Zero-degree temperatures. I'd never experienced zero degrees or negative temperatures. Having lived in the Phoenix area my entire life, I'd not experienced truly cold weather. Even my trips as a kid to Michigan and Canada were in welcome, warm summer weather.
Now here I was, New Year's Eve, in Flagstaff, and it was snowing and cold! I was settled into my hotel room, despite my head cold, I decided to take my vacation time. I could relax, take my cold medicine, and do what I felt like doing...or not doing. I'd been looking forward to spending time in the cold weather of Flagstaff and had planned this trip for this very reason.
My original plan included exploring Sunset Crater and then wandering downtown Flagstaff until it was time to watch the Pinecone drop at midnight. Wandering the shops of Flagstaff and the Pinecone Drop was most definitely out of the question. Instead, I'd spent the day relaxing, slept in, watched a little TV, and then, when I felt enough energy, I made the short drive out to Sunset Crater.
Even though my energy levels were low, the desire to see white snow against the black lava rocks was just too much to pass up. I remember the drive in and experiencing my car tire do a small skid on an icy patch of the road back to the visitor center. I remember pulling off at the first lava field and taking some beautiful pictures.
I also remember realizing quickly on the short loop trail that my Phoenix version of "warm winter clothing" was inadequate for the cold and wind of Flagstaff. Even so, I still took pictures and paused at some childhood memories of exploring the same area with my brother and mom. Before long, the cold was too much and I trundled back to the warmth of my car.
That evening, I had dinner, took a bubble bath, and watched Enchanted. I'd finally cuddled into some warm pajamas, taken cold medicine, and settled onto the couch to watch New Year's celebrations from around the world on TV.
Snow had started to fall again. I checked the weather. It showed zero degrees. I was so excited, I had to feel it. I piled on warm clothing. Two pairs of pants, 2 sweaters, a jacket, a hat, gloves, scarf. Then grabbed my camera and room key, I went outside.
It was, well, cold! I wandered for a bit. A couple of boys played in the snow. They slid on the slick surface of the parking lot area that was coated with a thin layer. They found small banks of snow and made snowballs to sling at each other. They were having a great time, and I couldn't help but smile at the noise.
I took pictures of the snow, then went back inside to warm up. I made it to midnight and was ready to climb into bed when I checked the weather again. It was in the negatives. Again, I was so excited that I popped back out of bed, put on my layers again, and stepped back outside.
This time, all was quiet. Snow was falling hard now, and the large flakes cushioned traffic noise that was just down the hill from my room. I didn't take pictures; instead stood in the cold and just embraced the moment. I felt at peace and relaxed. I was happy just to be there.
Eventually, I made my way back inside to the warmth and a cozy night of rest.
This trip was many years ago, but I'll never forget the calm and quiet of standing outside in negative temperatures in the early morning hours of New Year's Day, in Flagstaff.
No comments:
Post a Comment