Dressing for Yesterday

the frigid horror of 

six degrees farenheit

a severe wind-chill warning 

and a not-so warming sun bright in the sky

was still running through my mind.

and then the thermometer read 

-20 F

when I checked immediately upon waking up this morning.

- 20 F?????

 So I rolled back over 

and snuggled into the boyfriend's back.

The view from Pico Mountain after skinning the Hershey Highway

 and dreamed about how cold it has been.

constantly

the kind of dream where you 

wake up shivering

constantly cold

and unable to break into the warmth

save for your few treasured minutes

in a nice hot shower

So this time I grabbed enthusiastically 

for that would make me finally be warm enough

that I might actually sweat

and being completely warm

I do love winter,

so badly it hurts,

but even I hate the permanent chill in my spine.

My warmer touring gloves,

with waffled warmers

an extra layer everywhere

and within 20 minutes I was

steaming

sweating

warm

pulling the hood off my head 

feeling the steam come off my head

like a chimney

Steaming

Sweating

Warm

I found the cure

and I am finally so cozy and comfortable

except for the pain of moving

sliding each boot forward

my hamstrings are stretching

calves and hip flexors are screaming

Move Quicker, Stride Longer

the harder you push,

the warmer you are

and I am 

steaming

sweating

warm

finally

Jason Beaupre, a serious Peak Bagger & an old friend
of the boyfriend's, on his first ski touring experience

May You Find the Spirit of the Mountains With You,

Merisa