Is it spring yet?

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One night in Montana 50 years ago, it was projected to get to - 30 below. I had just purchased a mummy bag from Eddie Bauer ( when that outfit sold real outdoor clothes instead of all the stylish stuff today), The bag was rated for - 30, so I decided to pitch my small tent in the back yard in the snow and try it out. My wife thought I was crazy, but oh well, it was an experiment. I did manage to stay warm, but when I awoke I had the sorest and dry throat imaginable. Once was enough. John
 
Happy New Year!

Not too bad here now, we are 5 above headed for a high of 10. John, -30 is cold for being out over night. Hard to keep your feet warm.

A couple years ago on December 26th, I skied into Yellowstone Park south of Tower Falls till I had a good view of Mt Washburn and cell service so I could check in with the wife. I towed all my stuff in a gear sled, pitched a tent, cooked dinner and hunkered down for a long night. It dropped to -15. I stayed relatively warm thru the night. The hardest part of getting going the next day was my boots were frozen, hard as a brick. I thawed them over the stove for a while till they would flex. After a few hours of skiing I was back to my truck and happy to be off the mountain. It was a good experience, I recommend March when the days are longer and warmer. There is no place like Yellowstone Park in the early morning, summer or winter.

It’s those kind of experiences that make me really appreciate the times we live in. The early settlers really had it hard.

Kevin
 
:xseek John and Kevin, both of your tales made my ol' long-ago frostbit fingers hurt. You have my respect for your willingness to stay in the frozen northland when even the birds (heard of "bird-brain") head south. :wink: I rate those tales right up there with the guy who was repeatedly banging his head against a brick wall. When asked why he was doing that, he replied, "Because it feels so good when I stop." :xlol

I have done some winter "testing" as well: one winter it was my goal to see who had the best barefoot sand: Maui, California, Mexico, south Texas, or Florida. While each has their attributes, I have to say that: I would rather conduct that test again and again than ever be in the cold and snow. Bikinis vs mukluks? Tough call. Sipping a margarita under a palm tree vs thawing frozen boots? Let me think about that for a nanosecond.

Many years ago, I was one of those guys who felt the need to experience the different seasons. When the Blonde wanted to go someplace warm in the winter, I balked... but, grudgingly went along. We went from an outside air temp in the minus teens to the mid-70s (that's ABOVE zero, by the way). Frozen water and white death all around to swaying palm trees, barefoot in the sand, and people with exposed skin. Green grass and flowers year 'round. And (and this is BIG for those of us who love boating), you can be on the boat ANYTIME you want! Before you say, "one dimensional thinking", let me assure you that I am well-rounded... I am good with sitting in the cockpit in our C-Dory OR a sailboat, soaking up the sunshine. I am OK with walks on the beach OR just sitting in a beach chair, enjoying the scenery. The only ice I want to see is in my drink.

Sharing tales of "it was SO cold..." only serves to drive home the original premise of this thread: Is it spring, yet?

I'm in Arizona right now and it's too darn cold for me; I can't wait to get back to the warmth and my boat. :hot

Warm wishes,
Jim B.
 
-23 F here last night in Cokeville Wy and a not so unpleasant -5 F now with a bright sun glittering off the the snow shrouded trees with beautiful blue sky's above and calm winds to allow walking about with enjoyment combined with a dancing fire in the stone fire place when reentering the house. Its a good day and am quite content and so far to a Wyoming spring that I try not even to think about it.

As far as past experiences in bitter cold have seen the old mercury style -60 F thermometer bottom out in Kremmling, Colo and that's not to bad as long as one doesn't have to travel or be outside. Now during two winters in the early 80's worked outside for 8 plus hours a day including a third of the time at night experiencing combination winds up to 50 mph with with temps down to -30 F and at other times the winds much higher or not at all with temps down to -45 F and this did take special measures and hope never to repeat the experiences.

