So I had a doctor's appointment in town this morning. We live about 18 miles outside of Fairbanks, Alaska, and our home is located in the hills. Hence, Our thermometer spends more time above zero than it does below zero. Thank Goodness!!! There are some "Pits around the Fairbanks where the temperature is MUCH colder...so when I left home this morning I looked at the thermometer and it read -14F. OK, if it's that cold here then it much be much colder in Fairbanks.
So, I turned on the weather channel and this is what I saw:
You saw it... -33F. So, as an smart Alaskan would do I made sure I had the following with me:
- Pair of good mittens
- scarf
- hat
- extra socks
- heavier coat than the one I was wearing
- blanket
- water
- cell phone charged
- sweater
Now, we don't *plan* to break down but at these temperatures if you DO breakdown it could be life-threatening. When you drive, there is this thing called "ice fog". It is the particles from the exhaust of the automobiles and trucks that actually freezes in the air and causes this really heavy fog. And not all places you go in town have plug-ins...these places where you actually plug in the oil pan or block heater that have been installed on your car. We all drive around with a plug hanging out the front end of our vehicle....and plug in to electricity where ever we go if there is a place to do this. It keeps the oil warm enough to move and keeps the motor working. A lot of people just let their car idle in the parking lot at these temperatures. It uses more gas but keeps your car and it's contents warm and you don't have to worry about your car not starting again.
Ah....life in the Last Frontier..... TOO FRICKEN COLD!!!
I hope your day is warmer than mine!
Janie
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| Sunrise - January 16, 2011; Fairbanks, Alaska |
I still have my old blue truck that we bought new in Fairbanks from Ralph Seekins. It still has a cord but it no longer hangs out the front. Before I left Anchorage, my ex had an automatic starter placed in that truck. I thought I was among the rich & famous when I could stand in my office and push a button to start my rig. What an awesome thing to get into a warm vehicle in that frigid cold. Hang in there, Jane! P.S. LOVE the sunrise photo!!!
ReplyDeleteThat's one of the weirdest things I've seen up there during wintertime - coming out of a movie theater to a lot full of empty, idling cars.
ReplyDeleteKeep warm!! xoxo ~T