I lost my hat but still need to walk
Saturday, November 23, 2013 at 8:17PM 
Just before I left Wasilla, I realized I did not have my warm hat. Margie and I looked all over for it but could not find it. I flew to Barrow without it. I did take a neck warmer. I folded it over and used it for a hat. It was fine for walking around Barrow, but would not do on a country snowmachine venture. I needed a new hat before I left for Nuiqsut, just in case such a venture presented itself. I went to AC Value but the hats in their winter clothing section were not what you would want to trust your ears and head to out there. Beaver hats are my favorite. No matter how cold the weather those parts of my head covered by my beaver hats of the past have stayed warm.
AC Value had locally made beaver hats in a locked display case. I found one that felt good. $350. A fair price but still I hated to part with $350. I decided to stew about it in my sleep and then come back in the morning and buy the hat. Come morning, I lacked the time and flew to Nuiqsut with no hat. It felt bitter cold when I landed. Windy.
A bit later, when I stepped into the hotel, I found Robert Nukapigak just beyond the door. "Where's your hat?" he asked.
"I lost it. You know anyone selling a beaver hat?" I answered and inquired.
"I'm selling a seal skin hat," he answered. Irene made it. You want it?" The price was good. I bought it.
Today, I wanted to take a walk in the early afternoon twilight and wondered how I should dress. I asked the desk clerk if she had been outside. Yes, she said and it had really warmed up. It was very nice outside now. "It's hot!" a man standing nearby complained. "Too damn hot!" The temperature was -1 F (just shy of -19 c), the breeze light.
Good. I would not have to bundle up. A pair of light over pants, a light but warm jacket, Sorrel boots and I would be fine. I took a long, pleasant walk, most of it along the frozen Kuukpik River. My head sweated just a little bit in my new seal skin hat, but not bad. The hat was comfortable.
Note: I am having internet difficulties. It took a number of tries spread off and on over a few hours before this post took. I see also that my school bus post got all messed up. I have another post from today, but I am tired of fighting this battle. I will hold it for morning and see if things work better then.
Reader Comments (1)
You look stunning. Love you!