Weather in Siberia

...And we thought we were suffering through an artic chill!

For the 3rd time, Nanook's presence was requested in Siberia for the "spring" start up. Again he had to decline. (I'm sure it has nothing to do with the conventions to attend in warmer climates - Las Vegas, NV, Anaheim, CA, St. Augustine, FL...)

Nanook received an e-mail from one of his friends, Randy, who is currently at Kupol. Randy writes: "We were unable to go up the hill today, due to 3-meter (9.8 foot) snowdrifts, minus 35 degree Celsius (minus 31 F) temps and 35-knot winds."

Wow - now I don't know what the wind chill would be with those numbers, but my guess is that the below zero temps and snowfall we had recently didn't hold a torch to that!

Randy also said that they have ropes all over camp – between the dining tent, sleeping tents and shower and bath tents. Not to hang themselves, but to avoid getting lost in the whiteouts. Sounds exhilarating, doesn't it!