of a land where everyone lives in snow dwellings. We had invited some
Americans to join us for Snowdomia. The American's that were coming
told the border guards that they were spending New Years in snow
caves. We certainly didn't disappoint.
Snowdomia exists only in our heads for most of the year. At New Years
a small army of friends and acquaintances ascend to a chosen location
to build a fantasy town of snow structures to spend the last remaining
days of the year. This year we chose Mount Seymour, a very short drive
from downtown Vancouver. Just west of First Pump Peak on a snowy knoll
we set up camp. The ocean below us changed from liquid silver to
liquid gold to inky black depending on the time of the day. On the
land, city streets spread out below us dotted with high rises and
parks while at night it shimmered up at us. To the North an unlimited
vista of snowy mountains. It was perfect but the North wind was very
nippy. The first thing built was an amphitheater with a view of the
city. The wall cut out the wind and sitting there the sun warmed as it
does far further South.
That evening temperatures of -15 were expected with wind-chill of -25.
The hardy dug into the knoll and erected seven tents while the
hardworking built snow-caves down the slope of the knoll. A walkway
was put in halfway down the very steep slope creating a promenade
which snow caves were built off. Five snowcaves were dug in ranging
from cosy couples caves to a monster party cave with seating for 25.
The party cave had nooks for champagne and candles and glow sticks
were embedded into the ceiling. We certainly were doing our best to
perpetuate a Canadian stereotype.
Minus 10 to -15 has to be the perfect winter temperature. Gone is the
typical damp feel of the wet west coast replaced with the drying cold
temperatures and the delightfully crunchy snow typical of the praires.
We could have done with out the wind-chill but it did make us
appreciate the snow-caves that little bit more. The caves along the
promenade stayed above zero and entering one fogged up my glasses.
Soon layers would be shed in an attempt not to overheat.
Outside at the start of the walkway we had a large communal kitchen.
The central table had room for four stoves and at least one was always
on providing hot water to the diggers and visitors. The walls to block
the wind in the kitchen were 12ft high and the view from the city side
were spectacular. Britta our resident artist carved a dragon into one
of the kitchen walls.
Eileen Bistrisky and I started Snowdomia seven years before as an
alternative to New Years and a way to learn to be comfortable living
in the snow. With the right gear even the first timers survived the
bitter cold in comfort. Participants this year included friends we
have known for years as well as members of Murray Comely's Outdoor
Adventure Club, Ecospirit.ca. Twenty five celebrated New Years with us
including a fellow who had googled "snow party new years Vancouver"
the day before. Countless other friends came up to spend a night,
bring us New Years supplies or help us dig.
Traditionally New Years at Snowdomia is started with the burning of
Effigy dolls after sunset. At winter solstice we make these dolls out
of wood, wax and fabric. Each participant writes the bad thoughts and
deeds of the year on the inner pieces of fabric. The dolls are placed
on a Snowdomia wall and after a photoshoot a little bit of white gas
ensures a spectacular blaze. With such a fun crowd midnight came
quickly as we ate and drank inside the party cave. After the countdown
we went into the nippy air outside to watch the fireworks in
Vancouver. A firelog burned in the corner of a courtyard to keep those
outside warm.
Happy New Year everyone!!!!!!
Tyson
--
****************************************************
Tyson Brooks
Back in Vancouver
New cell phone - 778-708-6921
Photos - http://picasaweb.google.com/tysonbrooks
Blog - http://tysonwrites.blogspot.com/
--
****************************************************
Tyson Brooks
Back in Vancouver
New cell phone - 778-708-6921
Photos - http://picasaweb.google.com/tysonbrooks
Blog - http://tysonwrites.blogspot.com/
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