It has been a couple exciting days here for us, thanks to the weather. We started off the day Sunday with the winds blowing 45 to 50 mph and a temperature around 28. Since Sunday the winds have been blowing at least 50 mph and up to 78 mph with the temperature hanging right around 10 degrees. We have been without power for up to about 7 hours at a time. Last night we used the fireplace to keep the house warm. We also have a backup propane heater, but we didn't have to get it out.
On Sunday I had a vintage snowmachine race, that we almost didn't go to. When we got up Sunday the wind was blowing pretty hard, so I debated going since the girls wouldn't have much fun in the wind. We checked the winds in Houston ( yes we have a Houston Alaska population around 2000) and they were calm, so we went. Day turned out nice, even though it is only about 20 miles away the winds were calm and the temperature was around 8 degrees all day. The girls were a big help and great support. We use a "Le mans" style start, where you stand back about 10 feet and when the flag drops you run up start your machine and go. Well when I ran up my sled wouldn't start, I had to pull it off the track and do some quick troubleshooting. My sled didn't come stock with a engine shut off tether and they are required, so I had installed one on Friday, after only using it a few times it had broken. I quickly pulled apart the wires and disconnected the tether and it fired up. I was only able to make one lap but it was still fun. So for the main race we did 10 laps, and I hate to say it but getting old and being out of shape; well lets say 10 laps was enough. I started off well and was in the top 3 until I decided to take a big bump a little off center and the sled went left and I went right. (quit laughing Uncle bob, and no Jen did not get it on video) Okay so I jump back up and get the sled started without getting ran over by anyone behind me. Now I am in last place, but the old Kawasaki has quite a bit of snort down the straights. I was able to get back up to 5th place and right on the tail of 4th place and then after running 7 laps my lack of being in shape started kicking in. Now you have to understand the bumps on the track had gotten pretty deep, I say they were at least 10 feet deep but Jen says I was exaggerating that they were more like 2 foot pot holes. Well regardless the technology of the 1977 Kawasaki doesn't have much suspension for this type of racing. Every bump I hit felt like I was in a rodeo and my arms weighed 5000 pounds. I was able to take a couple of shots at 4th, but never able to complete the pass safely. I thought about sliding in on the inside of him, but I used something called a brain for once. I hung on to 5th, but was glad for the checkered flag. Jen had a beer waiting for me (yes I married a life saver). I had a great time and can't wait for the next race on the 24th of Jan. Well now I have 2 teenage girls that want to race. Ashley wants to race the next race, and if I could find a cheap old single cylinder machine I would let her. They are quite a bit slower and less of a chance of her getting hurt. I don't want her getting a broken bone or something that could possibly disqualify her from the Air force. Would love to see it, but don't want her taking the chance. Krista said she wants to race in the 340 class, but the Kawasaki is a 440 so that is out for now.
Here are some pictures.
Ice Sculpture
Downtown Anchorage
Web cam from Anchorage with fog
Track repairs
The Start
Making the turn
Going down the steps.
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