Only 13 degrees to go before I can go outside!

It’s 2’F, up from zero when we got up. I’m waiting until it hits 15’ before I slap on the snowshoes and go for a tromp. It’s hard to wait, since it’s bluebird clear out there for the first time in a few days (and I already had my coffee, jitter, jitter), but I don’t enjoy the snot freezing or the lung burning of below 10’. I know it’s not even close to Alaska temps, especially lately, but call me a wimp, I’m holding out for a reasonable temperature.

Anyone for an off-trail snowshoe after that?

Hey Alpine, it’s your alter ego eniplA.

I’ll be plowing the drive later. But I will wait until it warms up a bit. No snowshoeing today for me. I have some drywall to repair. My Wife might go out with the dogs later though.

Looks like a nice clear day in the central mountains.

Howdy, howdy. It can’t take you all day to repair drywall! You could be down here by 2, still plenty of time to get out there, and by then it’ll be in the 20s. Bring the dogs and the wife!

Heh.

I think I’ll hang here.

Are you having fun with the Census data? I installed the MAF software and it seems to work OK (sort of, can’t make a decent print). None of the data represents the real world. Which I sort of expected.

It’s almost up to 7 degrees! Halfway there! Sun’s up, so the temp should start climbing faster. There’s so much snow this year already that I’m able to snowshoe in areas I usually can’t hit until February. I’m heading to Lizard Head Pass today, I think, if I can get the car started. Otherwise, it’s up the road from my house and into the woods!

I haven’t tried printing anything from MAF. I’ve given the PSAP a few tries, but apparently I have to “get input” from multiple agencies or individuals or the Census might not accept the results. I’d like to create some statistical areas that account for the vast tracts of USFS land, but I can’t seem to make it work, so I guess we’re stuck with skewed demographic display. Not like anyone’s using it around here anyway.

Yeah, I have to get the Planning department involved for special districts and whatnot.

I gave the Census good data 10 years ago the last time we went through this. They did not use the data or update their maps. During the LUCA update we where told to not move any ‘faces’ or lines. I was going to shitcan all their data and give them accurate information. No can do.

I have Census blocks defined by a lake in a Wilderness area. I can guarantee that no people are living on that lake. 

Or a block that is an intersection of roads that is only 500 square feet. It’s goofy, pointless and inaccurate. But the Census will not use our good local data.

The ‘edge’ rules simply don’t work for rural mountain communities.

And yes. I agree. Nobody is using the data around here. I’m going to go look for my red tape knife.

I’ve asked and I’m sure the rules work better for cities, a few changes would allow the Census to actually get information for rural communities. I guess I have a letter to write.

Sorry, I’ve turned this into a rant. Have a good shoe.

Wimp!

Heh. I had to do it.

Forecast 'round here calls for a high of 4 for several days starting mid-week. We’ve got a nice snowshoe trail going already, but at 4 degrees… I think I’ll keep my outside expeditions limited to the vodka bar we built out of snow on the deck.

Hmmm. I wonder how cold it has to get before even vodka freezes?

Edit: 17 below, or thereabouts. We’re good for now.

Four degrees is dem cold. I’d stay in, too. Sounds like you’re safe on the vodka front - it’s good to be prepared!

I went out when it hit 16’, and had a delightful tromp. The sun is so strong here that it feels much warmer than it is, although there was a little wind. It’s in the mid-20s now. Balmy. I’ve done my exercise so now I can lie on the couch in the sun. Aaaah, Saturday.

Yeah, I remember Colorado. I don’t know if it’s the dry air or the sun or the altitude, but 16 degrees in Colorado is not the same as 16 degrees here in da UP. The UP feels WAY colder at the same temperature. Go figure.

It was 65° F with 65 pmh winds in Boulder on Thursday. A wind-downed power line sparked a massive brushfire. In January!

http://www.dailycamera.com/photos/galleries/2009/jan/07/photo-gallery-fighting-fire/17258/

I got us plowed out today. It’s been a busy week.

We aren’t too buried. Just a couple of inches of snow a day.

It’s warm here at 11.2 feet. 22f and sunny.

Totally crazy! Our friends had to evacuate at midnight on Wednesday with their huge dog, 4 cats and 3 yo twin girls. Sure, c’mon over to my house! (They did find a place with a very *good *friend.)