Maggie's Farm

I found my military tour in AK informative for a southern Nevadan who largely grew up in Fl. Minus 20 in Fairbanks was OK, but after about 90 minutes of watching the auroras, I'd start seriously asking the much better half if she was getting cold and wanted to go home. I simply couldn't feel anything below my knees. But she's from MI. The kids went outside to recess unless it was below -20. In spring, they'd walk home from school dragging their coats in the snow when it was -20, just wearing heavy shirts. (It was usually calm with a bright sun, but not always). I'd cross country ski at -15 to -20 and have to doff clothes due to overheating (mostly because I was incompetent and fell far too often). The Fairbanks newspaper had a wonderful story once about a local year-round cyclist who, while on his rounds would exude 3-6 inch snotcycles that ran from his nostrils past his bearded chin. Now, living in Fl, I find I can tolerate barely 30-50 degree weather. It's all about what you're used to. But, -45 and below, hurt. I deployed to Saudi Arabia and returned for my mid tour. Riyad was +80 degree and Fairbanks, when I arrived 36 hours later, was -40, a 120 degree temperature change. I appreciated my wife bringing my parka when she and the kids picked me up. :) It's phenomenal what we can adjust to.