Today, it's relatively balmy -- above zero, with slight wind. Either way, I packed for the cold.
Ever wonder what it takes for a journalist to do their job on the road? Here's a list of some of the things I packed -- not taking into consideration a week's worth of clothes.
Down Jacket
Hat (x2... never know when you'll lose one)
Snowpants
Long Johns
Thermal shirts (x2)
Wool Socks
Thin gloves (to work the camera)
Heavy gloves
Sorels
Thick scarf (My balaclava got hijacked to go riding in Petersville... I normally never wear scarves)
Fleece Vest
Hoodie
Another thick zip-up shirt
Digital Camera with 3 lenses
Tripod
FlipCam
Reporters' Notebook
Pencils (pens freeze in the cold)
And of course, a laptop
This might sound like overkill for the weather, but I know Fairbanks -- I've weathered five 40-below winters and I know that I like to be warm. I also know that even if it's 15 above and you barely get chilled walking out to the car, spending hours outside waiting for racers to finish, or doing anything else can get very cold, very fast.
I'll be spending most of my time inside, but will hopefully get to do something outside -- like watch the winners cross the finish line!
On a side-note, the flight up here was beautiful. Clear views of Denali and Foraker, and a little bit of Mt. Susitna just after we took off.
And good news, we just got our first blog post in from racer Tyler Aklestad -- it will be up shortly!
If you can't be at the race start, be sure to catch our live broadcast of the start at 11 a.m. on Channel 2, or on KTUU.com.
