I grew up in the South. Winter, to me, was very similar to a carnival– short lived and fun while it lasted. Just when you start to get tired of it, it went away! Snow days were fantastic. Even at the prediction of snow or ice - regardless if it happened - school kids got the day off and old folks cleaned the stores of milk, bread and eggs. Some people went so far as to fill up the bath tub with water - for what, I am not sure. I used to think 40 degrees was cold until I moved out West.

My first winter out west was nothing like a carnival. It was more like….eating green beans for 5 months (I hate green beans). After a few winters, I learned how to enjoy it. You have to dress appropriately, use a good sleeping bag, and find out ways to enjoy the snow and the darkness. Kathryn explains it best when she says, “You have to embrace the darkness.”

Now, I get off work at 5:30, it is pitch black, cold, and I love it. I ride my bike home, taking it all in and loving every minute of living in Montana.

Jenny is a native of the mountains of North Carolina. At eighteen, she realized there was a whole new world outside of Southern Appalachia. Since then, she has been traveling, working with NOLS and other outdoor related jobs. Jenny has first hand knowledge about what gear works and what does not. Her Southern mountain roots are still burning strong. If you get in her way, she will politely give you one chance, then seriously be in trouble.
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