-32C

That’s the wind chill factor at the Terrace/Kitimat Airport, or was a couple hours ago when we landed. Wind was over 50 kph.

(That’s -25F and 31 mph for those south of the border).

Power was out at the airport, too, which was mildly entertaining, but only because it was still warm inside the building. Winter in the north!

I can’t think of when I’ve been somewhere this cold. Mom speaks about being in Montreal during an ice storm and me crying from the pain and my tears instantly freezing to my cheek, but I don’t remember that and I wasn’t about to stay outside tonight long enough to reminisce.

I’ve been in Kitimat for Christmas many times since I moved here (briefly) in 1990, and I’ve never experienced anything like this. 6+ feet of snow, sure. Plane failing to land and ending up at Prince George or Smithers, sure. But this? How do you walk the dog in this?

(I’m now wondering about the dog, since Manchester Terriers are hardly built for this sort of weather.)

I had fingerless gloves on my hands at the airport. Mom went to start up the car and once Dad and I had the bags he sent me outside to scout for the jeep, since I might move fast enough to not die of exposure. I ran out, started to feel the life leaving my limbs, and ran back inside. I put down my purse, wrapped my scarf as often around my neck as it could go, took a deep breath and went out again, thankfully seeing Mom pull up. I was maybe outside two minutes in total, and when I got in the car my fingers were completely numb and stayed that way for several more minutes. Wow. I am far too delicate for this.

Thankfully, now that I have arrived at my parents’ house I may not have to go outside again until I fly back to Vancouver after Christmas. Never have I been so happy to be housebound.