Working on a snow day
Just to put this in perspective - I’m crazy enough to wait 15 minutes in the cold for the bus going out of West Seattle (the schedules are screwed up due to snow reroutes). Then, I hoof it a mile in the snow from Westlake to here because it’s actually faster on foot than taking the streetcar in this weather. I leave here around 1:30 AM and make another mile’s hoof to Fourth and Union to hop the 85 home. This is the dead of night with all those icy sidewalks. Then, depending on how well the 85 is running, I could be standing on the street corner for about 10-25 minutes. And after that, it’ll still be about a third of a mile walk home from the stop in West Seattle.
If you’re crazy enough to attempt this:
- Carry a glowstick. It’s pretty well lit going down Westlake, but extra light can’t hurt.
- Good boots with thick soles and lots of traction are a must, as are thick socks (mine are polarfleece)
- Layers! Long johns as a foundation, pullover or fleece top. I also add my vest (more for the pockets), and I’m wearing carpenter jeans with extra-thick lining. Top with a hat or hood. They’re not a fashion statement, but when I’m waiting for the bus, I don’t care. I top it with a coat that could double as a blanket - nylon shell, goose down stuffing, calf-length. Gloves are also good. I use fingerless so that I can read my cell phone.
- Walk carefully, and look out for ice. Some places shovel the walk better than others. If it’s really bad, walking on the snow is safer.