Longer Days

Yesterday when I walked out of work, a little after 5 (maybe even 5:30), this was the view that greated me.  It actually stopped me in my tracks and made me wish I had backed in to my parking space so I could stare at the sky while my car warmed up.  Usually the cold air hits me and I see a row of cars in the dark that have been autostarted from inside the building and I have autostart envy.  I just put on warmer clothes and don't forget my hat and gloves now.  Plus I listen to the radio, which is nice because my drive is so short that I would otherwise get 5 minutes of news each day. 

We got a tiny dusting of tiny snowflakes last night.  I doubt it registers anything other than 'trace' on any measuring system.  But it made me hopeful for improved conditions for my Saturday morning plans on the mountain with my dog and other fellow crazy dog people.  It will be a nice break from running, swimming, and yoga workouts.  And the big dog will be a little tired.  Maybe. 

Snowless winter

This is March last year, a little more than 11 months ago.  I can't give you a comparison shot of this year because I haven't bothered to get out in the backcountry.  At all.  In fact, I have only been down to the resort once.  It's been closed a lot.  I didn't even know that was possible. 

I have taken to cutting out paper snowflakes and hanging them on my cube wall next to pictures of snow crystals.  I think I will put off learning how to telemark ski.  But I'm determined to go skate skiing.  Ice skating is good now that's below freezing again.  And running and swimming aren't too bad.  But biking is only good off the trails.  It turns out the snow eventually forms footprint depressions and then turns to ice.  Very bumpy for biking on. 

I'm so desperate that I am actually considering moving my workout back to the mountain and just skiing the ice covered groomed trails.  I hear tomorrow is the decision day for the Iditarod start location.  Did you know that sometimes they move the start to Fairbanks?  I just learned that today.  Two more fun facts: we finally have more than 8 hours/day of daylight (gained more than 5 minutes today!) and the clear sky allows for some fantastic star and planet viewing.  If you can handle the cold. 

Tutu

Yesterday I participated in my first ever ski race.  Never mind that it was in the party wave, I still got a number pinned to my tutu and a completion...checkmark.  Some of you may recognize this outfit, and you would be correct if you guessed that I used the tutu and hat last year for a company sponsored running race.  Once can never be enough for a flamingo. It must fly free frequently.  The team theme was caribou, very appropriate for the eskimo culture.  I said I would participate if I could wear my tutu.  Luckily the team organizer saw the humor and approved.  Tutu is the word for caribou in their language.  I suspect the tutu will ride again.  Almost as glorious as the Seahawks.