7 inches below normal for this date. Most of that we've gotten in the past couple of weeks. Just two months ago we were skating on Valdez Glacier lake because there was no snow.
Thane, Rowan, and I took advantage of the snow to finally get out and play this weekend. Saturday, I snowshoed out behind our house for about an hour just before dark (above photo). With long underwear under my pants and jacket, I was completely overdressed for 30 degrees. It was, however, great exercise for my legs and shoulder.
Sunday, dressed a little lighter, we headed up to Thompson pass for skiing, sledding, and snowshoeing. I'm still really hesitant to do anything that might make my shoulder hurt, so I decided to stick with snoeshoes rather than use anything that slides. The wind starting blowing shortly after we got up there (not surprising for the Pass), but it just made for good incentive to keep moving.
Of course, my imagination was inspired as we played. I'd just finished reading Arlene Blum's memoir, Breaking Trail, about her years in the 1970s and 80s as one of the first female mountaineers. She led the first all-female ascents of Denali, Annapurna I, and other mountains. Now, I have no interest in taking up high-altitude mountaineering, but her description of trekking the full length of the Himalayas was quite intriguing.
I know, I know, I'm never going to be up to that level of trekking, but there is a hiking tour of Bhutan coming up this April.... I think I'm due for a return trip, and I did say that if I went back I'd like to do a hiking tour. I suggested to Thane that I should go, but unlike last year when he was encouraging me to go, this year he's saying no. Hey, since when do I listen to him?
