The Alaska Wymans left Orlando at 74 degrees. They arrived in Nome at -22 degrees. With the slight breeze, it was 30 below. 104 degree difference. I don't even like to hear the words "30 below." I shiver from that alone.
I'm told that at Amundsen-Scott station, when the temp hits -100F they crank the sauna up to 200 (of course they have a sauna), bake a few minutes and then run outside naked. It's called the 300 degree club. I've not met someone who said they participated, but I'd be astonished if some guys _hadn't_ done it, with or without permission. First, "guys" and second, 6 months of dark seems crazy-making.
I have dived from a hot tub into a foot of snow a few times, so I doubt it would take me six months to give it a try. Of course, you have to go there and be bored to have the chance, and after 72 years I'm not likely to pick up the desire for that now.
Late in the Middle Ages, masonry stoves and underground dwellings (perfected through centuries of trial and sometimes tragic error) allowed German peasants to winter more comfortably than English nobles in their freezing castles.
I'm told that at Amundsen-Scott station, when the temp hits -100F they crank the sauna up to 200 (of course they have a sauna), bake a few minutes and then run outside naked. It's called the 300 degree club.
ReplyDeleteI've not met someone who said they participated, but I'd be astonished if some guys _hadn't_ done it, with or without permission. First, "guys" and second, 6 months of dark seems crazy-making.
I have dived from a hot tub into a foot of snow a few times, so I doubt it would take me six months to give it a try. Of course, you have to go there and be bored to have the chance, and after 72 years I'm not likely to pick up the desire for that now.
ReplyDeleteLate in the Middle Ages, masonry stoves and underground dwellings (perfected through centuries of trial and sometimes tragic error) allowed German peasants to winter more comfortably than English nobles in their freezing castles.
ReplyDelete