Snow In the Deep South

Since everyone seems to be getting an early jump on winter and the holiday season this year, perhaps, writing about the season will get me in the spirit, even though the temperature earlier this week was a balmy 80 degrees.  Here in Alabama, we cannot depend on Mother Nature to give us a hint that the holiday season and Winter are nearing as we have only two seasons here; hot and not so hot. 

I’ve always envied my northern neighbors when I see pictures on the news of families enjoying time together in a snowy winter wonderland with fun filled days spent sledding, skiing and frolicking in the snow; right out of a Norman Rockwell or Thomas Kinkaid painting.  Of course, absent from the scenes are the unpleasantries that go along with this white fluffy oddity, as  I’m sure my cold climate friends would be quick to point out.  Nevertheless, these winter scenes give me a warm and cozy feeling. I even enjoy the acoustical affects of snow covering the ground, as the world seems to become a much quieter place.

Biltmore Estate, Asheville, NC

To get my winter wonderland fix, I usually travel along the Blue Ridge chain of mountains near Banner Elk, Beech Mountain or Asheville, NC;  home of the Biltmore Estate.   My last visit to the Biltmore Estate was during an ice storm in December which the locals say rarely happens that early in the winter season.  Stranded in a motel room for two days was a small price to pay for touring the Biltmore Estate; bejeweled in all her opulence for the holiday season.

Even though I have traveled extensively through the western states either for business or pleasure, it occurred to me that it was mostly during the summer months.  However, a couple of years ago, a friend invited me for a visit to Colorado during the month of January, and I was not disappointed when it came to beautiful snow covered scenery. My friend was an excellent guide and eager to show me all the beautiful out of the way spots in the mountains and foothills known for their breathtaking snow covered landscapes.  In my opinion, nothing is as beautiful or shouts the holiday season more than a Colorado blue spruce adorned with snow.

Colorado visit, 2008

On the drive from the airport, there were snowflakes in the air and my anticipation began to build.  Even though it was dark when I arrived, I could see there was snow on the ground as we drove toward the mountains.   I couldn’t wait for morning to come so I could see the beautiful snow covered scenery.  The temperature was extreme; in the teens with the wind howling. But, none of that was going to stop me from hiking the next day, even if I did have to dress in more layers of clothing than I have ever worn. I soon realized that if it was the look of femininity I was  going for, I was pretty much out of luck in ten bulky layers.

Prattville Snow - 2010

When it snows here in the South, it’s usually a wet, heavy snow that rarely lingers for more than a few hours before turning into a sloppy mess. Nevertheless, we are ecstatic when the forecast calls for any semblance of snow.  In fact, we experience a fair amount of jubilation with even the mention of sleet. When our local meteorologists forecast even the slightest possibility of snow, folks make a mad dash to the grocery stores and empty all shelves, schools close, ALDOT has sand trucks on stand-by, and State and local governments shut down. I have to admit, here in Alabama, we are physically and psychologically inept when it comes to handling the consequences of this illusive phenomenon called snow. It’s just not in our genetics to know how to cope. Even our pets don't know quite what to make of this marvel that is now covering"their" grass.

My Neighborhood, Prattville, Alabama 2009 Snow

Even though I have spent my life in the South, I will always long for four seasons. I sure hope it snows this year!