As the sun set and we wrapped up our session on whole grain nutrition (moral: eat more!) the cold blanket of dusk started to wrap it’s veil over Dillon. We had an hour to kill in between training and a pot-luck dinner with the HQ staff, so Matt and I went out for a walk.
It’s really really cold out there. Have you ever had ice crystals form on your nostrils? Breathed in air that felt like needles in your lungs it was so cold? Despite those little details, walking outside here is really not that bad at all. My body is always warm in my down coat and my boots, hood and gloves keep me nice and warm. It’s really only my thighs that get cold!
We looped back around and headed for the Elk’s Lodge to meet our group.
This is how Dillon rolls
He may be an Elk, but he sure looks like a Moose drooling on Matt!
We shared a couple of local brews for cocktail hour – I got another Cold Smoke!
The whole staff provided a beautiful pot-luck for us – complete with everything from soup to buffalo chicken nachos to casseroles to salads to desserts. It all tasted wonderful!
I tasted nearly everything – such a wide variety of good foods!
The ever-tempting dessert table
Matt and I had to taste them all. We shared this pretty plate
I had two bites of each…because one juts didn’t cut it.
Our walk home is always brisk and goes by so quickly! It’s so much warmer here at 8PM than at 7AM when the cold has set in all night long. I’m hoping to get to bed early tonight because somehow Matt has convinced me to get up super early and drive to the university here to take an exercise class by one of the Great Harvest staff! Silly boy. I’m only agreeing to do it for the experience!
Averie (LoveVeggiesAndYoga) says
January 11, 2011 at 10:45 pmGood luck with your early a.m. class!
The food looks delish and so does the dessert table 🙂
Glad you sampled a bit of almost everything and have had such a great time there it looks like! Dillon looks so tranquil in these pics!
Blog is the New Black says
January 11, 2011 at 10:45 pmLook at you braving the elements! I am currently waiting for the 2 feet of snow that is Boston-bound!
Hannah says
January 11, 2011 at 10:47 pmOh gosh, beautiful pictures! (For once, I’m talking about the snow, not the cake…)
Emily @ One Sweet Vegan says
January 11, 2011 at 10:48 pmYou and Matt are always doing something fun! I love the photos of the snow.
Dorry says
January 11, 2011 at 10:50 pmI feel cold just thinking about it there! I’m impressed with your ability to withstand it. Glad you have a hefty coat. Pretty hilarious about the class at the university – you’re a trooper! 😉
Stacy says
January 11, 2011 at 10:50 pmThat dinner looks great. I love getting to try a bunch of different dishes in one meal.
Enjoy the exercise class tomorrow!
Carla @ Will Run for Health says
January 11, 2011 at 10:51 pmWow, you guys have had a jam packed time out there! I like that you sampled all the deserts! I feel like sometimes people skip over them in an effort to be “healthy”. However, I feel that being healthy is being balanced enough to enjoy the good things in life, just not going over board. Good luck in the exercise class!
Camille says
January 11, 2011 at 10:54 pmI had ice crystals form in my nose for the first time the other day! I couldn’t figure out what in the world was going on in my nose 🙂
Alaina says
January 11, 2011 at 11:01 pmAs cold as it looks (and sure is) there, the scenery is SO beautiful! 🙂
Hope you’re having a good trip!
Katy (The Singing Runner) says
January 11, 2011 at 11:01 pmGood luck with your class in the morning!!!
Looks like you are having so much fun! 😀
Sana says
January 11, 2011 at 11:01 pmYour post is making me so coldddd!!!
Anne (butter and bear) says
January 11, 2011 at 11:04 pmDillion looks freezing, but kind of fun at the same time. I wouldn’t want to live in such cold weather full time, but two weeks would be perfect to get to experience it. Good luck at your exercise class, the things we do for our better halves:-)
Justeen @ Blissful Baking says
January 11, 2011 at 11:04 pmI can’t imagine walking around in such cold weather! Here in Cleveland, the temperature is in the high teens, and I think it’s FREEZING. My face hurts when I walk outside for too long!
Jill B. says
January 11, 2011 at 11:06 pmYour first “nostricle”!
[email protected] lady says
January 11, 2011 at 11:07 pmAwww you look so cozy in your warm winter coat! That dessert looks super good too! Definitely two-bite worthy 🙂
Amanda (Eating Up) says
January 11, 2011 at 11:12 pmPotlucks are so fun! And I definitely know that cold feeling you were talking about. It’s a different world!
Cathy B. @ Bright Bakes says
January 11, 2011 at 11:14 pmI’m laughing at your “ice crystals in the nose occurence” 🙂 that’s an everyday matter where I live! And Kath, if your thighs are getting cold it’s because you’re missing one of my Northwoods clothing staples…LONGJOHNS! 😉
love,
cathy b. @ brightbakes
Jazz says
January 12, 2011 at 8:07 amExactly! that happens EVERY day here for like 5 months.. jogging in it definitly requires the face mask! Then my eyelashes get iced together!
