I used to be Snow White but then I drifted away

“I used to be Snow White but then I drifted away” – Mae West

I don’t know about you but I am so tired of the snow and wish it would all drift away.  I am sure the only people who want the snow around are those who enjoy skiing, snowboarding and other such sports that require complicated and uncomfortable equipment strapped all over the body.  (You can see that I am not a skier).  However I did start thinking a lot about snow and how it features in quite a few of those “bucket list” destinations.

ANTARCTICA – This is a destination that is not easy to get to from the beginning.  It involves flights through Buenos Aires via one of those dreary US airport hubs before you finally get onto the ship in Ushaia.  Then you have to face the Drake Passage – yes my boys – you have to get your sea legs for that one.  When you finally do get to your destination the preparation for your shore excursion is exhausting.  You need to get into your waterproof trousers, rubber boots, thick sweater, Parker.  It takes half an hour by which time you are a sweating wreck.  Do I speak from experience?  No.  I sent my brother instead (wicked laugh).  As the older sister I am allowed to laugh.  Despite all the blood sweat and tears (not to mention a little sea sickness) he said it was one of the finest trips he has ever been on.  The magnificent scenery was well worth it.

 

KILIMANJARO – the tallest mountain in Africa has snow all year at the summit.  The only way to get to the top is on your own two feet.  Quite an achievement which sadly I have not done.  My friends in the business who have done this trip tell me that it is not the climb as such but the altitude which is the most challenging but getting to the top is an amazing experience.  Wow – could I do it?  Not sure.  On the up side of course is the fact that after the climb you can go and pamper yourself in style at one of the fabulous luxury camps in Tanzania.  What an experience – and this I can personally attest to.  One of my top favourite adventures (with no snow).

 

ICELAND – one of the hottest destinations over the last year or two – but would you go in winter?  What do they have there that we don’t have here in the winter.  More snow.  But – they do have the Northern lights.  Convinced yet?  And they do have hot springs which are fantastic for your skin.  Just look – where could you wear a swimsuit in the winter in Calgary?

 

ALASKA – I would be remiss if I did not mention Alaska.  I do understand why people in Alberta might think that they really would not want to go and see more ice but I have to say Alaska was amazing.  From the top deck of our cruise ship we made our way down one of the glacial fjords early in the morning.  The light was crisp and clear and the only sound was the tinkling of the ice floes – sort of like the tinkling of ice in a gin and tonic.  Do go.  It is so close to us and people travel from all over the world to experience this incredible scenery.

 

In the meantime, more snow is predicted for the weekend and we do know that in Calgary we can even get snow over Stampede.  So you know they say – if you can’t beat them, join them.  Maybe I should think about digging my old skis out of their hiding place in the basement!