Jay
 
Jim, you and I think alike. It's a no-brainer. Multiple layers of various "hi-tech" materials vs shorts & a T-shirt...wool socks & insulated boots vs slippers...warm sand between my toes vs snow, ice etc...the warmth and health of the sun vs 100' ceiling of gray drizzle....hmmmmm....which would I prefer? I am going for an OUTDOOR run today, however. Just checked the thermometer; 31F but SUNNY & dry!
 
localboy":2utg1x8w said:
Jim, you and I think alike. It's a no-brainer. Multiple layers of various "hi-tech" materials vs shorts & a T-shirt...wool socks & insulated boots vs slippers...warm sand between my toes vs snow, ice etc...the warmth and health of the sun vs 100' ceiling of gray drizzle....hmmmmm....which would I prefer? I am going for an OUTDOOR run today, however. Just checked the thermometer; 31F but SUNNY & dry!
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Indeed, Mark. It's the difference between island-boy and mountain-man. 8) I think it's great that we have this kind of diversity here! The Blonde and I have tried both lifestyles and I know what works for us. We won't change the minds of the guys who live for that winter experience, and that's not our intent. It just that when I hear, "You think that's cold? Why, I remember the time it was so cold I had to thaw out my testicles before..." it makes me ever-so-happy to be OUT of the frozen northland this time of year. :twisted:

Aloha, amigo,
Jim
 
Back already from an overnight that didn't turn out so well. Weather was cold but great and we had a nice slow cruise home this morning. We got as far as shilshole before the Stbd engine ran a red light and wasn't peeing. It ran and started but wasn't cooling and my attempts at unclogging with air and poker did nothing but waste time in the shipping lane. We motored back toward home and detoured to Poulsbo for the night. Sure was nice to have that 90hp kicker on the back. It would actually plane out and cruise at 12.5-13 knots loaded for cuising so I can't compain too much. Still felt like limping and I guess we have a repair bill on the way soon. Aurelia down! For now.
 
Hey Jim,

Yes, you and Joan have the right plan in play. Hope to follow in your winter footsteps. No place better than MT to spent the summers though. I have been studying the NuWa owners site and looking at the many options for a winter getaway down south. Maybe your next book will be a RVers guide to winter escapes.

Kevin
 
JamesTXSD":23avh5so said:
It's the difference between island-boy and mountain-man. 8) I think it's great that we have this kind of diversity here!
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No doubt. It'd be boring if we ALL thought alike. :wink: Funny thing is lately M has been complaining vociferously about "the cold"; and she's born & raised HERE. The "perfect" solution for us would be late spring & summer in the PNW and the rest of the time in Hawai'i. We could enjoy the gorgeous PNW cruising, spend time w/ the grand-kids etc then when it starts getting...uhm, "lousy" out...we'd head to Paradise. Now to just win that lottery...

Aloha & Hau'oli Makahiki H'ou!
 
As one of the Mountain Man here, I agree with Jim in enjoying the diversity found on this sight. If my body would have cooperated so I was still physically able to wander the high country by my lonesome like in the past, I probably would still not have a C-Dory. Must say that in this stage of my life I find the exploring boating that Jo-Lee and I have been able to do in Southeast Alaska at least equal to the Mountain time with the comfort of the boat and Jo-Lee's company actually making the present preferable. Have found and enjoyed places even more remote from the human race by boat then in my time in the Mountains on foot and horseback.

I can still enjoy these Wyoming winters but on retirement did have plans of RVing to the south for much of the winter months. With the arrival of two grandchildren in the last six months with one here in Cokeville and the other in Denver, CO those plans have been altered. I didn't think anything would stand in the way of our traveling after retirement and am amazed how these two little wonderment's have captured my heart and time.
 
Hi Jay,

You are a blessed man - two grandkids! :D I've seen plenty of retirement travel plans derailed by grandkids. Not that that's a bad thing... I told our daughter that we would move to Phoenix and be her live-in nannies if she had a kid. I think that may have scared her more than anything else, so no grandkids in our future. :roll:

So, we'll just continue to be footloose. As far as traveling with the seasons, that suits our sense of wanderlust. As you know, I love the mountains in the summer... winters where it's warmer. Fall and spring somewhere between.

The most important thing is to be happy where you are... if you like the cold and snow, you, Kev, and John are where you were meant to be. I'm all about the variety: warm in the winter, a bit warmer in the spring and fall, and someplace cooler in the summer. My goal is to keep the Blonde in her comfort range of 72 to 78º... with some warmer stuff thrown in there for me now and then. 8)

Last time we were in Hawaii, I sailed with an old boy who was living Mark's plan: sailing in Hawaii in the winter, cruising the PNW to Alaska in the summer. A guy's gotta find what works.

