Lessons you will learn living in a snowy place
This blog post lays out 23 hard-won lessons from enduring life in a deeply snowy place, covering everything from power outages to roof shoveling. It resonates with anyone who has faced extreme winter conditions, blending practical survival advice with humor and personal reflection. The direct, second-person narrative style, while engaging for some, also sparked debate among readers about its effectiveness.
The Lowdown
The article, "23 lessons you will learn living in a very snowy place," by Georgia Ray, offers a comprehensive and often humorous guide to surviving and thriving in harsh winter conditions. It blends practical survival tips with personal anecdotes, covering everything from power outages and shoveling snow to maintaining morale, all presented in a direct, conversational style.
- Power Preparedness: Expect power outages in heavy storms; store batteries, flashlights, shelf-stable food, warm clothes, and drinking water. Generators are vital but require strict, outdoor-only usage and proper maintenance.
- Snow Management: Snow is heavier and harder to shovel than anticipated, especially after freeze-thaw cycles. Clearing snow from roofs is crucial to prevent structural damage, and having neighbors with a snowplow is a godsend.
- Staying Warm & Dry: Proper layering, including rain/snow pants and gaiters, is essential. Even propane heating can fail without electricity, making a wood stove critical. Do not get wet and cold.
- Water Access: Well pumps rely on electricity, necessitating stored drinking water or the ability to melt snow. Knowing how to manually flush toilets is also a practical skill.
- Mental Fortitude: Long periods of isolation can test morale. Even hobbies might not bring joy, but finding comfort in small discoveries or historical accounts (like Shadows on the Koyukuk) can help maintain perspective.
- Knowing When to Retreat: Sometimes, the best survival strategy is to acknowledge limits, dig out the vehicle, and evacuate before conditions worsen.
Ray's candid advice, peppered with self-deprecating humor and vivid descriptions, provides a valuable and entertaining read for anyone facing extreme winter weather, highlighting the blend of resilience, foresight, and occasional desperation required.
The Gossip
Geographical Grumbles & Global Glimpses
Many commenters resonated with the story's themes, often sharing their own experiences or relief at having left snowy climates. Discussion also arose about the reliability of infrastructure, with some wondering if power outages are standard in snowy US regions, while others pointed out how design choices in different countries (e.g., steeper roofs, underground power lines) mitigate some issues highlighted in the article.
Narrative Niggles & Tonal Troubles
A notable portion of the discussion revolved around the article's writing style. Several readers expressed discomfort or annoyance with the use of the second-person perspective, deeming it 'obnoxious' or an 'immature human tendency to universalise one's experience' rather than a direct, first-person account.
Overlooked Essentials & Practical Pointers
Despite the comprehensive list of lessons, some commenters felt certain crucial practical tips were omitted. A common suggestion was the importance of winter tires for vehicles, highlighting their necessity for safety and mobility in snowy and icy conditions, often overlooked by those relying on 'all-season' tires.