Warm Weather Wednesday

How warm is it?  Cataloochee Ski, our neighbor, has just announced that they will be closing this coming Sunday, March 6.  Last year, they closed April 11. (And congratulations to them on completing their 50th season.  What an awesome accomplishment!)

Cataloochee skiers enjoying this past weekend's fun.

After a very snowy and cold January, we have had one of the warmest and driest Februarys we can remember.  For a Siberian, nothing is worse than a warm winter month.  Well, except maybe those humans smiling about it.

Our revenge is very predictable, however.  Since the ski resort maintains the road off of our mountain, they stop clearing snow as soon as they close.  Every year, there is snow that falls after they close and our humans are stuck figuring out how to drive the 15% grade on a snow slick road.  We are counting on a wonderfully miserable March and April.

In the meantime, pictures of our suffering:

Natasha says a February day is not supposed to be this warm (the picture was taken Sunday on the closed Blue Ridge Parkway).

Kiska says her wooly coat had better start shedding any day now.

Qannik is so warm he just melted.

P.S. – The good news is that the Blue Ridge Parkway in our area should reopen soon which will allow us access to some of our favorite trails.  A week ago, we were still finding snow covered roads (the Parkway has very little snow removal budget, so they just close the road when it snows which means that our section is closed for several months each year).  This past Sunday, our hiking found very little snow even above 5000′ (1500 meters).

17 Comments

  1. Khumbu on March 5, 2011 at 10:40 am

    Wooo we feel your pain. We been having 26C but yesterday winter returned and we got loads more snow. Hope you get some soon and more importantly I hope Qannik grows some more legs for the inevitable snow 🙂

  2. KB on March 2, 2011 at 8:55 pm

    The closing of the ski area so early pretty much assures that you have a couple of blizzards coming your way 🙂

    Sorry about the warmth, all you Sibes. I bet you’ll get some winter weather soon.

    Our road has 2 miles that average a 16% grade (at least that’s what the sign says). If the plow/sand crews get even slightly behind during a storm, it turns into a bumper car nightmare with people sliding backwards down it. I cannot imagine your road without any maintenance!

  3. NCMountainwoman on March 2, 2011 at 8:07 pm

    Sorry, Herd. I must admit I have loved every single warm and sunny day. The Goldens are glad the temperatures are dropping more at night. Makes that morning walk ever so much more fun.

  4. RADINKA on March 2, 2011 at 5:07 pm

    Dear Herd…what is considered “warm” to you? Give me a temperature 🙂

  5. Huffle Mawson on March 2, 2011 at 4:37 pm

    Well, it’s meant to be warm here until the end of March and it’s cold today! Maybe we are getting the snow you were meant to have?

  6. Shawnee the Shepherd on March 2, 2011 at 2:35 pm

    Fur as hard as we has been trying to melt all our snows here, we did not mean to melt yours too! I is going to be hiking on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Furginia in April. Keep the snow off up at that end, k?

  7. siku marie on March 2, 2011 at 2:19 pm

    There is always that March comes in like a Lion thing…you could get howling huge snowstorms for several weeks yet…get that Universal Sibe Vibe going! The White Dog Army? We are enjoying scouting for new shoots of grass and budding sticks.

  8. Sammie and Avalon and Ozzie on March 2, 2011 at 12:59 pm

    Sounds dire – all of it; lack of snow now and the surety of it falling in the next mo. and a half… Oh dear is right! A 15% grade is super steep – hope any precip is rain… Poor Qannik! And the others, tongues hanging out, must be so miserable as well! We’re hoping for the best for everyone there in Maggie Valley!
    Hugs xoxoxo
    Sammie, Avalon and Ozzie

  9. Carolyn on March 2, 2011 at 11:48 am

    Weirdest weather ever. We had tons of snow and ice for early February which is not normal for here… And of course now I’ve had to turn the a/c on twice! What?!

    That is too bad the ski resort has to close up earlier, and yeah, just watch-huge snowstorm will plow through late March. Good luck with that!

  10. The OP Pack on March 2, 2011 at 11:13 am

    Too bad about the snow and safe driving to the humans. Our weather guys say we had 35 inches of snow, but we think they must have used a faulty measuring stick. And now they say we will have a very wet and cold spring – meaning lots and lots of mud – oh, joy!!!

    Woos ~ Phantom, Thunder, and Ciara

  11. The Army of Four on March 2, 2011 at 10:54 am

    It was 63 here yesterday! 63! That’s insane! And why are the bipeds so happy about it!?!?! Today is much better. Shouldn’t get out of the 30s. Whew.
    Play bows,
    Zim

  12. Kari on March 2, 2011 at 10:37 am

    I dont envy you come shedding season…

    Kari
    http://dogisgodinreverse.com

  13. HUSKYS RULE on March 2, 2011 at 8:26 am

    A melted Q-tip (arf arf)!!!! Herd we understand your discomfort…Our hu-mans are so excited about the warmer weather but we are hoping that y’all get another blizzard your way!

    Licks & Nibbles,
    Kody & Nia

  14. houndstooth4 on March 2, 2011 at 8:05 am

    Poor Qannik! I wish we had the same problem here! We’d be happy to send you the rest of our snow.

  15. Jen Bare on March 2, 2011 at 7:37 am

    I like the name of that ridge, “Thunder Struck”. It’s been struck by the Thundering Herd. Ha ha hee hee.

  16. Khyra on March 2, 2011 at 6:44 am

    I so chukhkled at the Melted Qtip!

    Hugz&Khysses,
    Khyra

  17. priscilla on March 2, 2011 at 3:59 am

    Oh dear, it’s too warm for you!

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