Life-Defining Snow
It has finally happened: the worst snow accumulation in 10 years. And, it's pretty impressive. My wife and I went to Aomori City today to visit friends, and help with the renovations on their house. These friends live just below the Moya Hills skiing complex, and their snow is REALLY impressive.
A decade ago there were 5 heavy snow winters back to back. We were in Aomori City for 2 of them, and we remember it well (not at all fondly!). It is hard to describe. Suffice it to say that by the end of February I had to throw the stuff UP to get it off the roof.
We had a year in North America in between, then moved to Ajigasawa and caught the last 2 in the series. Less excruciating than Aomori City, but spending the better part of most days moving something that is just going to go away by itself in a few weeks is not amusing.
So, why stay here? Well, mostly because we feel we still have work here. But today, I was thinking about it. With all my grumbled threats to shift to Okinawa, would I really be happy in a place with no winter? Probably not. Never in my 51 years have I passed a winter without snow. It is beautiful. The cold air is a bracing breath of glory. It makes you feel like you are really tough compared to all those wimpy somewhere-south-of-us types who just shuffle around in slush or cold rain - not a REAL winter at all.
And, best of all, it makes spring really special. I can't wait.
Sarah demonstrating this year's crop of snow.
A decade ago there were 5 heavy snow winters back to back. We were in Aomori City for 2 of them, and we remember it well (not at all fondly!). It is hard to describe. Suffice it to say that by the end of February I had to throw the stuff UP to get it off the roof.
We had a year in North America in between, then moved to Ajigasawa and caught the last 2 in the series. Less excruciating than Aomori City, but spending the better part of most days moving something that is just going to go away by itself in a few weeks is not amusing.
So, why stay here? Well, mostly because we feel we still have work here. But today, I was thinking about it. With all my grumbled threats to shift to Okinawa, would I really be happy in a place with no winter? Probably not. Never in my 51 years have I passed a winter without snow. It is beautiful. The cold air is a bracing breath of glory. It makes you feel like you are really tough compared to all those wimpy somewhere-south-of-us types who just shuffle around in slush or cold rain - not a REAL winter at all.
And, best of all, it makes spring really special. I can't wait.
Sarah demonstrating this year's crop of snow.
posted by John Elliot | 10:45 PM
2 Comments:
Very nice layout! Now if we can just get you to carry a camera and maybe scan a few historic album photos now and then to illustrate memories, we'll be set!
Thank you for the compliment. "Manri no tabi wa ippou kara..." (the longest journey starts with a single step).
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