Being very cold

[Mortblanc]

One thing about our regular dips into the subfreezing zone is that we accumulate winter clothing, and wear the same, at a rate that is only speculation in other climate zones.

Got the thermal layer for next to the skin. New advances in this area are great but I still prefer the silk.

Next comes the flannel lined canvas trousers. You need good braces to hold them up, they are heavy.

Wool pullover sweater on the upper body.

Usually a quilted vest. Sometimes down, sometimes poly.

Over this goes a parka. Usually down. If it is raining I use a waterproof shell over it.

Wool watch-cap on the head, but also use the parka hood.

On the feet I use whatever heavy wool socks are around but I have used thick and fluffy cotton effectively when I had good boots.

Right now I am using "canoe boots" with thick felt liners inside. At my age I am not going to be out and about enough to justify the expense of "bunny boots" or even the fine winter boots rated down to -30 which are now available.

For the past two weeks I have found the under-layers and sweater and lined trousers to be very comfortable inside the house! I did not resort to wearing the parka indoors but I did get the good sleeping bag down from the shelf in case the power went out at night.

To insure that the power would not go out I had all the propane heaters and lamps at the ready. If the cold bastards know you are ready for them they will avoid coming. The power never flickered a single time through this incident, so the plan worked.