What Would You Pack?

No smoke in the air today, but there has been and I'm told there will be more.  There is a major fire burning near Chip and there are usually dozens of fires around here every year. The Slave Lake Disaster really hit home -- our town is literally carved out of the forest, and from what I understand, there is some really old timber around here. 

Last year was apparently 'wet' (not compared to Ottawa) and this year is dry and hot.  Although I know Ontario has had a really wet spring, we've had only 3mm of rain since March 24.  And this is on top of less snow than usual.  And what snow there was melted and ran off before the ground thawed, so little was able to infiltrate.  And we've had some wicked winds... the Chip fire was able to travel 40 km in one day!   


Another thing I have learned about forest fires, is that unlike the lessons from Smokey the Bear to be careful with your campfires, almost all of the fires here are caused by lightening.  So, while we're hoping for rain, we hope it doesn't come in with a bang.  And its really luck of the draw on where that lightening strikes!

Last week we got a disaster/evacuation preparation brochure in the mail.  If we need to be flown out, its one carry-on per person.  And no animals.  We have a dog and its really hard to even think about that.  But most likely we'd be driving out of town.... [apparently we should keep our tank full as gas will sell out in a matter of minutes as soon as there is smoke in the air].  Still, strange to think about grabbing all that is important to you.  I guess I have some thinking (and packing) to do.   What would you bring?   

the minus is a given

Its so funny (and scary) to hear that "it's going up to 20" and know that that means MINUS 20.   Its been a long winter for us.   I arrived about this time last year, and it was similar weather, but it was a novelty at the time -- not knowing how long it would last.  Now I know we're in for at least 2 more months and we've already had 4 (and I was in Ontario for 1 of those!).  Last weekend we had a reprieve from the below 20 weather (with windchills hitting the 40s) -- it went up to 8 for 24 hours!  It was so great to get out for some longer walks (with good friends and a total of 6 dogs!).   I've been a little reluctant to do too much with Bowan, even completely wrapped up.  It was so nice to let him experience the fresh air without being cocooned in layer upon layer.  But now we're back to the cold... still, funny when the wind dies down and the sun is shining bright -- and you are dressed properly -- it really is beautiful, even though its still 24 (minus).   And I have to admit the days are getting longer fast -- a really pick me up!    It still seems too cold for my babe... but on the other hand, cabin fever is starting to hit, so I'm vowing suck it up and get out more before me and my baby go crazy! 

Santa in Smith

So, December 1 marked the lighting of the town XMAS tree... about 100 people showed up to watch Santa flip the hydro. We were a little surprised that about 1/4 of the bulbs were burnt out, and that they were old school incandescents... maybe a little "buy a string of LEDs for the Christmas tree" community project is in order?

It was pretty amazing to see a line of kids waiting to see Santa, considering it was probably close to -20C (with the wind) and poor Santa just sitting there! And of course, the night was complete with brisk walk home in the faint glow of the aurora (we didn't stick around outside to watch it get brighter).

The next big excitement is the perpetual Santa Claus parade... apparently it goes down a different street every night throughout December... and because its so cold, people just stay inside and watch from their window! Again poor Santa! But apparently he makes many appearances -- like getting off the plane, skate with Santa and even a swim with Santa??! I will keep you posted!

(Sorry about the pics -- my little camera doesn't do so well at night)

Frost and short days

It is still warm here --- but the forecast is calling for more seasonable temperatures (-16C) by the end of the week.  Yikes, that's what I wanted, right?   Still not much snow, but its fairly warm and damp, resulting in the most beautiful frost covered trees for the last two days...

We've also seen some lovely sunrises and sunsets over the past few weeks -- the days are markedly shorter.   You really need to make an effort to get out early enough in the day to take in your vitamin D!  And still another 6 weeks of days getting shorter.