-31F

this morning is the coldest we have had yet. the reports were that the snow would end, the skies would open and the cold would take hold- it appears as this is the case. the reality of cold here is sobering. the advent of cold is always here. the conditions are right, as we lose seven minutes of light a day. cloud cover gives us our warmth, trapping heat and pollution for us to enjoy. it's gray when it's warm, but the upside is the snow.

the clear skies of cold however, are magnificent. the pink hues at the horizon line are only seen at this latitude. the color of severe, deadly, cold is one of the most beautiful sites i've seen. the man made heat hovers close to the ground. homes with wood burning stoves sit on the side of hills, wrapped tightly in the smoke from their chimneys. your breath exits your depths with great force, only to stall before your eyes, sort of mocking you.

i've begun reading barry lopez's arctic dreams this week. perfect timing for a truly unique voice to speak to me. this is a land where the sun rising in the east and setting in the west is the lore of far off lands. where sunrise and sunset are a seasonal reality, not daily. it's one of the most unique, and misunderstood, places on earth. this is a land i now call home. i'm inspired..and cold.


it's never too cold for fetch.


arctic beauty.

ben