Best wishes,
Jim
 
Congrats, Jay & Jolee! And don't we know about how they capture your heart! Here is the reason we are camping in our fifth wheel in Omak right now - Harper Eleanor Hamilton, our first grandchild, born 11-4-10, six days after she was born:

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And snuggling with Nana Patty yesterday:

ide_eyed_Harper_Snuggling_with_Nana_12_31_10.sized.jpg

So, to get this back to "Is it spring yet?" the answer is pretty clearly no, because the water would be on and the bathrooms and showers here at the Stampede Grounds would be in service, which they are not.

OTOH, Jimbo - how far is it to the nearest ski hill from South Padre Island? :lol:


Hunkydory":2ok1fob3 said:
With the arrival of two grandchildren in the last six months with one here in Cokeville and the other in Denver, CO those plans have been altered. I didn't think anything would stand in the way of our traveling after retirement and am amazed how these two little wonderment's have captured my heart and time.
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Pat Anderson":13tcyu4n said:
...

So, to get this back to "Is it spring yet?" the answer is pretty clearly no, because the water would be on and the bathrooms and showers here at the Stampede Grounds would be in service, which they are not.

OTOH, Jimbo - how far is it to the nearest ski hill from South Padre Island? :lol:

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Hello Pat, my friend. First off, that is one very cute grandbaby! :D We are still in the Phoenix area visiting our darling daughter and son-in-law... our grandcats are not that precious. Oh, and it is cold enough here that the RV resort's water spigot was frozen this morning... so much for that "desert Southwest warmth." We knew it was coming, though, and have fresh water in our tank; nice to be self-contained.

When we lived in South Dakota, we lived about 20-30 minutes from two ski areas. Yes, ski areas in South Dakota. Years ago, we used to get a season pass. We gave away our ski equipment when we sold out up north... and it hadn't been used in over a decade. IF we wanted to get to a ski area, our home in Texas is about 20 minutes from the airport. Distance-wise, I'd have to calculate how far to the nearest ski area... let's see, carry the 2... oh, yeah, I don't give a rat's rear how far it is to the nearest ski area. It may be about the same distance as that to the nearest snow-blower dealer. :twisted: Or the nearest frost-bite treatment center.

On the other hand, it is just a few steps to the dock and my boat. My neighbor across the street is a boat builder, so if I need something (like when I replaced the batteries), he just drops it off at my house. I have to trailer my boat to him for oil changes or other maintenance, but I'm in and out in an hour or so... no "drop the boat off and wait two weeks." I can wear shorts year 'round, sit out on the deck just about any day of the year, AND get abundant, beautiful, life-giving sunshine! :hot Oh, sure, we get some overcast and rain now and then, but it doesn't last for months. They don't report "sunbreaks" on our local news and weather. I can see frickie-dickie dolphins any damn day of the year. Riding my bicycle is easy because our terrain is level. I can walk barefoot in the sand... any month; really, pick a month. I don't have to winterize my boat.

And, when I get the itch, I can hitch up and head anywhere else. Even up to the beautiful Pacific Northwest during those beautiful 6 to 8 weeks of summer.

I gotta say, right now I am missing the Tropical Tip, my boat, the F-D dolphins, and the warmth. We'll be heading back that way in a couple weeks, and I am ready.

Oh, and how far to the nearest beach shop for you? 8)

Warm wishes from your pal,
Jim
 
Boat what you got, I say!

Yesterday I headed out on Jordan Lake in North Carolina. Ramp is less than 15 minutes from home. Weather was FINALLY back up into the 60s after a very cold December. Gray and threatening skies made it feel a LOT cooler and I ended up with three layers on anyway. Still got in my couple of soul refreshing hours of reading on the water.

In December and November, I regularly went out in mid 30s temps but the sun was out and I felt great out there. Nothing like having the lake to myself on a crystal clear day. Same routine as always - find a cove I haven't anchored in before, drop the hook, pull out the book and eat breakfast. Eternal springtime by my definition :)

Like Jim says, find what works for you - and for me, as long as I have to go into the office five days a week, a book and breakfast on the local lake year round works just fine.

Fair winds ... er.. waves - whatever floats your boat!
 
tparrent":32zft2nz said:
Boat what you got, I say!

Yesterday I headed out on Jordan Lake in North Carolina. Ramp is less than 15 minutes from home. Weather was FINALLY back up into the 60s after a very cold December. Gray and threatening skies made it feel a LOT cooler and I ended up with three layers on anyway. Still got in my couple of soul refreshing hours of reading on the water.

