Friday, April 29, 2011

Winters in North Dakota

I lived in Fargo, North Dakota for a number of years, some time back. I remember the brutal, non-forgiving winters where it seemed the snow fell sideways because the wind always blew so much. Four inches of snow looked to be 3 feet deep due to the blowing and drifting. I remember below zero temperatures for 30 days straight with windchills commonly dropping to 30-40 below zero. Layers upon layers of clothing is what it takes to survive this type of winter climate. Two pair of socks (no holes) plus a third pair of heavy woolen socks. Underwear, (no holes) long underwear bottoms and a good pair of jeans that don't fit too tight. Undershirt, t-shirt, long underwear top and a thick flannel shirt followed by a sweatshirt and warm winter jacket. For boots, quality insulated winter pacs were a necessity and gloves inside of mittens to keep my hands warm (as well as a second pair kept in a warm place to switch into when my hands got cold. A thick knitted stocking cap and scarf to protect my face from the biting wind. It would literally take me close to 30 minutes to prepare and dress myself for these North Dakota winters.