Cool Weather

This morning the weather man tells us that it is -42. The sun is shining and it appears to be a normal winter day but the wind betrays the sunshine and within minutes of experiencing the outdoors you realize just how cool it really is. While in the high Arctic I experienced very cold weather but we dressed for the environment.

Rarely did we worry about the cold even when with the wind factor the temperature dropped to -60 or colder. Only the exposed skin areas had to be protected. Our outer wear was designed to keep us warm and if you had to brave the outdoors you prepared for the cold. The first lesson you learned when living in the true north was to plan for the worst. A short walk could cause frostbite if you did not cover the body properly. Ears, hands and feet were readily available to the intense frost but simple precautions could keep you safe.

I used Inuit protection for hands and feet. Wolfe mittens were amazing and mukluks with warm socks were a guarantee that you would be OK. The face was open to the elements so the hood on your coat could be extended providing dead air space and some protection. Goggles were mandatory when travelling on a snow machine.

The one rule in the north to keep warm was to never exert oneself to bring on a sweat. Moisture next to the skin can cause tragic results as it causes you to lose body heat. There were some underclothes available which protected you from this problem. As a white person in the north you learn how to adjust to the environment by watching and learning from the Inuit. They were successful in that place for 10,000 years.