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Target Iditarod Teacher on the Trail™ Extremes
by Jane Blaile
July. The mere word conjures up feelings of discomfort. Many places in the U.S. are experiencing drought and severe heat. Here in Phoenix, the official temperature on July 4 was 116° F. Everything is hot - the sidewalk, car parts, patio furniture, the breeze, the water coming out of the "cold" pipes! Extremes. But, we have adapted to the heat here. We know how to stay cool and hydrated; making smart decisions keeps one from health problems, even death. Unless you've lived here, it's hard to know exactly what 116° F feels like.
Weather extremes are a common thread between me and mushers on the Iditarod trail. While right now I'm experiencing temperatures 40+ degrees above what Alaskans are, in winter, they are experiencing temperatures 40+ degrees below what I am. Everything is cold - the ground, sled parts, food bags, the wind. Extremes. But, they have adapted to the cold there. They know how to stay warm and hydrated; making smart decisions keeps them and their team from health problems, even death. Unless you've been there, it is hard to know what -40° F feels like.
writing activity: How do you describe the coldest cold or the hottest hot to someone who isn't familiar with it? Use images and vivid adjectives. Appeal to all 5 senses.
