Anticipation has overtaken me! It always does. It’s a kind of travel insurance, this obsessive planning. If the venture fails, I have this long imagination of its perfection, formed and finished weeks ahead of departure, like an architectural drawing that I can bring up like an archived file.
It seems premature—a packing list and a pile already started, three weeks ahead of time. But never having packed for a cold winter, I rely on a few frozen memories, the internet, and advice from online Eskimos. And now I appeal to all you north-country emigrants, you refugees from blizzard, whiteout, hypothermia, and falling icicles. I need your suggestions. Please do not sit back chuckling if I appear going off like some rank amateur from California. Rather, come rallying with delicately-worded advice.
Packing List
Insulated winter boots
Thick socks and under-socks
Chemical toe warmers, “designed to work inside boots”
Mitten-gloves, thickly padded, so the fingers keep each other warm like four bodies in a sleeping bag
Finger-gloves for the warmer days
Under-gloves that wick away sweat
Thick winter coat borrowed from my sister
Thick vest to go under the coat
Windbreaker to go over the coat
Thick furry head covering that leaves only a circle of face exposed and which Sharon Rizk thinks she will not need in Pasadena.
Ski mask to go under said head covering to protect my identity
A Pauli-Dutton-style scarf for warming the air to -20 or so before I breathe it
The maroon dress that goes so well with the strappy black heels. This, in case my other oddities fail to get the attention I crave
Thermal tights with sweat-wicking fabric
Snowshoes, 25” by 8”, the right size for my weight, able to shed snow, all per the internet. I wonder how people walk in snow shoes.
Nordic skis, boots and poles
A high-tech LED flashlight, so light in fact that I swear it has no batteries, presented by Rick Wilson
Henry David Thoreau—“Walden” and other writings
Stephen Hawking, editor—“On the Shoulders of Giants”
Ann Jauregui—“Ephanies”
Anonymous—“A Woman in Berlin”
Ice skates
Ski goggles
Swimsuit, only because they say that only wimps do not jump in the lake just before it freezes for the winter
Laptop computer, and in case it dies, the little netbook
I am woried about the maroon dress but only because of the "strappy black hells". I am wondering what kind of "strappy hells" you are planning for, and perhaps something pink might be more appropriate? I tend to also think one puts ones best foot forward one hell at a time? Ah, if only I could be helpful. Rick suggests plastic ice-cube trays, they are light and handy.
ReplyDeleteTo my Editor: Thanks. Correction done. Philosophy on hells and best feet also good.
ReplyDeleteHee hee hee... I think you've got it all covered.
ReplyDeleteDon't forget Rick's ice cube trays... although maybe they are provided with your rental? better inquire, they may think they're redundant?
ReplyDeleteThank you both for your confidence. I feel assured now, going out in the cold with such sound advice. Thank you muchly.
ReplyDeleteThe picture -- Sharon in hat -- has a big smile :)
ReplyDeletehehe
ReplyDelete