the reality of cold weather

the reality of cold weather

fiction
edward w pritchard


The times determine the reality. It's cold tonight but in a house, with the furnace burning viciously, one sleeps unconcerned for the cold and winds. We worry only the cost all that natural gas will accrue as on next months gas bill.

Not so native Americans who lived previously here in Northeast Ohio in January. Tonight it's 18 degrees with a wind chill of about zero. Last week wind chill was ten below. What's it like to sleep outside in Ohio in January?

Well I have. Once for two nights in ten below zero before wind chill's were measured and announced by the weather bureau.

We slept in a tent at boy scouts camp. We hauled large sleds around  all day from place to place filled with weights in a Klondike derby competition. The plan was to eat only certain foods but that plan was abandoned because of how many thousands of calories we burnt off trudging in the cold. Some eagle scouts wanted to build a lean to and sleep on pine branches with only a small fire and sleeping bag for warmth. Again plan abandoned. It was too cold.

I will never forget two days in sub zero temperatures in Ohio with no where to go to be inside and nothing to do but stay busy to be warm One slept soundly and awoke at 4:30 AM. One ate heartily.

Concerning the native Americans when the wind blows and the temperature is sub zero one admires our ancient forbears their fortitude, tenacity  and survival skills.

To be young again. To yearn to be alive.