In December and November, I regularly went out in mid 30s temps but the sun was out and I felt great out there. Nothing like having the lake to myself on a crystal clear day. Same routine as always - find a cove I haven't anchored in before, drop the hook, pull out the book and eat breakfast. Eternal springtime by my definition :)

Like Jim says, find what works for you - and for me, as long as I have to go into the office five days a week, a book and breakfast on the local lake year round works just fine.

Fair winds ... er.. waves - whatever floats your boat!
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You might mention that it only took 4 years for you to come to that C-Dory conclusion. 8)
 
Let's see...carry the 2, we are at SeaTac in 30 minutes and in Sandy Eggo in nothing flat!

JamesTXSD":3b4bvbgt said:
Oh, and how far to the nearest beach shop for you? 8)

Warm wishes from your pal,
Jim
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Hmmmm, I thought it was, (spring today). Had the chores done by 10A, spent a few minutes on the boat, although it is on a trailer in a barn. then headed down to the beach for a walk in the sunshine, (clear blue sky and warm (40+) enough to sit on a log and watch the water for half an hour, (nearly flat, blue, and there were snow capped peaks waayyyy off in the distance, (Mt Baker and the N Cascades). Then went to the marina for a walk, and spent some time there collecting the rest of my Vit D dose, (which I have to work harder at than Jim and the Blonde) because I'm north of the 38th parallel, (San Fransisco). :shock:

Oh, and the Beach shop, boards of all types, suits and baggies too, (even wet or dry suits for those inclined) :lol: is in the middle of town, 5 minutes from anywhere. :thup

And it is a good thing that we have this diversity here, and through out all this country, or we would all be living with Jim, or Pat, or Kev, or Tom or ...........we'd all be here in Sequim.

I do love this place.

Harvey
SleepyC :moon

PLI_and_SB_CBGT_2_631.thumb.jpg
 
Gregg said:
"We got as far as shilshole before the Stbd engine ran a red light and wasn't peeing. It ran and started but wasn't cooling and my attempts at unclogging with air and poker did nothing but waste time in the shipping lane. We motored back toward home and detoured to Poulsbo for the night. Sure was nice to have that 90hp kicker on the back. It would actually plane out and cruise at 12.5-13 knots loaded for cuising so I can't compain too much. Still felt like limping and I guess we have a repair bill on the way soon."
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Gregg, sounds like you made it home OK though. Nice testament to the advantage of having that twin kicker :thup Hope the repair guy is nice to you.

Harvey
SleepyC :moon
 
Jim wrote
." I can wear shorts year 'round, sit out on the deck just about any day of the year,"

well I may not be able to sit out on the porch most days cause it is either too cold or too many mosquitos here in the NW, but I don't wear long pants cept for a funeral or sumpin real portant

I Love winter time. it means that I don't have to get up at 04:00 and work till darkthirty every day.Spring can wait a little longer gettin here
 
Please understand that I sure didn't mean to turn this into a contest. Well, not until my buddy Pat asked how far we were from the nearest ski area.

To get back to the gist of this thread, when we lived up north, I often found myself asking, "Is it spring, yet?" Many of the activities we enjoy the most (boating, motorcycling, biking) are more enjoyable in moderate weather. Going to work in the dark and coming home in the dark made winter downright depressing (for me).

I'll let y'all in on a little-known secret about me: I am an addict. Oh, it starts off innocent enough - a little recreational use on an occasional weekend. Then, you find you have to have more. You make new friends who understand and encourage you; enablers. Some are able to hide this from significant others and family; some are able to entice the spouse. Truth be told, the Blonde led me towards this. Pretty soon, it affects your work - you find it's all you think about, even while on the job. You begin scheming, trying to find excuses, no, reasons why you need to get away. Eventually, this becomes all consuming... you're open about it, willing to accept the consequences just to satisfy the need. You begin thinking about chucking it all to be where your obsession is accepted.

I am a boat person.

And I'm OK with that. We gave up good careers, a nice middle class lifestyle, and the respect of family and friends... to be able to wander around when and where we want. Oh, there are times that we get away from the boat, but it always draws us back. And the tumble down that slippery slope started with... "Is it spring, yet?"

So, before you say, "That would never happen to me," ask yourself these questions: would you rather be on the boat or at work? Did you spend as much time picking out a boat name as you did for a child? Which do you find more comfortable: wingtips or boat shoes? When making out a Christmas list, do you spend more time perusing West Marine or Bed, Bath, and Beyond?

Yeah, I thought so.
 
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