Katelyn says
January 11, 2011 at 11:15 pmIt all looks delish! I love potlucks:) Speaking of which, I have yet to go to one this winter! Better check that off my list;)
Namaste Gurl says
January 11, 2011 at 11:17 pmOoooh, I totally know that feeling of needles in your lungs when breathing in cold air. Not a fun one, indeed. Glad you had a good day 🙂
Leila @ Spinach and Skittles says
January 11, 2011 at 11:20 pmWhen I was in 5th grade we had to “invent” a nose muff (like earmuff’s, but for your nose). Sure would help your nosicles!
Have fun at the class tomorrow morning 🙂
Jil @ Big City, Lil Kitchen says
January 11, 2011 at 11:26 pmOhh – buffalo chicken nachos. Sounds like a perfect ‘warm me up’ choice! 🙂
Sarah @ See Sarah Graduate says
January 11, 2011 at 11:39 pmGreat Harvest seems like such a family atmosphere–totally unlike most franchise type businesses. Very cool!
Kat says
January 11, 2011 at 11:51 pm“Have you ever had ice crystals form on your nostrils? Breathed in air that felt like needles in your lungs it was so cold?”
Yup, happens very frequently where I live. I curse the bus as I wait in the cold. One thing I do like about this kind of weather is that its very refreshing!
Dee says
January 11, 2011 at 11:59 pmOh wow. You guys are awesome for walking out in the cold like that. I doubt I could get my husband (or to be completely honest – myself) to attempt that!
The pot luck dinner looked so festive!
Tori says
January 12, 2011 at 12:13 amAs a Minnesotan, I totally second the long johns comment! I live in long johns November-April! I suggest picking up some next time you go somewhere cold!
JenATX says
January 12, 2011 at 12:23 amgood for you waking up early! atta girl 🙂
Kate (What Kate is Cooking) says
January 12, 2011 at 12:28 amI am seriously in love with that town! I can’t wait to see more.
Michelle (The Runner's Plate) says
January 12, 2011 at 12:40 amI’ve definitely experienced cold temps like that growing up in Minnesota and now living in Alaska! I feel your pain!!
Patricia says
January 12, 2011 at 12:51 amTo protect your lungs breathe through a scarf.
Marina says
January 12, 2011 at 1:18 amI love coming to a warm place after a brisk walk in the cold. Good luck with the class!
Dynamics says
January 12, 2011 at 1:41 ami love the way you and Matt find a way to make it work where ever you are. You are going to miss him once he is back getting up at the crack of dawn and working. Congrats again!
[email protected] says
January 12, 2011 at 1:49 amWhat an absolutely beautiful place you are in!! Those photos are seriously magical!
Cara Craves... says
January 12, 2011 at 3:19 amAll the deer motifs are hilarious!
J3nn (Jenn's Menu and Lifestyle Blog) says
January 12, 2011 at 3:37 amMmmm… everything @ the potluck looks soooo GOOD! YUMMM
sarah (the SHU box) says
January 12, 2011 at 5:48 ami thought of you yesterday when i went out side to walk around in our slish (snow/ice’/slush) — i was inwardly complaining until i thought about how much warmer it must be here than where you & matt are, and yet you two are still managing to get outside 🙂
Lauren at KeepItSweet says
January 12, 2011 at 5:55 amI’m surprised there was no bread at the potluck!
Jessica says
January 12, 2011 at 6:32 amYou’re braver than I am with your walks!
My car broke down on Monday and despite that I only work a mile away I’m having the husband drop me off instead of walking 🙂
Jessica
Simply Life says
January 12, 2011 at 7:22 amYou should get long underwear! I have a great set of pants that I put on under my jeans and it always keeps my legs so much warmer!!!
Kath says
January 12, 2011 at 7:36 amI have layers but they won’t fit under my jeans! ONly my ski pants, which I might wear on the walk today!
Mary Frances says
January 12, 2011 at 11:12 pmWhen Patricia commented to use washable silk long underwear on your Below-Zero post 1/10/11 currently #46, I didn’t bother–‘nuf said’. Also, on this post below (but earlier)–Amy did too. Gone are the days of the bulky long underwear we probably all wore in our childhood. Silk is paper thin, but soooo warm–they will fit under even tight jeans. I wear silk long underwear (and stay warm) with two pair of ‘Under Armour Cold Gear’ pants when I am going to be outside all day when it is in the teens and windy. While I am sure many companies offer them, I get mine through the outfitter REI–goto REI.com. While pricy, they are worth every penny (listed at $32.50…they also have listed (but I have not tried) and probably would also be great under jeans–REI lightweight Polartec and Smartwool microweight and midweight long underwear pricing up to $75…but when you are regularly that cold that cost becomes nominal if they are keeping you warm).
Kathleen @morethaneasymac says
January 12, 2011 at 7:50 amBeautiful pictures of the snow. Stay warm!
