An Icy Blast From BC

Northern Exposure. That's my icy blast of a blog theme for January. For here I am this winter's afternoon clinging to the heat vent by the side of a handy hotel desktop computer in the midst of chilly British Columbia.

Travel opens the eyes and that's for sure. In this instance I can barely see out from beneath my multi-colored wool hat and Lesley's argyle scarf which she so sensibly lent me prior to my roving reporter's stint up here in the extremities of the Northern Hemisphere.

Having never before crossed the international border into Canada (Seattle having been the furthest expedition in that general direction), I was keen to see the snow-capped mountain ranges of Vancouver and the Northern Territories from the window seat of two connecting flights. What I hadn't ever expected was to experience this spectacular sight of so much snow quite this early in the year!

Hence my on the road reporter's apparrel of sixteen layers and then some (The Italian husband's ski thermals are working wonders on the upper bod, but two layers of socks and fur-lined boots have failed to beat the biting cold on my poor California-pedicured toes!)

How do these hardy Northerners manage to motivate themselves into any sort of productivity in this climate? Blimey, just figuring out how to sling the straps of my sturdy reporter's bag over such bulky layers of clothing is an episode of determination in itself.

It is true that the Canadians are a friendly, welcoming lot, on the whole. My British accent and California driving licence are a winning combination of utter confusion for the locals in this neck of the woods. Remote as it may be, they've all heard of Sonoma County, and more than a couple have chastized me for not bringing along some wine!

Well, I've work to do before heading back South to SoCo tomorrow, so it's over and out from British Columbia. Now, where did I put those gloves?

Comments

[Lesley]

Now then Lois Lane, hate to say I told you so...Aren't you glad you didn't bring heels? Is it the coldest place you've ever been? Watch out for Superman!

[elaineparnell]

my computer will not send my comments about a cold country. perhaps protecting the fenland reputation

[elaineparnell]

ah think it has now!! so keep the scarf for england next week

[Lindsey]

So, how was it? Am dying to know....

[Frances]

So comforting to know that you were all thinking of me as I tackled the extremities of bountiful BC! Absolutely no FR signature high heels in evidence on this trip - snow attire was the order of the day. In fact, I confess to having donned the same sweaters for several days in a row, such was the no show of fashion police in these extreme Canadian provinces! And yes, I'll be bringing the scarf to England, Elaine. Congrats for convincing the anti-spam blockers that you are indeed, the real deal!