Michele @ Healthy Cultivations says
January 12, 2011 at 7:57 amThe Elk/Moose photos are my favorites.
Heather (Heather's Dish) says
January 12, 2011 at 8:10 amaw, i think it’s going to be fun to do the class this morning! hope y’all are staying warm…that cold can be brutal!
Katie says
January 12, 2011 at 8:14 amLove the spread, best part is the dessert table! Love taking a slice of or piece of each thing, its a good way to share with my fiance and have a taste of it all ; )
U have to admit, the UGGS are the best, my toes would be fah-reezing in the cold if not for my uggs! Have a great day girl!
Sarena (The Non-Dairy Queen) says
January 12, 2011 at 8:18 amHonestly, this looks like so much fun! It sounds like the philosophy they have with their bread is how they are with their lives. Have fun this morning.
[email protected] says
January 12, 2011 at 8:21 amLooks like you’re having some fun in Montana!
Amy says
January 12, 2011 at 8:24 amYou need tights or silk long underwear under your jeans!
I grew up in Connecticut and I remember the inside of my nose freezing. 🙂 Our hair would freeze at the bus stop too because we were too lazy to blow dry!
Jo @ Jo's Diet Journey says
January 12, 2011 at 8:58 amI don’t know how you can walk around in that freezing weather – I should take a few tips from you and try it myself!
stacey-healthylife says
January 12, 2011 at 9:14 amThe exercise class sounds fun.
Felicity says
January 12, 2011 at 9:25 amSeeing photos like the ones of the Montana landscape make me feel so happy to be alive!
Thank you!!
Sarah (Running to Slow Things Down) says
January 12, 2011 at 9:34 amIce crystals forming..haha…yes! I totally know that feeling. Or walking outside after taking a shower and having a solid head of hair. 😉
Everything is so beautiful in your pics!! I’m glad you guys are having fun! 😀
Donca says
January 12, 2011 at 9:35 amSeems like a longer down coat would work wonders. I have a knee length one by the North face that keeps me well insulated.
The exercise class seems like it will be fun.
Meghann says
January 12, 2011 at 9:40 amI’d suggest stockings or tights under your jeans – they don’t take up any room like long johns and really keep you warm – that’s what I do here in NYC where I have to walk everywhere all winter long.
Meaghan @ ohreillywrites says
January 12, 2011 at 10:07 amI like the idea of getting a sample dessert plate to share! Buffets always mean big trouble for me because I want to try everything, but what you guys do seems like a great way to experience everything without going overboard.
[email protected] Sweet Life says
January 12, 2011 at 10:15 amBeautiful photos. Do you know why GH is headquartered in Montana?
Kath says
January 12, 2011 at 1:23 pmIt was founded here in Great Falls, MT
Kasey says
January 12, 2011 at 10:19 amLove all the snow pics! The dinner looks delish!!
Samantha says
January 12, 2011 at 10:20 amJust how many grain servings should we have in a day?
Kath says
January 12, 2011 at 1:23 pmWell the ADA would say 6 oz with half of them being whole
Heather says
January 12, 2011 at 10:24 amI bet it was nice to have a “home cooked” meal!
Enjoy your exercise class!
Allison K. says
January 12, 2011 at 10:36 amAwww. It’s nice to see decor from small town mountain west on your blog. Home sweet home!
Hope says
January 12, 2011 at 10:38 amAll of that food looks amazing!! I love all of the pictures. It looks beautiful where you are! Bundle up! It’s freezing!!!! 🙂
Melomeals: Vegan for $3.33 a Day says
January 12, 2011 at 10:59 amthat camo truck crackes me up.
Natalia - a side of simple says
January 12, 2011 at 11:16 amPotluck dinners are always so fun because there’s such a variety (well, hopefully everone doesn’t bring a casserole!). Good luck with your early morning exercise class!
Allison @ Happy Tales says
January 12, 2011 at 11:32 amI hope you entered into a nice, long (and warm) food coma when you got back to your MOtel… looks delicious!
Panda says
January 12, 2011 at 4:08 pmI like to wear a pair of warm leggings under jeans when I’m in an environment that is that cold. For me they’re more comfortable than long johns and easier to wear under women’s jeans. Might want to try that out for next time to keep your legs warm! 🙂
Jean says
January 12, 2011 at 4:21 pmI’m enjoying your adventure so much! This advice comes a little late for this trip…but take it from someone who lives in a frozen snot state, silk knee length or long underwear is worth it. It add no bulk but that little extra layer makes all the difference in the world.
MelanieF says
January 12, 2011 at 5:19 pmYup, freezing temperatures are part of my days from November trought March. That’s the beauty of living in Eastern Canada.
allyson says
January 12, 2011 at 8:00 pmYou need snow pants to keep your thighs warm. My mom just gave me mine from when I was 12! Def have had the nose hair freeze thing, feels weird. Being a lazy swimmer, I dont dry my hair, try that one, it freezes in an instant.